4k TVs are so advanced, whats the point of Apple TV 4k?

[jhwalker]

We use it when we travel - I have an AppleTV hooked up at home, and one permanently in my suitcase.

Allows us to watch TV in the hotel just like we do at home Lovely.

 

[Juicy Box]

We use it when we travel - I have an AppleTV hooked up at home, and one permanently in my suitcase.

Allows us to watch TV in the hotel just like we do at home Lovely.

I use a spare ATV3 for this as well. It might be kind of hard to travel with your smart tv.

 

[Mac 128]

We use it when we travel - I have an AppleTV hooked up at home, and one permanently in my suitcase.

Allows us to watch TV in the hotel just like we do at home Lovely.

I use a spare ATV3 for this as well. It might be kind of hard to travel with your smart tv.

You’re able to log in with all WiFi services you encounter? Many I’ve run across have a log in screen which thwarts the Apple TV. That’s why I bought an HDMI adapter for my iPhone when I travel. It’s a great idea when it works, but many situations it doesn’t.

 

[Juicy Box]

You’re able to log in with all WiFi services you encounter? Many I’ve run across have a log in screen which thwarts the Apple TV. That’s why I bought an HDMI adapter for my iPhone when I travel. It’s a great idea when it works, but many situations it doesn’t.

Every hotel I have visited which had an issue connecting the ATV, had a wifi help desk number in the room which I gave the MAC address of the ATV to the representative.

That enabled connecting the device without a browser.

 

[sanvito]

3 reasons why ATV is worth it:

1. D O L B Y A T M O S is on it's way. I have a DA sound system and it's awesome.

2. The programming on LG OLED apps look fuzzy, ATV has better picture quality. Plus it offers lip sync frame rate features.

3. Toggle between SDR, HDR, Dolby Vision, at 4K or 1080 rates. What this means is if you watch a show made before 2012, such as a western movie from the 1950's, changing the ATV in settings to SDR 4K, offers a much better picture than HDR. Even recent TV shows such as ER, is much better in SDR mode.

However, LG's YOUTUBE app offers 4K HDR. ATV only does 1080 on their youtube app, and this will never change due to codec differences.

 

[AVBeatMan]

2 reasons why ATV is worth it:

1. DOLBY ATMOS is on it's way. I have a DA sound system and it's awesome.
2. The programming on LG OLED apps look fuzzy, ATV has better picture quality. Plus it offers lip sync frame rate features.

However, LG's YOUTUBE app offers 4K HDR. ATV only does 1080 on their youtube app, and this will never change due to codec differences.

But is ATV PQ better than via LG app (for Netflix)?

 

[sanvito]

But is ATV PQ better than via LG app (for Netflix)?

I added #3 above. I found that if a netflix show is older, as in filmed in SDR mode (standard, not High Def), then ATV allows you to switch the settings to SDR mode. I'm watching reruns of M.A.S.H., and John Wayne's the Searchers right now on youtube TV. The SDR mode makes it a great picture. If I left it in the highest setting of Dolby Vision 4K mode on the ATV, then the picture gets pixelated.
[doublepost=1530998032][/doublepost]

But is ATV PQ better than via LG app (for Netflix)?

I did another test between ATV and LG's app for netflix. I set the TV's picture settings to be the same. I'm using the new LG OLED C8.

For Marco Polo, which is available in Dolby Vision, the ATV version shows a tad bit more brighter lights and darker shadows, over the LG version. This better lighting contrast makes the show look great, especially with Ghengis Khan's potmarked face. Don't get me wrong, the LG netflix looks good, but that ATV enhances it better.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I added #3 above. I found that if a netflix show is older, as in filmed in SDR mode (standard, not High Def), then ATV allows you to switch the settings to SDR mode. I'm watching reruns of M.A.S.H., and John Wayne's the Searchers right now on youtube TV. The SDR mode makes it a great picture. If I left it in the highest setting of Dolby Vision 4K mode on the ATV, then the picture gets pixelated.
[doublepost=1530998032][/doublepost]

I did another test between ATV and LG's app for netflix. I set the TV's picture settings to be the same. I'm using the new LG OLED C8.

