Rentals from iTunes on computer to AppleTV...??

Question

I have recently bought a rental from iTunes using my Mac. I would now like to watch it via my AppleTV, but I am having difficulties getting this to work...!! Any advice...??

Answer 1

Have you updated iTunes? Also, have you updated Apple TV?- Go to Settings, general, update software on the Apple TV.
Just want to make sure you've done that first.
Next- you must set up your Mac, to either "pair" or to "share" content to the Apple TV.
If your Apple TV shows up in your iTunes Device list, then likely you've done this, however, go to this link to review, likely it will solve your problem:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1143
It's important to note, that a "paired" computer, syncs content, and you do this as already described by others above. However, if your are set up to "share", that means you will stream the content (see support article link) If you are "sharing", the movie will NOT show up under APPLE TV on your iTunes device list, rather, simply leave the computer ON, OPEN iTunes, go to the APPLE TV, select "Movies" or "TV shows" and a new item will show up that says either- "shared movies" or "shared TV shows".
If it's a movie, pick "Movies", then "shared movies" - the movie you downloaded will show up, click it, play, and it starts streaming from the computer and playing on your TV. Important: this does not show up, unless the computer is ON, and iTunes is running.
If you don't want the computer on, then instead of "sharing" that iTunes library, you want to "pair" it. Pairing, syncs the content as already described by others.
Note: One computer can be "paired" and up to five computers can be set up to "share" with a single Apple TV at a time.
Likely, you have not updated all software, and or, this particular computer is not "paired" but rather set up to "share". This is fine, you can play the movie either way, you just have to know what the difference is.
Hope that helps!