Has the AppleTV been a failure?

[Pezimak]

I discovered another great feature of the Apple TV last night, I know it’s probably common knowledge but it wasn’t to me. I was on the Apple TV + Home Screen and did a search for The Orville, up popped a list of all the shows, I clicked on one and to my surprise it just started playing. I thought that was odd as I don’t have an Apple TV + sub at the moment as I’m waiting for more shows I want to watch. I then realised they were playing on Disney Plus which I do have a sub for. It literally just did a cross search of my subs and played it from the one I have and can watch the show in. I was impressed with the fluidity of it. It just… worked. I know many have seen this before probably or it’s on other streaming platforms, but to me it was new. Another bit of ’success’ for the Apple TV IMO.

 

[AL2TEACH]

Pretty sure I have owned every generation and they have been solid devices. The hardware has finally caught up with the services. I can't say I have any complaints about the latest 4K except a rare instance of the volume going away.

As to it not bing updated frequently, a device that is single purpose (streaming) should not need updating more than every few years. Even phones are just updated for the sake of sales not needs.
I also agree with those mentioning HDMI2.1. This is an issue being made by you tubers needing something to cry about. Almost no one is doing high refresh rate gaming or 8K on a Mac using HDMI. It's kinda like all the ones fussing about a lack of ports or upgrades on laptops, less than 10% of users will ever plug their MacBook into anything except a charge and less than that will ever upgrade their PC's much less laptops.

2.1 is just not a goodie gum drop for gamers, 8K whatever and YouTube complainers. 4K Blu-ray Discs have a wealth of info packed on em that require the need of a 48Gbps HDMI cable to carry the xtra audio through eArc, Arc won't get it and that requires 2.1 from your Blu-Ray player to your audio receiver, in my case a HT-A9. In this case, Apple TV's 2.1 is just word salad, a play on words that Apple doesn't and shouldn't need to get into for the purpose of deception. Lol, yeah some of those YouTubers just bring up the gag reflex.

 

[BigBlur]

I discovered another great feature of the Apple TV last night, I know it’s probably common knowledge but it wasn’t to me. I was on the Apple TV + Home Screen and did a search for The Orville, up popped a list of all the shows, I clicked on one and to my surprise it just started playing. I thought that was odd as I don’t have an Apple TV + sub at the moment as I’m waiting for more shows I want to watch. I then realised they were playing on Disney Plus which I do have a sub for. It literally just did a cross search of my subs and played it from the one I have and can watch the show in. I was impressed with the fluidity of it. It just… worked. I know many have seen this before probably or it’s on other streaming platforms, but to me it was new. Another bit of ’success’ for the Apple TV IMO.

I do this using the TV app on my iPhone/iPad. Type in a show or movie you want to watch, and it’ll tell you where you can watch it, even if you don’t have the app.

 

[-Gonzo-]

I discovered another great feature of the Apple TV last night, I know it’s probably common knowledge but it wasn’t to me. I was on the Apple TV + Home Screen and did a search for The Orville, up popped a list of all the shows, I clicked on one and to my surprise it just started playing. I thought that was odd as I don’t have an Apple TV + sub at the moment as I’m waiting for more shows I want to watch. I then realised they were playing on Disney Plus which I do have a sub for. It literally just did a cross search of my subs and played it from the one I have and can watch the show in. I was impressed with the fluidity of it. It just… worked. I know many have seen this before probably or it’s on other streaming platforms, but to me it was new. Another bit of ’success’ for the Apple TV IMO.

The ATV app is promoted as being All Your TV All In One App which links all (supported)streaming services together.
ATV+ is just a channel within the ATV app.

Apple TV app

The Apple TV app features Apple TV+, all your favourite streaming services, and new release movies.

www.apple.com

 

[Bodhitree]

I think Apple TV has failed to differentiate itself from the rest of the streaming boxes, and therefore as a product it hasn’t achieved the kind of sales volume that Apple is used to. For what it is, it is a competent box with decent software, a cut above the rest, but not significantly different.

 

[Sampire51]

It's on its way out like the iPod. I had one years ago but at that time the TV I had wasn't a smart tv. Fast forward to today and my nice Samsung TV has all the apps I need. I have no use for an AppleTV. Most of the people I know just use the apps that come built into their TVs. The AppleTV is too expensive when you can use the built in apps that came with your TV for free.

My Samsung TV has been wonderful!

