Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Releases Software Update for Third-Generation Apple TV

To everyone wondering, (and to the people saying there was a massive jump in versions) before this update it was Apple TV Software 7.2 (7512) which was updated to 7.2.1 (8011).
And then if you click the select button on the remote, it brings up the OS Build Version which was 8.3 (12F69) which is now updated to 8.4.1 (12H523).
The OS Build Version basically followed iOS versions from a certain point in time, I remember when 8.3 was released for iOS, same for ATV3. And now almost certainly this 8.4.1 build for ATV3 is the final release we'll see (as 8.4.1 was the final for iOS 8).
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
  • Like
Reactions: jezbd1997
meegwell said:
If your receiver has Toslink but does not have HDMI, it is old enough to be replaced with something MUCH less than $1000 from Denon. You will get a whole ton of upgrades...including audio out upgrade...for not much money. I know you are already typing in your head "I dont want/need...blah blah"...It's 2016 for christmas sake, if you have need for an A/V receiver, it's time to upgrade to some more current technology...toslink is circa 1990s. If you're talking about your tw-channel audio system then fine...but the ATV is obviously an A/V product.

Sorry but I am so tired of people with outdated old equipment crying about an outdated old technology being dropped.

Besides...got spend $20 on a decent splitter. Problem solved without upgrading the grandpa receiver. I know it's more fun to whine and complain though....
Click to expand...
Please do tell me what receiver I should be buying to replace it that is just as good. In fact I did buy a HDMI equipped receiver to replace my old Denon in the living room years ago. I discovered two things, very quickly: the HDMI posts on the receiver were useless because using the instantly drove sound and picture out of sync. All I had to do was but back the TOSlink connections through the new receiver and run the HDMI directly to the HDTV and the sync was fixed. The out of sync happened from three different sources - aTV, Oppo Blu-Ray player & my MacPro (in this case it simply was using the HDMI for video only). Secondly, and what led me to just go back to the old Denon, it's amplifier was vastly superior - just listening to music my speakers sounded way worst using the new (not cheap, mind you) receiver. I delegated the new receiver to the bedroom and reinstalled my old one within a week.

And yes, I am aware of the splitters, and am not about to buy a new aTV just so I can use a splitter as one more thing I need to plug in and hope, just hope it too doesn't throw the video/audio out of sync, or lose the connection on encrypted HDMI video - another common problem with receivers that do the HDMI transfer as well.

I have celebrated Macs & Apple getting rid of all sort of old devices in the past from floppy drives to Flash via iOS - but Toslink is the first one that makes me cringe.
[doublepost=1456491857][/doublepost]
SHIVERINGGOAT said:
$479 including Airplay built in and 6 HDMI ports.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-S71...qid=1456489370&sr=1-2&keywords=denon+reciever
Click to expand...
And I am guessing has a vastly inferior amplifier to the one I have which is why I didn't replace the last time I tried.
 
Last edited:
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
VanillaCracker said:
Yeah it's good for what it's mainly used for (streaming/searching for shows, etc.) but I'm still salty about how they just cut it off there. It's like they lazily added it because they thought streaming would be all that was necessary. Can't do nearly as much as iPhone's Siri. Also I have an ATV4, but easily would have stuck with an ATV3, if I wasn't a techie person. The ATV3 is a much better value, and the ATV4 is mostly a gimmick if you subtract added value of those limited apps. Siri is useful for convenience, but as the separator for ATV3 versus ATV4, it's debatable.
Click to expand...

I really like that I can side load apps on the Apple TV 4, without needing to jailbreak. I use Kodi on the Apple TV which only was possible if I jailbroke the Apple TV 2 and not even possible on the Apple TV 3. I have read that it is now possible to stream movies on the Apple TV 4 and to passthrough HD audio as well. These are the 2 biggest reasons I bought the Apple TV 4. Plus, I like the UI and the new remote. I am now a happy cable cord cutter using the Apple TV 4.
[doublepost=1456499819][/doublepost]
Kajje said:
Quietly hopes there's a jailbreak coming up, won't update.
Click to expand...

