Is anyone happy with their 2022 AppleTV 4K?

[kiranmk2]

I notice from the new M2 Pro Macs released today that they finally support 8k60 over HDMI implying that the HDMI ports are finally 48 Gbps (i.e. what most people would call HDMI 2.1). I guess thta means that the next Apple TV 4k model may finally have full bandwidth ports enabling 4k120 (or 8k60 if you are so inclined) rather than the HDMI 2.0 4k60 port on the current model (with eARC as an HDMI 2.1 feature that has tricked many people / tech blogs into thinking the 2022 model has HDMI 2.1).

 

[MBAir2010]

I bought a 4k apple tv this past year and love it. I'm planning on getting a second

I'm thinking about getting another one because my tv 3 won't iCloud anymore.
I was unplugging my 2022 to take downstairs to entertain my feeble brain in nice surround sound.

 

[cmatuk]

Working great. Only issue is that new PS5 controller seemed to have issue with paddle getting 'stuck' after a couple of minutes, and crashing my expensive racing car (no, ATV wasn't getting hot). Older Nimbus controller is fine. But I haven't tried a different game yet so it could an app issue rather than ATV issue.

Both controllers work perfectly on the our other ATV, of the previous generation with the same game.

Same is happening to me, works great with an iPhone or a Mac, but the Apple TV 4k wont work

 

[AZhappyjack]

I bought a 4k apple tv this past year and love it. I'm planning on getting a second

Likewise... handed down my AppleTV HD to one of the grandkids... and got the latest... finally a decent remote (though I still have/use/love the white plastic remotes from my first Mac mini and my gen 1 ATV).

 

[Gator5000e]

I have the 2021 version, not your question, i understand, but mine has been awesome. Much easier to use than my Sony’s internal apps. The 4K delivery has been spectacular at times, especially with Netflix. I just finished Kaleidoscope and, wow did it look great! Excellent show as well (watched in chronological order). Of course there are issues but those are with specific providers, such as the Fox Sports app not broadcasting in HDR on the ATV and Amazon can’t being able to decide if they want to push HDR, let alone DV, to the ATV. For the most part all other providers have been good when it comes to HDR (when they make it available). ESPN+ has been great for hockey and the Australian Open and while not in 4K, both have looked good. No issues with bugs either.

 

[akash.nu]

Question , in almost every modern tv since last 5/6 years at least you get apps for pretty much everything and also they support Dolby Atmos and HDR.

What is the major use case for a device like Apple TV?

I do have a couple of them but have left them unplugged as I’ve found them to be unwanted in the household.

 

[-Gonzo-]

Question , in almost every modern tv since last 5/6 years at least you get apps for pretty much everything and also they support Dolby Atmos and HDR.

What is the major use case for a device like Apple TV?

I do have a couple of them but have left them unplugged as I’ve found them to be unwanted in the household.

For me it’s mainly down to my iTunes movie library, all relevant movies play in either 4K Dolby Vision, HDR10+ or HDR10 and the vast majority come with iTunes Extras which are basically just like the special features what you get with DVDs and Blu-rays, some also come with Directors Cuts or other alternate versions of movies which you don’t get with the smart tv apps.

Also convenience as with the TV App you’ve got Up Next which keeps a log of what series you’re watching across many other supported streaming services (mainly all bar Netflix).
New episodes or new seasons of shows you’re watching get released then they just automatically appear in your Up Next list when they’re available.

 

[CMoore515]

Is there a SpeedTest app on the TV app store? How did you measure your speeds?

Yes.

 

[jwolf6589]

My remote has 2 sticking buttons, which seems to be a problem multiple users are reporting.

tvOS 16 is buggy, but that affects all of the models…

The hardware seems okay, though not much more than the typical Apple spec bump as far as an upgrade goes.

TVOS 16 has a few issues but so does iPad OS. For the most part it works great.

 

[jwolf6589]

If someone already has the previous generation 4K model then it’s really hard to justify buying the new model.

Me. I have the 4K 2nd generation and cant justify the expense for what I do.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I am happy with my 2022 Apple TV.

 

[dantracht]

Not even a little happy.

I’ve had so so so many issues with the remote losing connection. The 2022 atv is the buggiest model ever, and I deeply regret buying it. I literally just paired an older remote I had to it in the hopes that it works better.

Latest beta makes no difference.

 

[jwolf6589]

Not even a little happy.

