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Apple TV 4K 2017 vs. Apple TV 4K 2021 Buyer's Guide
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Correct me if I’m missing something, but Apple can easily add Thread/Matter support to the previous Apple TV 4K by just a firmware software update…
That is the big question. Hopefully the new Siri remote will have the ability to learn IR codes for the Power button. The old black Siri remote can only learn IR codes for the Volume + -
Would love to hear back from someone who is reviewing or beta testing the new Siri remote, if the Power button can learn IR codes.
Can someone from MacRumors update this article regarding if the Power button on the new Siri remote can learn IR codes or not?
I get what you’re saying. As someone who also owns a TV capable of hdmi 2.1, I’ll be upgrading anyway. Since the remote costs 1/3 of the entire package, I feel I might as well than delay it a year or two and buy this exact same model at the same price.
With how often the Apple TV gets updated, has rare sales, and the fact that the 1080p model still costs $150, made it an easier decision. I’ll be future proofing to get the most out of my pricey tv, while enjoying the new remote for now. I’ll mess around with high frame rate Dolby vision HDR video airplayed from my phone. Here’s hoping they software unlock 120hz at WWDC.
I don’t see how it would be capable of this. I can’t think of a universal remote where a power button can be completely re-programmed (except for something like a Harmony). There’s no hint in the documentation of this now, so I doubt anyone will know the answer for sure until it’s in their hands to try.
Just something to add for the first Apple TV 4K when it comes to using YouTube…
The first Apple TV 4K will play YouTube videos in the YouTube app at maximum of 4K resolution at 30fps. Or 1440p at 60fps.
The first Apple TV 4K will play YouTube videos in the YouTube app at maximum of 4K resolution at 30fps. Or 1440p at 60fps.
Exactly — we use this thing every day since it launched in 2017. So many comparisons read as if we are discussing the comparisons a mere year later or something.
I will be buying the new one for the main TV and shifting my current ATV 4K to the less used upstairs TV which until, now has run with an ATV from 2013. a lot of apps (eg YouTube) don’t run on it anymore and have to be airplayed.
I would have done it ages ago but have not because I was waiting for a new model With updated specs. A bit disappointed, for longevity reasons, that its an A12 in a world of A14s. They do not need replacement all that often.
I would have done it ages ago but have not because I was waiting for a new model With updated specs. A bit disappointed, for longevity reasons, that its an A12 in a world of A14s. They do not need replacement all that often.
I had an Apple TV HD. I hated the remote so much that I relegated that unit to a guest bedroom TV - replaced by a Roku Ultra connected to our family room TV. I’m looking forward to full 4k HDR support in my new Apple TV 4K (2nd gen) *AND* the new, improved remote.
Don’t older Apple TV models already learn IR volume control? Shouldn’t it have the ability to learn or remap power the same way?
It might be a silly, but honest, question: why point out that standard dynamic range (SDR) is supported by both models? Isn't that a given if HDR is supported? It's like, "in addition to color, grayscale is also supported by both models."
Agreed. While I am glad Apple TV is updated and remains in the line up, it's disappointing that the team did not push the product to become the best in its class.
Improving upscaling not only results in better viewing experience (if done right like NVIDIA SHIELD), it would also reduce (or eliminate with HDMI 2.1 Quick Media Switching) the blank screen as you play lower resolution contents.
A12 certainly has the headroom to improve upscaling. With WWDC only weeks away, maybe? I would be disappointed if tvOS 15 fails to add:
- Support for HomePod mini as permanent default speakers, ideally with some virtual surround sound processing.
- Spatial Audio with AirPods Pro and AirPods Max (just the surround sound sans dynamic head tracking), especially with rumors of Apple Music Hi-Fi with some contents in Dolby Atmos.
- Option to render games at 1080p or 1440p, upscaled to 4K (like Xbox Series S). This should greatly improve the frame rate.
- Expand Color Balance with guidance for adjusting contrast and brightness.
- If A12 is capable, AV1 and/or VVC (H.266) codecs.
- Lossless audio passthrough.
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Same upgrading an A8 upstairs that struggles with HEVC with an old 4K and grabbing this for zippier performance
It’s interesting to see the emphasis on being able to AirPlay iPhone 12 60FPS Dolby Vision footage to the new Apple TV 4K. I know myself and a lot of others were never able to AirPlay ANY footage shot on an iPhone 12 series to an Apple TV and have it playback in DV at any frame rate.
I’m hoping the new ATV4K actually lets us AirPlay the Dolby Vision footage finally at any frame rate!
I’m hoping the new ATV4K actually lets us AirPlay the Dolby Vision footage finally at any frame rate!
I assumed the volume buttons can be mapped to control volume only, and the power button to power only. But I see that you’re saying why not teach the remote any button you want. I hope so , because I could use a “switch input” button myself.
I could use a second Apple TV but not sure if I want go with this modest update - Thread option is nice though as I venture into HomeKit.
Canadian prices it’s $260 taxes included - that’s too steep for my liking right now. I’ve never had any issue with the 4K remote so I’m not sure this is worth the purchase as the TV it would go with is mainly used by the kids.
Where’s that rumoured gaming model as this certainly isn’t it! That’s what I really want to see.
Canadian prices it’s $260 taxes included - that’s too steep for my liking right now. I’ve never had any issue with the 4K remote so I’m not sure this is worth the purchase as the TV it would go with is mainly used by the kids.
Where’s that rumoured gaming model as this certainly isn’t it! That’s what I really want to see.