Apple TV Sees Major Sales Growth in 2015 But Still Ranks as Fourth Most Popular Streaming Media Player

[Lankyman]

When I bought my last streaming device, I looked at Chromecast. Lock of IR input made stop considering it. I use Harmony remotes for all my TVs. I don't want to sit around with a remote for every device, and my phone.

I bought a Roku. Why? Well I already owned 2, so familiar interface played a role. But price also did. The Roku was cheaper. aTV did not bring anything to the table to justify the price difference. That's a reality that Apple will have to come to terms with.

I use Plex, Netflix and the NHL app. My next TV will be a 4K TV. Since they are all "Smart", I'll look for one with Netflix, Plex and browser support. That will eliminate the need for the Roku.

Not only are streaming devices a commodity, for a large segment of the market, they are being obsoleted by Smart TVs. You need to be so far ahead of everybody else or charge a similar price.

I think you are placing far to much faith in TV manufacturers and their SMART TV apps which often end up being unsupported and outdated in quite a short time frame. Panasonic are legendary for doing this. Much better to buy a cheap streaming device that can easily and readily be replaced.

 

[AsherN]

Put yourself in the mindset of the average consumer that goes out to BestBuy to buy a TV. They're dropping $1,000 + on a new Smart TV. Try to convince them to spend another $200 for aTV, because in 4-5 years, the Neflix app on the TV may or may not still work. Hell, I'm in the tech industry and I'll take that gamble. I'll run the TV apps as long as they fit my needs and supplement in a few years if they stop.

 

[Lankyman]

Put yourself in the mindset of the average consumer that goes out to BestBuy to buy a TV. They're dropping $1,000 + on a new Smart TV. Try to convince them to spend another $200 for aTV, because in 4-5 years, the Neflix app on the TV may or may not still work. Hell, I'm in the tech industry and I'll take that gamble. I'll run the TV apps as long as they fit my needs and supplement in a few years if they stop.

Which of course most of them will do. Chromecast etc. etc. it's a no-brainer.

 

[AsherN]

NO. Most of them will see the TV as good enough. It works. It's simpler. They won't have to deal with multiple remotes or a universal remote.

 

[samcraig]

Put yourself in the mindset of the average consumer that goes out to BestBuy to buy a TV. They're dropping $1,000 + on a new Smart TV. Try to convince them to spend another $200 for aTV, because in 4-5 years, the Neflix app on the TV may or may not still work. Hell, I'm in the tech industry and I'll take that gamble. I'll run the TV apps as long as they fit my needs and supplement in a few years if they stop.

My inlaws are very happy with the fact that they can stream netflix from either their blu-ray player or their tv. Right now most devices that hook to the tv (and the tv themselves) have built in capabilities. For many - no other streaming devices are needed.

 

[AsherN]

That's what a lot of us here forget. We are the exception. Most consumers watch TV and Netflix. Meaning all they need is a TV and a cable box. Some may also have a DVD/BluRay player, but even that is disappearing. Those devices now come with a Netfilx client built-in. Why do I need a $200 aTV in addition?

 

[LordVic]

My inlaws are very happy with the fact that they can stream netflix from either their blu-ray player or their tv. Right now most devices that hook to the tv (and the tv themselves) have built in capabilities. For many - no other streaming devices are needed.

My parents are the same. they just want to be able to press button and watch TV. they don't get the tech. they don't care to. they think the Wii's NetfliX app is the best thing ever.

My dad is convinced he doesn't need a new TV either. He bought a 65" rear projection tv capable of 720p and thinks it's still the pinnacle of TV watching experience

 

[samcraig]

My parents are the same. they just want to be able to press button and watch TV. they don't get the tech. they don't care to. they think the Wii's NetfliX app is the best thing ever.

My dad is convinced he doesn't need a new TV either. He bought a 65" rear projection tv capable of 720p and thinks it's still the pinnacle of TV watching experience

That's because he comes from a generation (and this isn't a knock at all!) where many people kept the same job for mamy years, and kept their TVs for even longer. Growing up - during the 18 years I was in my parents house - I think the living room had ONE tv update.