 

[jwolf6589]

It's on its way out like the iPod. I had one years ago but at that time the TV I had wasn't a smart tv. Fast forward to today and my nice Samsung TV has all the apps I need. I have no use for an AppleTV. Most of the people I know just use the apps that come built into their TVs. The AppleTV is too expensive when you can use the built in apps that came with your TV for free.

My Samsung TV has been wonderful!

For me the ATV is better because of airplay, the built in apps and ability to connect to my AirPods.

 

[Juicy Box]

For me the ATV is better because of airplay

You keep mentioning AirPlay as why you like the Apple TV and why you think it is better, but there are a so many non-Apple devices that does AirPlay. Works the same way that it does on the Apple TV.

AirPlay 2 Streaming Devices:

Home app - Accessories

Over 50 brands worldwide offer products that are compatible with HomeKit and your Apple devices — with more and more on the way.

www.apple.com

Actually, you could get a brand new TV with AirPlay 2, the Apple TV app, and a year's worth of Apple TV+ for about the price of the 64GB Apple TV 4K.

Not saying the Apple TV isn't a better device, actually I think the opposite, but using AirPlay as something exclusive to the Apple TV doesn't really work anymore.

 

[jwolf6589]

You keep mentioning AirPlay as why you like the Apple TV and why you think it is better, but there are a so many non-Apple devices that does AirPlay. Works the same way that it does on the Apple TV.

AirPlay 2 Streaming Devices:

Home app - Accessories

Over 50 brands worldwide offer products that are compatible with HomeKit and your Apple devices — with more and more on the way.

www.apple.com

Actually, you could get a brand new TV with AirPlay 2, the Apple TV app, and a year's worth of Apple TV+ for about the price of the 64GB Apple TV 4K.

Not saying the Apple TV isn't a better device, actually I think the opposite, but using AirPlay as something exclusive to the Apple TV doesn't really work anymore.

I also mentioned the ability to connect to AirPods, and the built in ATV apps which you ignored in your reply. But no bother its obvious you do not prefer the ATV. Well I will definitely use the ATV over something like an Android based TV.

 

[Juicy Box]

I also mentioned the ability to connect to AirPods, and the built in ATV apps which you ignored in your reply.

I ignored those things because they are unique to the Apple TV. AirPlay, which you have mentioned many times, is not.

It is silly to mention AirPlay over and over again as if it was something special or unique to the Apple TV, when many other devices have it.

It would be like saying the Apple TV is a better device because it has Netflix or because it has 4K playback.

But no bother its obvious you do not prefer the ATV.

You are so wrong.

I have multiple Apple TVs, many more than you do.
I have been using the Apple TV since the launch of the first generation, and have purchase every generation since with the exception of the latest one.
I have purchased two ATV1, one ATV2, four ATV3, one ATV4, and 3 ATV4K units.
I have mentioned multiple times in this thread, and many other threads, that I think the Apple TV is the best streaming device.

Just because I prefer the Apple TV over the competition, and just because I like the Apple TV doesn't mean that I can't point out downsides and flaws of the Apple TV.

Pretending that the Apple TV is flawless is just silly. Not understanding why someone would rather use a $20 streaming device that does most of what a $200 device does is ignorant or just blind Apple-worship.

Creating a thread asking people if the ATV has been a failure, and then just dismiss any constructive criticism of the Apple TV and/or Apple is....

Fanboyism at its worst.

 

[Schismz]

You keep mentioning AirPlay as why you like the Apple TV and why you think it is better, but there are a so many non-Apple devices that does AirPlay. Works the same way that it does on the Apple TV.

AirPlay 2 Streaming Devices:

Home app - Accessories

Over 50 brands worldwide offer products that are compatible with HomeKit and your Apple devices — with more and more on the way.

www.apple.com

Actually, you could get a brand new TV with AirPlay 2, the Apple TV app, and a year's worth of Apple TV+ for about the price of the 64GB Apple TV 4K.

Not saying the Apple TV isn't a better device, actually I think the opposite, but using AirPlay as something exclusive to the Apple TV doesn't really work anymore.

Pretty much. Had an Apple TV years ago, kinda never bothered again after LG added it to their TVs. Airplay works fine, there's ... Apple TV, perhaps I haven't really looked and found the gems, but I tend to be allergic to much of the content coming out lately, which is why I cancelled Netflix, and shut down Apple TV streaming service after 1 year trial, I just never really used it for anything. Hulu and Prime are okay, some other random subscriptions, but mostly streaming my own library off Synology NAS and Plex... Which is indicative of my own headspace wherein I've moved most content off the cloud, onto my own cloud/Ubiquiti network/etc. No thanks to iCloud as much as possible, never really did too much with Google, doing less now, no hardware from Amazon or Google, and I've wandered off topic. Streaming! Yay!