For Marco Polo, which is available in Dolby Vision, the ATV version shows a tad bit more brighter lights and darker shadows, over the LG version. This better lighting contrast makes the show look great, especially with Ghengis Khan's potmarked face. Don't get me wrong, the LG netflix looks good, but that ATV enhances it better.

Thanks for your reply. I'll try and see if I see a difference.

 

[acorntoy]

My 4K TVs WiFi has crapped out. Perfect picture, everything works but the WiFi. Happened after the warranty period and I don’t feel like taking it off the wall, shipping it somewhere and paying for a WiFi chip to be replaced at an astronomical cost.

 

[sanvito]

My 4K TVs WiFi has crapped out. Perfect picture, everything works but the WiFi. Happened after the warranty period and I don’t feel like taking it off the wall, shipping it somewhere and paying for a WiFi chip to be replaced at an astronomical cost.

what is your warranty? The vendor may make an exception. My old samsung TV went past it's warranty but samsung sent a tech anyway to fix it (replace motherboard). Won't hurt to call them.

or invest in a direct ethernet connection. It might be more stable that way anyway.

 

[StarShot]

I use my Apple TV for my digital movies and TV shows (1,500+, 300+), otherwise my LG TV built-in apps do a fine job indeed (Vudu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, Youtube, etc.)!

For maybe 75% of my non-DTV viewing, my Smart LG 4K screen does a pretty good job. However, I don't see any difference between Amazon Prime or Netfilx when viewing either directly with my LG or using my ATV 4K unit. That said, there are other viewing outlets (PBS, CBS Now, etc, etc) that are only available with ATV. At least easily.

 

[sanvito]

That said, there are other viewing outlets (PBS, CBS Now, etc, etc) that are only available with ATV. At least easily.

I think you have to subscribe to Hulu TV or Directv NOW, or the new Youtube TV services to get local channels for $40+ per month. ATV does nothing.
[doublepost=1531000290][/doublepost]

However, I don't see any difference between Amazon Prime or Netfilx when viewing either directly with my LG or using my ATV 4K unit.

I'm seeing a big difference between ATV and LG's netflix app. The lighting contrast for Dolby Vision / HDR shows are noticeable in favor of ATV.
But then I have perfect 20/20 vision and I can easily detect these things.

 

[acorntoy]

what is your warranty? The vendor may make an exception. My old samsung TV went past it's warranty but samsung sent a tech anyway to fix it (replace motherboard). Won't hurt to call them.

or invest in a direct ethernet connection. It might be more stable that way anyway.

I believe it was a year, might have to look it up. The main problem is the house has no Ethernet (WiFi is fast everywhere though), and I’m in a remote location ( drove an hour and a half to pick the tv up) so there’s nobody really in my area who can work on it. I stopped worrying about it and just use the Atv, like I said it’s just the TVs WiFi. It’s faster than the tv interface was anyway.

 

[cynics]

If no one has said it yet, AirPlay 2.

Awesome if you have nice receivers or just want to spread your music around via TV speakers.

 

[Michelasso]

If no one has said it yet, AirPlay 2.

Awesome if you have nice receivers or just want to spread your music around via TV speakers.

All right, now you should told me: how do you get that? I have been looking everywhere and I couldn't find any instruction about how to use AirPlay 2 between the iPad and ATV (if possibile). I have got iOS 12 on my iPad, tvOS 12 and macOS 10.14.

nvm. Now that I know what I had to look for, I just launched the music player and seen it. I had to push the "WiFi" icon in the top right corner!!

 

[jljue]

From my experience with DirecTV Now, AppleTV4, and a 4K TV with Roku built in, the performance of DirecTV Now has been better on the ATV than on the Roku. From my understanding, Roku TVs are treated more like Smart TVs for development than as standalone Roku, which is why they are still working on fixing bugs in Roku app than my ATV. If I had a stand-alone Roku, I probably would not have these issues.

