Apple TV: Differences between pairing and sharing (software version 2.x)

	Pairing	Sharing
What happens	iTunes automatically syncs content, giving priority to newer items. Items that are not synced are automatically available for streaming when iTunes is opened. (1)	iTunes streams content to Apple TV. Content is not stored locally on Apple TV.
Computer status	After content is synced to Apple TV, your paired computer can be powered off.	Your computer must remain on and awake(2) during the entire streaming(3) process and iTunes must be running.
Photos	Synced photos can be viewed as a slideshow or used as Apple TV screen savers.	Streamed photos can be viewed as a slideshow.
Access to iTunes Library	Apple TV can pair with one iTunes library.	Apple TV can connect with up to five shared iTunes libraries.

1. This is the default Apple TV Sync setting in iTunes. Select Custom Sync in iTunes to manually select audio and video to sync.
2. Apple TV will stop streaming if computer or portable computer it is linked to enters standby, hibernation or sleep modes.
3. You may experience some intermittent delays from potential sources of interference with your wireless network.

Note: Paired computer content appears in all Apple TV menus that start with "My" while shared computer content appears in all Apple TV menus that start with "Shared."

How to connect to a paired computer

1. Open the Settings > Computers.
2. Highlight Connect to iTunes and click Play to continue.
   
3. Apple TV generates a unique passcode. Make a note of the passcode.
   
4. Open iTunes on the paired computer.
5. Select Apple TV in the Devices list and enter the passcode.
   
6. Then name your Apple TV to complete the connection to your paired computer.
   

How to connect to a shared computer.

1. Open the Settings > Computers.
2. Highlight the Add Shared iTunes Library menu item and click Play to continue.
   
3. Apple TV generates a unique passcode. Make a note of the passcode.
   
4. Open iTunes on the shared computer.
5. Select Apple TV in the Devices list and enter the passcode.
   

How to sync paired computers photos to your Apple TV.

1. Open iTunes on your paired computer and highlight Apple TV on your devices list.
2. Click the Photos tab.
3. Select your preferences for syncing photos.
   

How to stream shared computers photos on your Apple TV

1. Open iTunes on your shared computer and highlight Apple TV on your devices list.
2. Click the Photos tab.
3. Select your preferences for streaming photos.