We bought our 55" about 5 years ago - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. The only reason I would replace it is if it dies. The only think that irks me is that a similar TV now would be about 1/3 as much

 

[LordVic]

That's because he comes from a generation (and this isn't a knock at all!) where many people kept the same job for mamy years, and kept their TVs for even longer. Growing up - during the 18 years I was in my parents house - I think the living room had ONE tv update.

We bought our 55" about 5 years ago - and there's absolutely nothing wrong with it. The only reason I would replace it is if it dies. The only think that irks me is that a similar TV now would be about 1/3 as much

I'm not far off. our living room growing up had probably only 2 TV changes in 20 years. We always bought Toshiba because they were probably the most rock solid TV's.. heck, we STILL have them in working condition. we went from a 22" Tube to a 32" tube. and that was it. It was only when HD came around did my dad decide he wanted a big screen and bought the 65". We ask why he doesn't get a new TV, and he says why bother, the one he has now, despite only being 1080i / 720p, works absolutely flawlessly. And since it's still Tube based rear-projection, has some advantages over modern LCD.

 

[samcraig]

I'm not far off. our living room growing up had probably only 2 TV changes in 20 years. We always bought Toshiba because they were probably the most rock solid TV's.. heck, we STILL have them in working condition. we went from a 22" Tube to a 32" tube. and that was it. It was only when HD came around did my dad decide he wanted a big screen and bought the 65". We ask why he doesn't get a new TV, and he says why bother, the one he has now, despite only being 1080i / 720p, works absolutely flawlessly. And since it's still Tube based rear-projection, has some advantages over modern LCD.

I still have my original iPad. I haven't bought a new one. It does everything I want/need it to - although now my daughter uses it mostly. The only downside is that it's not upgradeable and that many apps can't update now (and newer ones won't work at all). But nothing really compels me (yet) to put in a few hundred to get a newer one.

 

[Lankyman]

NO. Most of them will see the TV as good enough. It works. It's simpler. They won't have to deal with multiple remotes or a universal remote.

Chromecast users smartphone or tablet not a remote. Besides certainly here in the UK the manufacturers of TVs have struck individual deals with providers so not all apps are on every TV - I think Samsung currently have the best spread. Therefore something like a Roku Chromecast or similar is an absolute must.

I don't know why Google Roku et-al don't strike a deal with the TV makers to provide these sticks with every TV - it would be a much simpler solution all round.
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That's what a lot of us here forget. We are the exception. Most consumers watch TV and Netflix. Meaning all they need is a TV and a cable box. Some may also have a DVD/BluRay player, but even that is disappearing. Those devices now come with a Netfilx client built-in. Why do I need a $200 aTV in addition?

I'm from that generation - I kept our Sony Trinitron for 18 years - fantastic TV. However, I do still like modern tech and move with the times. What I won't do though is throw perfectly good tech away simply because companies such as Apple are trying to tempt me with a pin sharp retina screen etc. etc.

I see nothing wrong with my iMac's IPS screen and at least I can upgrade the innards something the latest ones can't. Our 47" Panasonic Smart TV is coming up to 3 years old - it's 3D but I've never bothered with that side of it as it was just another missable fad - the specs are still in their plastic bags unused.

 

[AsherN]

Chromecast users smartphone or tablet not a remote. Besides certainly here in the UK the manufacturers of TVs have struck individual deals with providers so not all apps are on every TV - I think Samsung currently have the best spread. Therefore something like a Roku Chromecast or similar is an absolute must.

I don't know why Google Roku et-al don't strike a deal with the TV makers to provide these sticks with every TV - it would be a much simpler solution all round.

Multiple remotes, phone with multiple apps. It's all the same. Phone is actually worse. The less devices you have, the simpler it is. A phone won't work for a lot of devices because a lot of them are IR. So you still need a remote and your phone. Multiple apps on your phone to control multiple devices is no better than multiple remotes, other than it takes less space.

I'm a techie. Been in IT 35 years. I love gadgets. I have 3 TVs. So far, none are Smart TVs, mostly because they are older. TV 1 is connected to a Roku, a sound bar that also acts as a HDMI switcher, a cable box and a BluRay player. TV2 has a Roku, cable box and HDMI switcher. TV 3 has Roku, cable box, DVD player and HDMI switcher. All 3 are controlled with a Harmony 650

Setup works well. But devices go out of sync once in a while. Or a power event turns off a device that the remote assumes is always on, etc.