Not happening, sorry. That is why I really like the Apple TV 4, apps can be side loaded without requiring the device to be jailbroken. It was easy for me to side loade Kodi on the Apple TV 4.
[doublepost=1456500523][/doublepost]
kagharaht said:
Agreed. Apple TV 4 fails on smooth playback. Needs a reboot almost every week because eventually it becomes unstable.
Click to expand...

Not sure what you are playing or what setup you are using, but everything I have tried to play on my Apple TV 4 has been great. I playback ripped DVDs and BluRays (20GB and larger) and no issues over WiFi.
 
Well, staying on topic and not judging others equipment...

It appears reading the release notes that WebKit has had a lot of attention and memory management updates. If that will keep some apps from crashing after just 20 - 30 minutes of stream, that will be great.
 
VanillaCracker said:
Yeah it's good for what it's mainly used for (streaming/searching for shows, etc.) but I'm still salty about how they just cut it off there. It's like they lazily added it because they thought streaming would be all that was necessary. Can't do nearly as much as iPhone's Siri. Also I have an ATV4, but easily would have stuck with an ATV3, if I wasn't a techie person. The ATV3 is a much better value, and the ATV4 is mostly a gimmick if you subtract added value of those limited apps. Siri is useful for convenience, but as the separator for ATV3 versus ATV4, it's debatable.
Click to expand...

The ATV4 is not a gimmick...let's see you play all the content stored on your NAS with an ATV3 (and no Plex server running somewhere).
 
Taz Mangus said:
I use Kodi on the Apple TV which only was possible if I jailbroke the Apple TV 2 and not even possible on the Apple TV 3.
Click to expand...
It can run Kodi like the Apple TV 2, in the resolution of the Apple TV 3
So they'd better call it the Apple TV 5
 
BeyondtheTech said:
"For customers who continue to use the third-generation Apple TV..."

Almost sounds condescending, doesn't it?
Click to expand...
...and to think I just recently got an ATV3 because I don't want/need some of the fancy stuff like gaming on the ATV4.
[doublepost=1456505709][/doublepost]
Ted13 said:
Still no Apple Music. I'd buy an AppleTV 4 today for Apple Music support, if it wasn't for the missing optical audio (Toslink) output. Spending $200 for an aTV is fine - spending well over $1000 for a new Denon receiver, considering my current one is likely to last another decade or three is out of the question.
Click to expand...
Well, you can stream from your Mac or iDevice - as I do. Would have rather have it work directly but oh well...
 
Taz Mangus said:
Not sure what you are playing or what setup you are using, but everything I have tried to play on my Apple TV 4 has been great. I playback ripped DVDs and BluRays (20GB and larger) and no issues over WiFi.
Click to expand...
No problem will all 2 ATV 3 and one ATV 2 either. 1080p by ethernet or AC. Just ATV 4 stutters or becomes unstable. Even after the movie has fully LOADED on ATV it randomly stutters. 60" screen reveals it heavily. The other ATV I have are flawless in playback.
 
I never upgraded to the 4th.. I mainly use this device to stream. YouTube HBO go etc. that's about it. The last thing I want is another store to buy useless apps.
[doublepost=1456522503][/doublepost]
imola.zhp said:
We had 4 ATV3's and now have 2 ATV3's and 2 ATV4's, we like the dark UI of the ATV3 but ABSOLUTELY FREEKING LOVE Apps on the ATV4's. Or latest addiction is Zillow, I know, silly, you can look at Zillow on your phone or computer and the ATV4 app doesn't display some pics correctly, but we like checking it every few days to see what is newly listed around us and in certain pockets of town. We are also wanting to turn the current house into a rental and upgrade, this is probably why we are addicted to the app.
Click to expand...

Do you really feel it's worth the upgrade? I guess it's cheap enough just to buy one but are the apps really useful? I just really want to stream and only ever looked at my ATV as the piece that connects my Mac,phone,iPad to my tv.
 
iapplelove said:
I never upgraded to the 4th.. I mainly use this device to stream. YouTube HBO go etc. that's about it. The last thing I want is another store to buy useless apps.

