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Most people already own an HDMI cable or they are just going to use the same HDMI cable they were already using with their current Apple TV.

Most people here do, sure. But you'd be surprised how many first time buyers of the aTV come into a retail store, don't have an HDMI cable and then bitch about having to either drop $29 on the cable at the store, or bitch about going to Walmart to grab one for $5. It would be nice if they just included the cable, as they include a cable with every other product they ship. Especially one that's so crucial to the device.
 
Dislike the loss of optical audio also. Having AirPlay work without the television on is excellent.

I am not liking the loss of the optical port.

But, I read on another thread about a HDMI to Optical audio out adapter for $20. So if this is the case, there are still options for Airplay without the TV being on. @ $20, it isn't that expensive.
 
Most people here do, sure. But you'd be surprised how many first time buyers of the aTV come into a retail store, don't have an HDMI cable and then bitch about having to either drop $29 on the cable at the store, or bitch about going to Walmart to grab one for $5. It would be nice if they just included the cable, as they include a cable with every other product they ship. Especially one that's so crucial to the device.
True. The real reason we don't see the HDMI cables in the box is because HDMI isn't a cable standard that Apple created and therefore they would have to pay an annual fee and royalties to someone else for every cable packaged and sold. And it isn't cheap!

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/terms.aspx
 
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Would like to know if the music app within tvOS gives you the opportunity to stream to multiple AirPlay devices.

Does anyone have an idea as to why Apple wouldn't use gig Ethernet?

I find it odd that they made no mention of Homekit. Seems like there is much more potential other than to ask Siri to watch movies and TV programs. Really?

Let's hope this is just the beginning.
 
For the people wondering about options for the loss of the optical ports, I quickly found these on Amazon.

HDMI to HDMI + Audio Adapter

HDMI Audio Extractor

I am sure there are others. I really don't like the idea of buying another thing to connect all my stuff, plus they are kinda big. But, they look like a solution to the ATV4 not having optical out.
 
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Would like to know if the music app within tvOS gives you the opportunity to stream to multiple AirPlay devices.

Does anyone have an idea as to why Apple wouldn't use gig Ethernet?

I find it odd that they made no mention of Homekit. Seems like there is much more potential other than to ask Siri to watch movies and TV programs. Really?

Let's hope this is just the beginning.
You said it yourself. It is just the beginning. This is literally the beginning of TVOS. The first device on the market in October is for devs to make apps/create buzz and also for first time users to be their guinnea pig...er...I mean beta testers so Apple can work out the kinks, get feedback, and refine the device and it's user experience.

The second iteration of the "New Apple TV" will be the one to buy. I would try to hold off until then. That one will work with HomeKit and it will have support for 4K. I guarantee it. ;-)
 
True. The real reason we don't see the HDMI cables in the box is because HDMI isn't a cable standard that Apple created and therefore they would have to pay an annual fee and royalties to someone else for every cable packaged and sold. And it isn't cheap!

http://www.hdmi.org/manufacturer/terms.aspx
Interesting...they do sell a separate packaged cable alongside the aTV at the store though...I can't link the Apple Store directly since it's still down, but Amazon also resells them.

http://www.amazon.com/APPLE-HDMI-CABLE-1-8-ZM/dp/B00B5EQX06
 
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You said it yourself. It is just the beginning. This is literally the beginning of TVOS. The first device on the market in October is for devs to make apps/create buzz and also for first time users to be their guinnea pig...er...I mean beta testers so Apple can work out the kinks, get feedback, and refine the device and it's user experience.

The second iteration of the "New Apple TV" will be the one to buy. I would try to hold off until then. That one will work with HomeKit and it will have support for 4K. I guarantee it. ;-)
Ditto this...they will no doubt include 4K, and I'm sure an update to aTV4 will be within a year or so. 4K is starting to pickup speed finally, as Verizon, Google and other fiber services keep expanding. You can currently utilize Siri via the aTV as a hub with the Phillips lights, but that's the only current HomeKit config that I know of. I'm sure there's a ton more to come...
 
Interesting...they do sell a separate packaged cable alongside the aTV at the store though...I can't link the Apple Store directly since it's still down, but Amazon also resells them.

http://www.amazon.com/APPLE-HDMI-CABLE-1-8-ZM/dp/B00B5EQX06
Yah but think about it. Their stock on that accessory is probably super low. Lower than the total units of Apple TV's they will sell. So it saves them money.

While I am sure they are spending some cash to have those cables in their stores, it is infinitely cheaper than having to pay for all the ones they would package together with the Apple TV or any other devices that requires a cable that isn't made by Apple.
 
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Ok so now we have an iOS (or tvOS) device that has a usb type c port, while the remote has a lightning port, but the included cable is lightning to usb 2.0. Plus, there is a power cable even though usb type c would have been more than sufficient to power this device.

Am I the only one who is confused by all of this?

This is my biggest issue with Apple's ecosystem. There are now 10 connectors/cables.

1.) Lightning connector
2.) USB Type C
3.) Magsafe 2
4.) Magsafe for Apple Watch
5.) Micro USB (for all Beats gear)
6.) Power cable for Apple TV
7.) 30 pin connector for older iOS devices
8.) Magsafe 1 for older Macbooks
9.) New magnetic connector on iPad Pro
10.) Batteries for magic trackpad, keyboard, etc...