 

[Juicy Box]

From my experience with DirecTV Now, AppleTV4, and a 4K TV with Roku built in, the performance of DirecTV Now has been better on the ATV than on the Roku. From my understanding, Roku TVs are treated more like Smart TVs for development than as standalone Roku, which is why they are still working on fixing bugs in Roku app than my ATV. If I had a stand-alone Roku, I probably would not have these issues.

I recently purchased a TCL 6 series with Roku, and have a ATV4 connected to it. I also have a ATV4k that I got from the Directv Now deal, but I gave it to a family member because the 32GB was not large enough.

Due to my experience, my opinion on the matter have changed a little. And, this is based off of my ATV4, not the ATV4k.

I have been really impressed by the TV's built-in Roku apps. While there are a few things that I like about tvOS's version of apps, I think overall, the Roku version is much better. While most of the apps are mostly identical, there are little differences that I think the Roku's version has over the tvOS's. One of them being it is much easier to navigate with the d-pad of the TCL remote, than the touch pad of the Siri Remote. Another being that the Roku version adds little features like the side bar on Netflix. It still is not as good as the Netflix app on the ATV3 though.

One thing that is missing from the Roku, is quality games. tvOS is not known to be great for gaming, but it has much better selection of games, and many of them being free to try or play. The Roku's games are mostly cheesy bubblegum games that are usually free on tvOS, but they cost money on the Roku.

Obviously, the ability to bring the ATV with you while traveling is a still a big plus over the TCL TV, so this alone might make it worth it to purchase one.

About updates, only time will tell with this one. In my experience in the past, smart TVs don't get updates often and their manufacturers often end support for them after a relatively short period of time.

Overall, I am very impressed by the TCL. While I am not getting rid of my ATV4, my family uses it about 20% of the time that they used to. This might also be to the fact that I cannot get the ATV4 to look right on the TCL, the colors look too washed out.

I had plans on getting a 64GB ATV4k soon, but after using the Roku on the TCL, I might hold off a bit. Also, based on my first impressions of the TCL, if I replace the TVs in my other rooms, I probably will get ones with Roku built in, and I doubt I will get any new ATVs for them.

 

[jljue]

I recently purchased a TCL 6 series with Roku, and have a ATV4 connected to it. I also have a ATV4k that I got from the Directv Now deal, but I gave it to a family member because the 32GB was not large enough.

Due to my experience, my opinion on the matter have changed a little. And, this is based off of my ATV4, not the ATV4k.

I have been really impressed by the TV's built-in Roku apps. While there are a few things that I like about tvOS's version of apps, I think overall, the Roku version is much better. While most of the apps are mostly identical, there are little differences that I think the Roku's version has over the tvOS's. One of them being it is much easier to navigate with the d-pad of the TCL remote, than the touch pad of the Siri Remote. Another being that the Roku version adds little features like the side bar on Netflix. It still is not as good as the Netflix app on the ATV3 though.

One thing that is missing from the Roku, is quality games. tvOS is not known to be great for gaming, but it has much better selection of games, and many of them being free to try or play. The Roku's games are mostly cheesy bubblegum games that are usually free on tvOS, but they cost money on the Roku.

Obviously, the ability to bring the ATV with you while traveling is a still a big plus over the TCL TV, so this alone might make it worth it to purchase one.

About updates, only time will tell with this one. In my experience in the past, smart TVs don't get updates often and their manufacturers often end support for them after a relatively short period of time.

Overall, I am very impressed by the TCL. While I am not getting rid of my ATV4, my family uses it about 20% of the time that they used to. This might also be to the fact that I cannot get the ATV4 to look right on the TCL, the colors look too washed out.

I had plans on getting a 64GB ATV4k soon, but after using the Roku on the TCL, I might hold off a bit. Also, based on my first impressions of the TCL, if I replace the TVs in my other rooms, I probably will get ones with Roku built in, and I doubt I will get any new ATVs for them.

I prefer the navigation of the Roku remote over the ATV remote (I have the old gen ATV remote to overcome the navigation issues on ATV4), but the Roku version of DTVN still buffers more in the evening or fails to load the station at times when the ATV4 has no problems. Also, the WatchESPN app for Roku still doesn’t allow me to setup multi-channel streams of multiple sporting events like I can on ATV. This is while I will likely outfit my house with more ATVs, even if I buy more TCL Roku TVs from Walmart.