What do I use on the Roku? Plex, Netflix, NHL.

My main TV is slowly going., It will be replaced with a Smart 4K TV. I'll make sure that it has a Plex and Netflix client. I can get NHL through a browser. That will eliminate the need for the Roku, and the need for the sound bar to act as a HDMI switcher. Less gear, simpler operation.

 

[Black Belt]

What a random thing to complain about... yes, 2160p is 4k... they flipped it to the other axis, 3840 -- identical to how the 2k resolution is 2k. And yes, it is precisely 4x the number of pixels as 1080p - 8,294,400 pixels. 1080p being 2,073,600 pixels - that's how they arrived there. To avoid a scaling situation like how 1080 is 2 1/4x the resolution of 720. Beyond that; Yes, there's content; and yes, it's long been decided what 4k is.

You obviously don't know what the hell you are talking about.

 

[BuffaloTF]

You obviously don't know what the hell you are talking about.

Uhhhhh. Obviously I do.

But thanks for adding so much to the discussion and demonstrating you're totally lost.

 

[scott911]

Why? How many people actually have a 4K tv or understand why it's different?

People don't even understand an LED backlit TV is still an LCD.

people get 4K...
I agree that people generally don't pay attention to the lighting technology behind their panels - and even worse, actually think edge lit LED is a positive feature.

But I'd tend to believe that everyone looking at a 42" more bigger TV will quickly understand that hdtv is "old" and 4k is new and relatively future proof. And by extension. apple isn't future proof, and is for old equipment.

 

[Lankyman]

Multiple remotes, phone with multiple apps. It's all the same. Phone is actually worse. The less devices you have, the simpler it is. A phone won't work for a lot of devices because a lot of them are IR. So you still need a remote and your phone. Multiple apps on your phone to control multiple devices is no better than multiple remotes, other than it takes less space.

I'm a techie. Been in IT 35 years. I love gadgets. I have 3 TVs. So far, none are Smart TVs, mostly because they are older. TV 1 is connected to a Roku, a sound bar that also acts as a HDMI switcher, a cable box and a BluRay player. TV2 has a Roku, cable box and HDMI switcher. TV 3 has Roku, cable box, DVD player and HDMI switcher. All 3 are controlled with a Harmony 650

Setup works well. But devices go out of sync once in a while. Or a power event turns off a device that the remote assumes is always on, etc.

What do I use on the Roku? Plex, Netflix, NHL.

My main TV is slowly going., It will be replaced with a Smart 4K TV. I'll make sure that it has a Plex and Netflix client. I can get NHL through a browser. That will eliminate the need for the Roku, and the need for the sound bar to act as a HDMI switcher. Less gear, simpler operation.

But you see that's just you - I like to have a remote for each device and have them laid out like a surgeons table. I would absolutely hate one of those one-for-all type remotes, just so confusing.

 

[Uofmtiger]

Multiple remotes, phone with multiple apps. It's all the same. Phone is actually worse. The less devices you have, the simpler it is. A phone won't work for a lot of devices because a lot of them are IR.

They actually sell devices that will turn the wifi signal from the iPhone/iPad into an IR signal. Here is a link as an example. As I mentioned earlier, the problem is the lack of hard buttons that make it more of a headache to use during movies and while using a DVR. It is possible to rely only on an iPhone as your only remote, though. No matter how complicated your system is.

But you see that's just you - I like to have a remote for each device and have them laid out like a surgeons table. I would absolutely hate one of those one-for-all type remotes, just so confusing.

If a universal is setup properly, it is very, very easy to use.

As an example, to play the AppleTV, I can get the Samsung remote, turn TV on, switch to HDMI2, get Denon remote, turn it on, switch to input labeled DVD to play the AppleTV, then get the Apple TV remote or I could just "Hit the button labeled "AppleTV" on my Harmony or iPhone.

I have had people over to house-sit and it is much easier to get them up and running on a Harmony remote than a bunch of individual remotes.

