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Apple TV 4th Gen vs 4K for HomePod

Hallstar

Hallstar

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 13, 2011
338
216
Hi all,

I have a Gen 4 ATV plugged into a non-4K LED TV, which (currently) suits me fine.

Being hard of hearing (hearing aids) I am looking for ways to improve the sound quality of my TV viewing.

I have recently purchased two second hand HomePods and find the sound quality to be excellent, and would like to utilise the HomePods with my ATV.

I am aware that Apple have just announced an update that allows the HomePods to be used as a home-cinema, but is this functionality restricted to the 4K or will it work with the Gen 4 also?

In terms of HomeKit and HomeHub, does the 4K offer and advantages over the Gen 4?

I’m happy to get a 4K if it will improve or provide advantages and functionality, will likely prompt me toward a 4K screen too!
 
Also keen to find out if this works.

Can I have two HomePods set as default audio on an older Apple TV 4th gen? (not too fussed about the Atmos support, just keen to have them set as the default output on an older Apple TV.)
 
The 4K is worth it for the speed boost alone when launching apps. I've got both and always hate using the sluggish 4. Then again, hopefully a new model will be released at the supposed Nov event & for the record, I don't have a 4K TV!:D
 
I picked up a BNIB 4K today for £100.00

I’m curious now about the positioning of the speakers for optimum sound performance in ‘Home cinema mode’.

Conventional HC would see 5.1 or 7.1 with speakers in equal distances left/right and front/rear.

As the HomePods have 360° delivery and spatial awareness, would it matter where the HomePods are located?
 
Hallstar said:
Hi all,

I have a Gen 4 ATV plugged into a non-4K LED TV, which (currently) suits me fine.

Being hard of hearing (hearing aids) I am looking for ways to improve the sound quality of my TV viewing.

I have recently purchased two second hand HomePods and find the sound quality to be excellent, and would like to utilise the HomePods with my ATV.

I am aware that Apple have just announced an update that allows the HomePods to be used as a home-cinema, but is this functionality restricted to the 4K or will it work with the Gen 4 also?

In terms of HomeKit and HomeHub, does the 4K offer and advantages over the Gen 4?

I’m happy to get a 4K if it will improve or provide advantages and functionality, will likely prompt me toward a 4K screen too!
Click to expand...
You need the ATV 4K for Dolby ATMOS support with 2 full size HomePods, the HomePod minis do not support Dolby ATMOS. With the ATV 4 Gen you'll just get stereo as you would also with two HomePod minis.
 
GIZBUG said:
Where is this option? Don’t see it on any of my 14.2 devices
Click to expand...

On and Apple TV 4K (not and HD model), with tvOS 14.2 beta installed, open Settings > Video and Audio and scroll down to “Default Audio Output“ and select it. You will be able to select a single HomePod or Stereo pair in the same room
 
mallbritton said:
On and Apple TV 4K (not and HD model), with tvOS 14.2 beta installed, open Settings > Video and Audio and scroll down to “Default Audio Output“ and select it. You will be able to select a single HomePod or Stereo pair in the same room
Click to expand...
I have the latest beta and I don’t see my homepod as an option only my tv speakers
 
Billyjimbob said:
I have the latest beta and I don’t see my homepod as an option only my tv speakers
Click to expand...
I don't think the Home Theatre modes are in there yet - I can set the HomePods to be the default sound output without an issue but there is no mention of Home Theatre mode anywhere. I'm running beta version of everything - iOS, tvOS and HomePod.
 
john.burn said:
I don't think the Home Theatre modes are in there yet - I can set the HomePods to be the default sound output without an issue but there is no mention of Home Theatre mode anywhere. I'm running beta version of everything - iOS, tvOS and HomePod.
Click to expand...
I don’t even see the homepods as an option to set them as default. The only way to us them is a long press on the remote
 
So, its goes as follows (excuse my English, trying to help and solve doubts on this):

A). You can have a pair of stereo paired homepods (regular o mini), linked to your Apple TV (HD or 4K), vía Airplay2.

B) However, to enjoy 5.1, 7.1, or Atmos sound, standard Homepod (not mini), and Apple TV 4K (not HD), is required.

Although it will work with just one homepod, a stereo pair is heavily recommended to enjoy sourround sound. This, along with the ability to set the Homepods as a permanent audio output to the Apple TV AND the ability to output audio from every app of TVOS (menus, games and IPTV included), to the homepod will be available on the public final release of IOS 14.2

C) For this to work, you will need to have 14.2 installed on the Apple TV AND the Homepod, which by the way has its own beta program (non public).


Hope this helps.
 
john.burn said:
I don't think the Home Theatre modes are in there yet - I can set the HomePods to be the default sound output without an issue but there is no mention of Home Theatre mode anywhere. I'm running beta version of everything - iOS, tvOS and HomePod.
Click to expand...

Correct. At this time there is no "Home Theatre" mode for homepods. That feature is coming later. However, it is possible to set one or a stereo pair as the default audio out for an Apple TV 4K but both the ATV and HomePods must be on the 14.2 release.
 
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