 

[GIZBUG]

AppleTV has infuse and my Samsung doesn’t. It has all shows on my Synology NAS

 

[George Dawes]

from reading so many threads on so many av forums it seems as if apple tv is a tv's saviour !!!

sony's utterly awful android os for example almost ruins their otherwise superb tv's

fortunately you can bypass it by adding , you guessed it

an apple tv !!!

i'm getting an xf90 soon and i certainly won't be using the tv's buggy slow apps when i've got the wonderful atv4k attached....

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

from reading so many threads on so many av forums it seems as if apple tv is a tv's saviour !!!

sony's utterly awful android os for example almost ruins their otherwise superb tv's

fortunately you can bypass it by adding , you guessed it

an apple tv !!!

i'm getting an xf90 soon and i certainly won't be using the tv's buggy slow apps when i've got the wonderful atv4k attached....

Totally agree buddy We've just got TODAY the LG 55" B7 OLED (£1199 on sale!!!) and Apple TV 4K simply shines on it! It's breathtaking. I thought our Panasonic LCD EX700 looked great with ATV but on the LG, it's another level times 10!
Even HD iTunes look I N C R E D I B L E!
I simply agree, ATV is the saviour of TV in so many ways. It's Apple done right! I've just come back from five days in South Africa + travel and having iTunes films on my iPhone X along with my AirPods made a really nice flight - 12 hours was OK. I took 500+ photos & 37 videos in 5 days of scenery & friends etc and arriving home, being able to AirPlay the lot to the Apple TV 4K with the LG OLED TV was a truly amazing experience

So impressed as ever AND Dolby Atmos is going to be the icing on the cake.
Very happy with my iTunes / ATV decision many many years ago It suits my lifestyle very very well

 

[vipergts2207]

Totally agree buddy We've just got TODAY the LG 55" B7 OLED (£1199 on sale!!!) and Apple TV 4K simply shines on it! It's breathtaking. I thought our Panasonic LCD EX700 looked great with ATV but on the LG, it's another level times 10!
Even HD iTunes look I N C R E D I B L E!
I simply agree, ATV is the saviour of TV in so many ways. It's Apple done right! I've just come back from five days in South Africa + travel and having iTunes films on my iPhone X along with my AirPods made a really nice flight - 12 hours was OK. I took 500+ photos & 37 videos in 5 days of scenery & friends etc and arriving home, being able to AirPlay the lot to the Apple TV 4K with the LG OLED TV was a truly amazing experience

So impressed as ever AND Dolby Atmos is going to be the icing on the cake.
Very happy with my iTunes / ATV decision many many years ago It suits my lifestyle very very well

You got a 55”? I’m shocked, I thought you hated big TVs.

 

[BODYBUILDERPAUL]

You got a 55”? I’m shocked, I thought you hated big TVs.

I didn't buy it, my house buddy did - and I was out of the country haha amazing what happens when I leave the house for maybe what, 6 or 7 days It's OLED so maybe I can grow to like it, also unfair for me to complain as i'm only in my house/country 4 months at the most in any one year so...

 

[d5aqoëp]

These so called advanced 4K TVs have EXTREMELY PATHETIC updates and support. Eg. My LG OLED C6 which I purchased for $3000 in January 2017 has stopped receiving software updates in 2018. These a****** companies like LG don't feel any moral responsibility to provide updates to their devices and fix bugs. Forget about new features. Since then I have decided to treat my TV as dumb and let Apple TV 4K and Nvidia Shield TV do all the content heavy lifting. Apple and Nvidia are doing well with updates.

Apple TV 4K has the best UI which is rendered in 4K @ 60Hz. Where as Nvidia Shield TV has 1080p UI upscaled to 4K @ 60Hz which looks blurry. But I use Kodi from Play Store which runs in native 4K UI and also passes DTS-HD MA and TrueHD ATMOS audio to my receiver. Apple TV cannot do that.

 

[George Dawes]

that's pretty outrageous for a tv costing 3 grand !!!