 

[Juicy Box]

My inlaws are very happy with the fact that they can stream netflix from either their blu-ray player or their tv. Right now most devices that hook to the tv (and the tv themselves) have built in capabilities. For many - no other streaming devices are needed.

My parents are the same. they just want to be able to press button and watch TV. they don't get the tech. they don't care to. they think the Wii's NetfliX app is the best thing ever.

This sounds like my baby boomer parents. I gave them an ATV3 and they used it a lot. But I set it up so they could use their TV remote for the ATV3.

Before their ATV3, they used their smart TV with Netflix built in. But the app UI totally sucked, and it stop getting updates. The ATV3 was a great replacement for their smart app, and they only had to use one remote.

Last year, I was going to buy them a new ATV4 for Xmas. This was until the ATV4 came out and after using the one I bought, I thought the new ATV4 was going to be too complex for them.

My brother bought them a BR player that had Netflix on it and they no longer use the ATV3. They only have one remote still and that is a big part on why they use it.

 

[cmichaelb]

people get 4K...
I agree that people generally don't pay attention to the lighting technology behind their panels - and even worse, actually think edge lit LED is a positive feature.

But I'd tend to believe that everyone looking at a 42" more bigger TV will quickly understand that hdtv is "old" and 4k is new and relatively future proof. And by extension. apple isn't future proof, and is for old equipment.

Price outweighs resolution for most buyers. I just talked to someone this week who is even an Apple fan, never heard of 4K or the 12.9" iPad Pro, or that there was a newer 9.7" iPad.

It's going to be at least a couple of more years before 4K becomes a household word or 4K sets outsell 1080p sets.

 

[Lankyman]

They actually sell devices that will turn the wifi signal from the iPhone/iPad into an IR signal. Here is a link as an example. As I mentioned earlier, the problem is the lack of hard buttons that make it more of a headache to use during movies and while using a DVR. It is possible to rely only on an iPhone as your only remote, though. No matter how complicated your system is.
If a universal is setup properly, it is very, very easy to use.

As an example, to play the AppleTV, I can get the Samsung remote, turn TV on, switch to HDMI2, get Denon remote, turn it on, switch to input labeled DVD to play the AppleTV, then get the Apple TV remote or I could just "Hit the button labeled "AppleTV" on my Harmony or iPhone.

I have had people over to house-sit and it is much easier to get them up and running on a Harmony remote than a bunch of individual remotes.

I sent our Harmony back for a refund (a) you need a degree to programme it for seven different bits of kit (b) using it was a right pain with the wife more or less saying 'it's me or the remote' (c) it chewed through batteries like there was no tomorrow - apparently a known issue.

None of us struggles with 7 individual remotes as each one has the makers name on it e.g Panasonic TV, Panasonic DVD etc. etc.
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Price outweighs resolution for most buyers. I just talked to someone this week who is even an Apple fan, never heard of 4K or the 12.9" iPad Pro, or that there was a newer 9.7" iPad.

It's going to be at least a couple of more years before 4K becomes a household word or 4K sets outsell 1080p sets.

Trade magazines are themselves quoting around a decade before 4K becomes the norm for most households not a couple of years.

 

[QuarterSwede]

I sent our Harmony back for a refund (a) you need a degree to programme it for seven different bits of kit (b) using it was a right pain with the wife more or less saying 'it's me or the remote' (c) it chewed through batteries like there was no tomorrow - apparently a known issue.

None of us struggles with 7 individual remotes as each one has the makers name on it e.g Panasonic TV, Panasonic DVD etc. etc.

Like Uofmtiger, I went for a Harmony Smart remote and love it. It's all programmable on the app so it's much easier than using their old web software to program them. Plus it's wifi/RF/and Bluetooth and controls anything out there. The coin cell lasts an entire year (no charging). Love being able to turn down the system from my bed when my son is up early playing games and doesn't have the volume low enough. Or if the remote is missing I still can use the app. I had a 700 series Harmony before and the smart remote is much better in every way. Harmony smart series is the way to go.

