Unfortunately, directly watching Ultraviolet movies on your Apple TV is no longer possible due to the discontinuation of the Ultraviolet service in 2019. This guide explores the reasons behind this and outlines alternative methods for accessing your digital movie library.
The End of the Ultraviolet Era
Ultraviolet was a digital movie locker system designed to let you access your purchased films from various retailers on different devices. It aimed to unify the digital movie ownership experience. However, with the rise of competing services and changing market dynamics, Ultraviolet ceased operations on July 31, 2019. This means any direct integration with Ultraviolet through apps on Apple TV became defunct.
Why Ultraviolet Shut Down
Several factors contributed to the demise of Ultraviolet:
- Competition from other digital movie services: Platforms like Movies Anywhere, iTunes (Apple TV app), and Google Play Movies & TV offered similar functionality and often better user experiences.
- Changing consumer preferences: Many users found Ultraviolet confusing or cumbersome compared to directly purchasing movies from individual platforms.
- Studio fragmentation: Not all studios fully supported Ultraviolet, creating inconsistencies in movie availability.
- Technological advancements: Streamlining movie access became easier through direct integration with storefronts, rendering Ultraviolet’s middleman role less necessary.
Accessing Your Movies After Ultraviolet
While you can’t directly stream from Ultraviolet on Apple TV, there are still ways to access your movies. The key is to understand where your movies were ultimately linked.
Movies Anywhere: A Lifeline
The most common outcome for Ultraviolet libraries was migration to Movies Anywhere. This service consolidates your digital movie purchases from participating retailers like Apple TV (iTunes), Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies & TV, and Vudu.
To access your Ultraviolet movies on Apple TV now, follow these steps:
- Verify if your Ultraviolet account was linked to Movies Anywhere: If you haven’t already, check your email for communications from Ultraviolet regarding the transition to Movies Anywhere.
- Create or log in to your Movies Anywhere account: If you don’t have an account, sign up at MoviesAnywhere.com or through the Movies Anywhere app on another device.
- Link your Movies Anywhere account to your Apple TV (iTunes) account: In the Movies Anywhere app or website, connect your account to your iTunes account. This will sync your eligible movie purchases to your Apple TV library.
- Access your movies through the Apple TV app: Your Movies Anywhere-compatible movies should now appear in your Apple TV app under the “Library” tab.
Other Retailers and Services
If your Ultraviolet library wasn’t linked to Movies Anywhere, or if some movies weren’t eligible for transfer, you might need to check individual retailers.
- Vudu: Many Ultraviolet libraries were also connected to Vudu. Check your Vudu account to see if your movies are still available there. You can then stream Vudu on your Apple TV using the Vudu app.
- Other Digital Retailers: Review your purchase history with other digital retailers (e.g., FandangoNOW, which is now Fandango at Home) where you might have redeemed Ultraviolet codes. Use their respective apps on Apple TV if available.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues accessing your movies, consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure your Apple TV has a stable internet connection.
- Verify your account logins: Double-check that you’re logged in to the correct accounts (Movies Anywhere, iTunes, Vudu, etc.) on your Apple TV.
- Restart your Apple TV: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches.
- Update your apps: Make sure the Movies Anywhere, Apple TV, and Vudu apps are updated to the latest versions.
- Contact customer support: If you’re still having trouble, reach out to the customer support teams of Movies Anywhere, Apple, or the relevant digital retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding watching Ultraviolet movies on Apple TV, designed to further clarify the situation and provide actionable solutions.
FAQ 1: Can I still use my Ultraviolet redemption codes?
Unfortunately, no. Ultraviolet redemption codes expired when the service shut down on July 31, 2019. They are no longer valid.
FAQ 2: What happens if I never linked my Ultraviolet account to Movies Anywhere?
If you didn’t link your Ultraviolet account to Movies Anywhere before the shutdown, your movies may no longer be accessible through that service. However, check your other digital retailers like Vudu, as some libraries might have been transferred independently. Contacting customer support for those retailers is also recommended.
FAQ 3: Will all my Ultraviolet movies automatically transfer to Movies Anywhere?
Not necessarily. While many Ultraviolet movies transferred to Movies Anywhere, only titles from participating studios and retailers were eligible. Some independent or smaller studio releases might not have been included.
FAQ 4: How do I know which studios participate in Movies Anywhere?
Movies Anywhere lists participating studios on its website (MoviesAnywhere.com). Major studios like Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony Pictures, and 20th Century Fox are typically included.
FAQ 5: I linked my accounts, but some movies are missing. What can I do?
First, ensure you’re logged in to the correct accounts on both Movies Anywhere and your Apple TV. If movies are still missing, contact Movies Anywhere customer support. They can investigate potential linking issues or licensing restrictions. Also, check if the missing movies are part of the Movies Anywhere service as not all movies are part of the agreement.
FAQ 6: Can I download my movies from Movies Anywhere onto my Apple TV?
No, you cannot directly download movies from Movies Anywhere to your Apple TV. You stream them via the Apple TV app (if linked to iTunes) or through the Movies Anywhere app on other devices. Downloading is typically managed by the individual retailer’s app (e.g., downloading from iTunes).
FAQ 7: Is there a way to convert my physical DVDs or Blu-rays to digital copies on Apple TV?
While you can’t directly import them onto your Apple TV, some physical copies include digital redemption codes that you can redeem on services like iTunes (Apple TV app). If you lack a digital code, consider ripping your DVDs/Blu-rays to a digital format and then adding the files to your Apple TV through Home Sharing, though this may violate copyright laws.
FAQ 8: Is Movies Anywhere the only alternative to Ultraviolet?
Movies Anywhere is the most comprehensive alternative, but individual retailers like Vudu and Google Play Movies & TV also allow you to purchase and stream digital movies. The key is to check where your movies were ultimately linked after the Ultraviolet shutdown.
FAQ 9: How much does Movies Anywhere cost?
Movies Anywhere is a free service. You only pay for the movies you purchase or redeem.
FAQ 10: Can I share my Movies Anywhere library with family members on Apple TV?
Yes, through Apple’s Family Sharing feature. When Family Sharing is set up, family members can access each other’s eligible purchases, including Movies Anywhere-linked titles.
FAQ 11: I don’t see a Movies Anywhere app on my Apple TV. How do I get it?
The Movies Anywhere functionality is integrated into the Apple TV app (iTunes). You don’t need a separate Movies Anywhere app on Apple TV. Simply link your Movies Anywhere account to your iTunes account, and your movies will appear in your Apple TV library.
FAQ 12: What happens if Movies Anywhere shuts down in the future?
While unlikely in the near future, the potential closure of Movies Anywhere would impact your digital movie library. The service typically provides a transition period and communicates potential alternatives, so staying informed about service updates is crucial. Historically, if such a thing happened, the linked retailer accounts would regain direct control of the purchases, but there’s no guarantee.
Conclusion
Although the days of directly watching Ultraviolet movies on Apple TV are over, the transition to services like Movies Anywhere has provided a viable, albeit imperfect, alternative. By understanding the historical context, connecting your accounts, and troubleshooting any issues, you can continue to enjoy your digital movie collection on your Apple TV. Staying informed about potential service changes remains essential for safeguarding your digital movie investments.