 

[jwolf6589]

Pretty much. Had an Apple TV years ago, kinda never bothered again after LG added it to their TVs. Airplay works fine, there's ... Apple TV, perhaps I haven't really looked and found the gems, but I tend to be allergic to much of the content coming out lately, which is why I cancelled Netflix, and shut down Apple TV streaming service after 1 year trial, I just never really used it for anything. Hulu and Prime are okay, some other random subscriptions, but mostly streaming my own library off Synology NAS and Plex... Which is indicative of my own headspace wherein I've moved most content off the cloud, onto my own cloud/Ubiquiti network/etc. No thanks to iCloud as much as possible, never really did too much with Google, doing less now, no hardware from Amazon or Google, and I've wandered off topic. Streaming! Yay!

I won’t use a Android based TV or phone period!

 

[Sampire51]

I won’t use a Android based TV or phone period!

My Samsung TV uses their own operating system called Tizen OS, not Android. I haven't had any issues with it.

I love my Samsung TV I heard it's better when you have a Samsung phone, but I don't have a Samsung phone.

 

[jwolf6589]

My Samsung TV uses their own operating system called Tizen OS, not Android. I haven't had any issues with it.

I love my Samsung TV I heard it's better when you have a Samsung phone, but I don't have a Samsung phone.

I love my AppleTV so to each his own.

 

[HDFan]

My Samsung TV has been wonderful!

but what will it be in 2 or 5 years? To keep up with whatever new standards there are (8k, whatever) Samsung will require you to buy a new TV. With an Apple TV you just replace it with the latest model. No need to throw out that screen. It took LG, what, a year to add the Apple TV app and air play to the C8. They weren't going to do it at all until there was an uproar from their customers.

 

[jwolf6589]

but what will it be in 2 or 5 years? To keep up with whatever new standards there are (8k, whatever) Samsung will require you to buy a new TV. With an Apple TV you just replace it with the latest model. No need to throw out that screen. It took LG, what, a year to add the Apple TV app and air play to the C8. They weren't going to do it at all until there was an uproar from their customers.

Good reply. I have a smart TV, my parents have a smart TV and we both use AppleTV's.

 

[Barbareren]

I just moved, so I used the opportunity to upgrade some of my tech (don’t mock my rented furniture, lol). Included in that was the newest Apple TV (love the new remote. Still have the older 4K model hooked up to a projector).

Then when I went to buy a new, real, TV all the salespeople kept talking about the remotes and the interfaces of all the new 4K ultra-HD, Qled, NanoCell etc. models (I ended up going with the latter - I simply prefer LG over Samsung), but I kept saying that I don’t care about all that because I’ll be using it with my Apple TV and its remote only. Then they kept going on about how this and that TV have the Apple TV app and supports AirPlay2 - thinking that’s exactly the same as having an Apple TV box… - It is not.

I also bought an Xbox controller on sale which paires perfectly with the ATV. Yes, the games still su@k for whatever reason, but I do enjoy some of them. I also got two HomePod Minis paired with my ATV. So, for me at least, it’s not just about the simple streaming of media, it’s about the whole ecosystem which only Apple provides - sounding like a cliché now, but it still applies. It’s about convenience. An Apple TV app and AirPlay can’t replace the real thing, at least not for me. I also have very little faith in smart TV’s software over time. My old LG smart TV still worked great, but the software was slow and outdated, so the only reason it still worked great was because I used it with the Apple TV box.

Sorry for sounding like an ad lol, I’m just really content with my simple, yet very functional and convenient new home entertainment setup ?

I love how quickly I can just pick up the Xbox controller and play a Sonic race (used to have the Sega Megadrive/Genesis as a teen). Still don’t understand what the F is going on with Asphalt 8, though, the stupid thing is still unplayable…

I’m obviously not a gamer, I just enjoy the occasional quick game ?

 

[jwolf6589]

I just moved, so I used the opportunity to upgrade some of my tech (don’t mock my rented furniture, lol). Included in that was the newest Apple TV (love the new remote. Still have the older 4K model hooked up to a projector).

Then when I went to buy a new, real, TV all the salespeople kept talking about the remotes and the interfaces of all the new 4K ultra-HD, Qled, NanoCell etc. models (I ended up going with the latter - I simply prefer LG over Samsung), but I kept saying that I don’t care about all that because I’ll be using it with my Apple TV and its remote only. Then they kept going on about how this and that TV have the Apple TV app and supports AirPlay2 - thinking that’s exactly the same as having an Apple TV box… - It is not.