 

[Lankyman]

Like Uofmtiger, I went for a Harmony Smart remote and love it. It's all programmable on the app so it's much easier than using their old web software to program them. Plus it's wifi/RF/and Bluetooth and controls anything out there. The coin cell lasts an entire year (no charging). Love being able to turn down the system from my bed when my son is up early playing games and doesn't have the volume low enough. Or if the remote is missing I still can use the app. I had a 700 series Harmony before and the smart remote is much better in every way. Harmony smart series is the way to go.

Do you mean the one that comes with the Hub? It's hundreds of pounds to replace remotes that I already own and which do what they say on the tin. Having tried one previously I just can't see the point.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I sent our Harmony back for a refund (a) you need a degree to programme it for seven different bits of kit (b) using it was a right pain with the wife more or less saying 'it's me or the remote' (c) it chewed through batteries like there was no tomorrow - apparently a known issue.

A) the popularity of Harmony was the fact that their web interface took most of the difficulty out of the setup process. I realize that there may be some computer illiterate people that could have issues, but for most anyone else, the one time setup is a lot less complicated than dealing with 7 different remotes on a daily basis (especially anyone with a lot of components and a receiver in the mix).

B) I have a hard time believing you had a Harmony remote. Hitting a button that says "play DVD" seems like a marriage saver compared to making her get the Samsung remote, turn the TV on, switch inputs to HDMI 3, getting the receiver remote, turn on receiver, find the DVD button and hit it, then find the DVD player's remote and turn it on....make sure you hold on to the DVD remote and receiver remote during the program in case you need to pause or adjust volume.

C) There are different Harmony remotes. I have two of the older 880 models that I have had for about 8 years (maybe longer). They sit on recharging docks and I have changed out batteries one time in all these years. Of course, you have to research models, but I have never had issues with the batteries on the 880s.

Anyway, I don't really care if you are happier with the daily complication of using several remotes. Just want to give my own experience that is the polar opposite of your points.

 

[Juicy Box]

None of us struggles with 7 individual remotes as each one has the makers name on it e.g Panasonic TV, Panasonic DVD etc. etc.

A) the popularity of Harmony was the fact that their web interface took most of the difficulty out of the setup process. I realize that there may be some computer illiterate people that could have issues, but for most anyone else, the one time setup is a lot less complicated than dealing with 7 different remotes on a daily basis (especially anyone with a lot of components and a receiver in the mix).

B) I have a hard time believing you had a Harmony remote. Hitting a button that says "play DVD" seems like a marriage saver compared to making her get the Samsung remote, turn the TV on, switch inputs to HDMI 3, getting the receiver remote, turn on receiver, find the DVD button and hit it, then find the DVD player's remote and turn it on....make sure you hold on to the DVD remote and receiver remote during the program in case you need to pause or adjust volume.

C) There are different Harmony remotes. I have two of the older 880 models that I have had for about 8 years (maybe longer). They sit on recharging docks and I have changed out batteries one time in all these years. Of course, you have to research models, but I have never had issues with the batteries on the 880s.

Anyway, I don't really care if you are happier with the daily complication of using several remotes. Just want to give my own experience that is the polar opposite of your points.

I guess I am somewhere in-between. I hated having so many remotes for the various things such as a receiver, dvd player, CD player, turntable, TV, ATV, AirPort Express, etc.

I was considering Harmony at one point, but the price kept me away long enough to decide to get rid of all my various components to the TV.

I am down to TV with a sound bar, and an ATV3 or 4. I use one remote, the TV one to control the sound bar, TV and ATV.

It is a simple set up that is probably not perfect for most, but I have the least amount of clutter, with both the remotes and things connected to the TV.

I really miss my audio receiver, but I got rid of that because my old neighbor complained about the noise.

I can't believe someone would enjoy having many different remotes, vs just one or two. I think the Harmony remote would be a really nice way to customize your entertainment experience, if you want to spend the money to get one.

 

[Lankyman]

I honestly can't understand why anyone would struggle with multiple remotes as many of you suggest. You know the TV remote turns the TV on (CEC disabled on all products BTW) and the PVR remotes turn the PVR on etc. etc. The only thing you have to remember is which HDMI input is for which devices. Once you can remember that then controlling the individual devices is child's play.

Incidentally QuarterSwede and Uofmtiger neither of you have said which Harmony models you are using.