This shouldn't happen in a closed tightly integrated ecosystem. I wonder if these guys ever travel or do they live under a rock in Cupertino.

BTW, I will be preordering the new iPhones for me and the family in 90 minutes.
 
Looks great to me, excited to finally be upgrading my ATV2.

One big issue though, you still need multiple remotes to operate your TV. In Apple's idea of a perfect world, no one would ever want to switch inputs because ATV serves all of everyone's needs. But that's just not the case for me, and especially for gamers.

The remote looks great, but universal remotes will have a tough time emulating its functionality.

Most high end tv's will automatically switch inputs when a video connected device is turned on. For example if I'm watching my Apple TV and turn on my PlayStation 4, my input will automatically switch.
 
How the heck did het get one?
They said in the keynote that Apple would be sending out a limited amount of Apple TV's to developers to program and test apps. He probably knows a Dev got an Apple TV sent to him from Apple and asked to make an unboxing video....(is my best guess..)
 
When are they going to add an analogue audio output like an RCA or even a Minijack output? Would be a great way to play my music wirelessly!

Most modern receivers and processors have an hdmi or optical port. This is why they don't support other connectors.
 
Yah but think about it. Their stock on that accessory is probably super low. Lower than the total units of Apple TV's they will sell. So it saves them money.

While I am sure they are spending some cash to have those cables in their stores, it is infinitely cheaper than having to pay for all the ones they would package together with the Apple TV or any other devices that requires a cable that isn't made by Apple.

Hmm...I'm gonna say yes and no at the same time. You're right to an extent. Considering these are sold online, in store and also at third party retailers, I'm sure they save a ton by not including the cable. Having worked at a retail store, the inventory levels are more or less equal to the number of aTV units at any given time (at least at the location I worked) in FOH we had at one point more HDMI cables hanging from pegs in the accessories section than aTV's for sale...lol. I get that Apple is in the business of making money, I just feel like it's kinda snobby and unreasonable to include the damn cable, instead packaging and selling one separately. The same with selling lightning cables and wall chargers separate. On the flip side, as a shareholder...I should probably stop bitching. As a consumer though, it's kind of snarky of them.

I went and read through the link you posted earlier...from what the website states, it looks like by not including an HDMI cable with the aTV and selling a packaged cable separately, they're still subject to a royalty. Either way, that was an interesting tidbit that I had not known.

"HDMI royalty is only payable on Licensed Products that will be sold on a stand-alone basis (i.e. that are not incorporated into another Licensed Product that is subject to an HDMI royalty). For example, if a cable or IC is sold to an Adopter who then includes it in a television subject to a royalty, then the cable or IC maker would not pay a royalty, and the Adopter television manufacturer would pay the royalty on the final product. If the cable is sold directly to consumers, then it would be subject to a royalty."
 
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This is one thing among many that apple is being super greedy about. HDMI cables like most cables cost them pennies. Yet, they want to sell you a $29 HDMI cable separate from the aTV at the Apple Store. Just like they want to sell you the $19 Lightning cable and $19 wall plug separately...it's such a joke! Things like this really turn me off w/Apple sometimes. Acting like they don't have billions of dollars.

Who cares if they want to sell you an HDMI cable. The joke is if anyone is stupid enough to pay for one when you can get one at Walmart for under $10. Even cheaper at Monoprice.
 
Ok so now we have an iOS (or tvOS) device that has a usb type c port, while the remote has a lightning port, but the included cable is lightning to usb 2.0. Plus, there is a power cable even though usb type c would have been more than sufficient to power this device.

Am I the only one who is confused by all of this?

This is my biggest issue with Apple's ecosystem. There are now 10 connectors/cables.

1.) Lightning connector
2.) USB Type C
3.) Magsafe 2
4.) Magsafe for Apple Watch
5.) Micro USB (for all Beats gear)
6.) Power cable for Apple TV
7.) 30 pin connector for older iOS devices
8.) Magsafe 1 for older Macbooks
9.) New magnetic connector on iPad Pro
10.) Batteries for magic trackpad, keyboard, etc...

This shouldn't happen in a closed tightly integrated ecosystem. I wonder if these guys ever travel or do they live under a rock in Cupertino.

BTW, I will be preordering the new iPhones for me and the family in 90 minutes.
The USB C connection will likely only be used for diagnostics, as the previous versions also did not allow any access to the USB port unless jailbroken. aTV2's still sell for a decent buck online for this reason. The idea isn't to charge the remote by reaching around to the back of your aTV to plug in...although, one final standard across all lines would be nice. I'm with you on that.
 
Most people here do, sure. But you'd be surprised how many first time buyers of the aTV come into a retail store, don't have an HDMI cable and then bitch about having to either drop $29 on the cable at the store, or bitch about going to Walmart to grab one for $5. It would be nice if they just included the cable, as they include a cable with every other product they ship. Especially one that's so crucial to the device.

Tell that to the majority of the home printer manufacturers. They won't include a low cost USB printer cable either.
 
Apple seems to always to backwards with hardware revisions - you always lose a feature of function and it's really not acceptable. Optical port dropped despite having room in the device, the remote is only partially metal unlike the previous one. The remove requires charging via another cable, yet the older remote ran on a simply CR2023 lithium battery which was actually user replaceable.
 
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