Do you really feel it's worth the upgrade? I guess it's cheap enough just to buy one but are the apps really useful? I just really want to stream and only ever looked at my ATV as the piece that connects my Mac,phone,iPad to my tv.
Click to expand...

We still have not bought any apps on the ATV4. I think as developers put more development into ATV4 apps they will be more useful. I can see where streaming youtube videos from your phone would be useful, we've done it several times, its usually quicker than searching from within the youtube app, but streaming a show from HBO? Both ATV3 and ATV4 have HBO apps, one that you have to pay for and one that you log into, I wouldn't want to tie up my phone for the entire length of a movie, but thats me. Another nice thing is that on our newest TV, a samsung something or other, "smart" but we don't use the "smart" functions, the ATV can now turn the TV on, off and control the volume. Thats in the Owners Bedroom, in the Living room, it can turn the TV (2013'ish Panasonic Plasma) off, but cannot turn it on, it can control the volume but I have it set to control the sound bar systems volume, unfortunately it won't turn the sound bar system on, or off.
 
imola.zhp said:
We still have not bought any apps on the ATV4. I think as developers put more development into ATV4 apps they will be more useful. I can see where streaming youtube videos from your phone would be useful, we've done it several times, its usually quicker than searching from within the youtube app, but streaming a show from HBO? Both ATV3 and ATV4 have HBO apps, one that you have to pay for and one that you log into, I wouldn't want to tie up my phone for the entire length of a movie, but thats me. Another nice thing is that on our newest TV, a samsung something or other, "smart" but we don't use the "smart" functions, the ATV can now turn the TV on, off and control the volume. Thats in the Owners Bedroom, in the Living room, it can turn the TV (2013'ish Panasonic Plasma) off, but cannot turn it on, it can control the volume but I have it set to control the sound bar systems volume, unfortunately it won't turn the sound bar system on, or off.
Click to expand...

I meant to say I use the native HBO GO app on my ATV. I subscribe to HBO so i just log in and don't tie up the phone/ipad. I think i am just going to pick one up soon probably next time I go to the apple store. I also do not use any of the smart features my SONY offers so it sounds nice to use the ATV4 for that stuff. Plus siri lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: imola.zhp
I recommend not upgrading. My Apple TV 3 is not working properly since. Major issues with AirPlay and apps. It's like Apple released it to break it and hope that you upgrade to the ATV 4. Not a happy Apple customer right now.
 
Ted13 said:
Please do tell me what receiver I should be buying to replace it that is just as good. In fact I did buy a HDMI equipped receiver to replace my old Denon in the living room years ago. I discovered two things, very quickly: the HDMI posts on the receiver were useless because using the instantly drove sound and picture out of sync. All I had to do was but back the TOSlink connections through the new receiver and run the HDMI directly to the HDTV and the sync was fixed. The out of sync happened from three different sources - aTV, Oppo Blu-Ray player & my MacPro (in this case it simply was using the HDMI for video only). Secondly, and what led me to just go back to the old Denon, it's amplifier was vastly superior - just listening to music my speakers sounded way worst using the new (not cheap, mind you) receiver. I delegated the new receiver to the bedroom and reinstalled my old one within a week.

And yes, I am aware of the splitters, and am not about to buy a new aTV just so I can use a splitter as one more thing I need to plug in and hope, just hope it too doesn't throw the video/audio out of sync, or lose the connection on encrypted HDMI video - another common problem with receivers that do the HDMI transfer as well.

I have celebrated Macs & Apple getting rid of all sort of old devices in the past from floppy drives to Flash via iOS - but Toslink is the first one that makes me cringe.
[doublepost=1456491857][/doublepost]
And I am guessing has a vastly inferior amplifier to the one I have which is why I didn't replace the last time I tried.
Click to expand...

It's fun to watch Apple fans recommend bargain basement junk based purely on features, isn't it? I'm in the same boat as you and while I don't mind buying a new receiver at this point, I'm hesitant because the technology isn't very mature with HDMI standards changing, protocols changing, etc.

Aside from the crappy audio you experienced, I do think the delay could have been easily overcome with built in adjustments common on most digital receivers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back