Having streaming problems on your Apple TV? As TUAW reports, there’s a hidden diagnostic tool in Netflix. Search for a video called “Example Short 23.976,” and play it. The test video displays the current bitrate, resolution, and aspect ratio. If you see a low bitrate, restarting your wireless gateway and cable/DSL modem could help, although the problem may simply be too much usage in your neighborhood.

In this chapter of “Take Control of Apple TV,” Josh Centers shows how the Apple TV can go beyond video to become the hub of your stereo system as well, thanks to AirPlay and a number of built-in apps. You’ll learn how to use each of them plus get tips on ripping audio CDs, using AirPlay for audio, and extending AirPlay’s reach with Rogue Amoeba’s Airfoil.

In the “Rock Out with Apple TV” chapter of “Take Control of Apple TV,” Josh Centers shows how the Apple TV can go beyond video to become the hub of your stereo system as well, thanks to AirPlay and a number of built-in apps.

ABC, Bloomberg, Crackle, and the Korean KORTV arrive on the Apple TV, adding even more content to Apple’s puckish entertainment device.

In this chapter, you’ll find tips for controlling video playback, buying and watching videos from the iTunes Store, and playing local video. Author Josh Centers also provides instructions for ripping your DVDs with HandBrake, adding metadata with iFlicks, and importing into iTunes. Bonus topics include merging multi-disc movies, ripping Blu-ray discs, and managing all this data on an external hard disk.

In the “Apple TV at the Movies” chapter of “Take Control of Apple TV,” Josh Centers offers tips for controlling video playback, buying and watching videos from the iTunes Store, and playing local video. He also provides instructions for ripping your DVDs with HandBrake, adding metadata with iFlicks, and importing into iTunes. Bonus topics include merging multi-disc movies, ripping Blu-ray discs, and managing all this data on an external hard disk.

With AirPlay, you can play audio and video content from your Mac or iOS device on your Apple TV. You can also mirror your entire screen to the Apple TV, so whatever you see and hear on your device, you also see and hear through the Apple TV. And, in 10.9 Mavericks you can turn the TV attached to your Apple TV into another display for your Mac, just like any other external display. Read on to learn more, including how to prevent your prankster neighbors from playing video on your Apple TV without your permission.

Apple’s AirPlay technology may not seem sexy, but it’s the utterly useful glue that ties together Macs, iOS devices, and the Apple TV. In this chapter from “Take Control of Apple TV,” Josh Centers focuses on how you use AirPlay to send content from your Mac or iPad to the Apple TV, or even from your Apple TV to AirPlay-capable speakers.

The Apple TV’s lineup expands with PBS and Yahoo Screen. And for you “Downton Abbey” fans, Josh Centers has the inside scoop on what’s available.