I also bought an Xbox controller on sale which paires perfectly with the ATV. Yes, the games still su@k for whatever reason, but I do enjoy some of them. I also got two HomePod Minis paired with my ATV. So, for me at least, it’s not just about the simple streaming of media, it’s about the whole ecosystem which only Apple provides - sounding like a cliché now, but it still applies. It’s about convenience. An Apple TV app and AirPlay can’t replace the real thing, at least not for me. I also have very little faith in smart TV’s software over time. My old LG smart TV still worked great, but the software was slow and outdated, so the only reason it still worked great was because I used it with the Apple TV box.

Sorry for sounding like an ad lol, I’m just really content with my simple, yet very functional and convenient new home entertainment setup 🙂

I love how quickly I can just pick up the Xbox controller and play a Sonic race (used to have the Sega Megadrive/Genesis as a teen). Still don’t understand what the F is going on with Asphalt 8, though, the stupid thing is still unplayable…

I’m obviously not a gamer, I just enjoy the occasional quick game 🙂

View attachment 2002717

Excellent post thanks.. Yes AppleTv is the best no doubt and you are correct a smart TV and the Apple TV app is not the same as a real ATV. With a real ATV you an also connect AirPods and a HomePod to it, use the built in apple apps such as photos as I do often. For me its nice being able to view iPhone photos and videos on the larger TV screen.

 

[Barbareren]

Excellent post thanks.. Yes AppleTv is the best no doubt and you are correct a smart TV and the Apple TV app is not the same as a real ATV. With a real ATV you an also connect AirPods and a HomePod to it, use the built in apple apps such as photos as I do often. For me its nice being able to view iPhone photos and videos on the larger TV screen.

I’ve only been using an (well, I have two now) Apple TV for under a year, yet I can’t see myself not using it. The remote and the interface is just far better than any TV’s, imo.

 

[jwolf6589]

I’ve only been using an (well, I have two now) Apple TV for under a year, yet I can’t see myself not using it. The remote and the interface is just far better than any TV’s, imo.

I also have a smart TV but choose to use the ATV instead. Bought the 4K unit a few weeks ago as I upgraded from the HD unit. For me I need the built in apple apps such as photos, music, and podcasts, and the ability to connect my AirPods as I do often not to disturb my roommate.

 

[jwolf6589]

I’ve only been using an (well, I have two now) Apple TV for under a year, yet I can’t see myself not using it. The remote and the interface is just far better than any TV’s, imo.

AppleTV also has better audio than a smart TV. You notice that with AirPods and I believe a HomePod connected to it.

 

[Barbareren]

I also have a smart TV but choose to use the ATV instead. Bought the 4K unit a few weeks ago as I upgraded from the HD unit. For me I need the built in apple apps such as photos, music, and podcasts, and the ability to connect my AirPods as I do often not to disturb my roommate.

Yeah, I also have it connected to my other Apple devices. Works great.

There are only two things I don’t like about the Apple TV 4K, and that’s the bad search function (thankfully you can easily type from an iPhone or iPad) and the still embarrassingly lacking Arcade game selection (and that’s a paid service…)…

 

[jwolf6589]

Yeah, I also have it connected to my other Apple devices. Works great.

There are only two things I don’t like about the Apple TV 4K, and that’s the bad search function (thankfully you can easily type from an iPhone or iPad) and the still embarrassingly lacking Arcade game selection (and that’s a paid service…)…

I don't game so for me I don't notice. But yes Apple Arcade has perhaps been a failure.

 

[Barbareren]

AppleTV also has better audio than a smart TV. You notice that with AirPods and I believe a HomePod connected to it.

I don’t know about the specific tech details, but yeah the sound is great. I use 2 HomePod Minis and AirPods Pro. I’ve been trying out Apple’s lossless format lately since I got 6 months free Apple Music with the HomePods. I’m no audiophile, but it sounds pretty awesome to me… ?

(Not very impressed by the HomePod’s Siri feature, though… it often fails simple tasks)

 

[jwolf6589]

I don’t know about the specific tech details, but yeah the sound is great. I use 2 HomePod Minis and AirPods Pro. I’ve been trying out Apple’s lossless format lately since I got 6 months free Apple Music with the HomePods. I’m no audiophile, but it sounds pretty awesome to me… ?

The smart TV people will say that one can airplay to a smart TV so you don't need a ATV but they forget about the higher audio quality of the ATV and the more features of the photos app in the ATV that is better than just using airplay on a smart TV.