I’ve had so so so many issues with the remote losing connection. The 2022 atv is the buggiest model ever, and I deeply regret buying it. I literally just paired an older remote I had to it in the hopes that it works better.

Latest beta makes no difference.

Sounds like a bug apple needs to urgently fix.

 

[AZhappyjack]

Not even a little happy.

I’ve had so so so many issues with the remote losing connection. The 2022 atv is the buggiest model ever, and I deeply regret buying it. I literally just paired an older remote I had to it in the hopes that it works better.

Latest beta makes no difference.

Sounds like a bug apple needs to urgently fix.

Not to minimize your experience, I don't think it's a "bug"... at least not a widespread bug... mine is fine, and the posts here indicate that not everyone is experiencing the problem... perhaps an issue with BT, or the specific units (ATVs/remotes).

 

[LCC0256]

I am overjoyed with my new 2022 Apple TV 4K with eithernet port. My previous ATV 4K model had issues with my buggy Vizio P65-F1 TV on the Hulu app. Now I never really determined if it was the HULU app on the ATV or the actual Vizio P 65-F1. Not because I did not try however. I ran A/B tests & spoke with every Engineer I could contact. The PROBLE WAS that while on ATV using my HULU app the screen would consistently go blank for a few seconds - then return.No rhyme nor reason to the intervals. When I switched over to using the "Smart" function of the Vizio & it's Hulu app - this would not happen. Yet the picture quality would suffer a bit this way. I was able to eliminate the ISP being the culprit in this situation but that was all. I also suspected the actual HDMI / ARC port on the Vizio could also be at issue. I changed out the HDMI cables a couple of times to a good quality(???) proper speed cable - still had the issue w ATV/Hulu & the Vizio. . The newest version of ATV seems to have stopped this issue. The interface is also quicker using the ATV instead of the Vizio for apps.The picture quality is excellent which is the reason I never just quit on the Vizio. IF YOU DO decide to get the new ATV I strongly recommend getting the ethernet port model. My home is wired with CAT 6 cabling so this was a must for me. I do love wireless anything. However in using computers for nearly 50 years (even writing code way back in the day) - & wireless technology since it has been available - wired connections are STILL superior to wireless ones

 

[jwolf6589]

I am overjoyed with my new 2022 Apple TV 4K with eithernet port. My previous ATV 4K model had issues with my buggy Vizio P65-F1 TV on the Hulu app. Now I never really determined if it was the HULU app on the ATV or the actual Vizio P 65-F1. Not because I did not try however. I ran A/B tests & spoke with every Engineer I could contact. The PROBLE WAS that while on ATV using my HULU app the screen would consistently go blank for a few seconds - then return.No rhyme nor reason to the intervals. When I switched over to using the "Smart" function of the Vizio & it's Hulu app - this would not happen. Yet the picture quality would suffer a bit this way. I was able to eliminate the ISP being the culprit in this situation but that was all. I also suspected the actual HDMI / ARC port on the Vizio could also be at issue. I changed out the HDMI cables a couple of times to a good quality(???) proper speed cable - still had the issue w ATV/Hulu & the Vizio. . The newest version of ATV seems to have stopped this issue. The interface is also quicker using the ATV instead of the Vizio for apps.The picture quality is excellent which is the reason I never just quit on the Vizio. IF YOU DO decide to get the new ATV I strongly recommend getting the ethernet port model. My home is wired with CAT 6 cabling so this was a must for me. I do love wireless anything. However in using computers for nearly 50 years (even writing code way back in the day) - & wireless technology since it has been available - wired connections are STILL superior to wireless ones

I agree. It’s why at some companies Ethernet is used because wireless does not go thru walls very well. Also when I went to the university I used Ethernet for my then iBook. If I went to school these days I would need an Ethernet adaptor for my MacBook Pro.

 

[HDFan]

in almost every modern tv since last 5/6 years at least you get apps for pretty much everything and also they support Dolby Atmos and HDR.

There have been a number of threads discussing this issue. Points made:

1. TV manufacturers don't support software as long as Apple. Look at the discussions about the LG C8 once it was older and how many people had to complain before they implemented Apple Support.

2. You can upgrade your hardware as needed without having the replace the whole TV.

3. Apple TV's quality and interface may be the best in the business

and so on ...

 

[AZhappyjack]

There have been a number of threads discussing this issue. Points made:

3. Apple TV's quality and interface may be the best in the business

and so on ...

I'm not sure that I’d call AppleTV’s interface “the best in the business”, but some of the manufacturers’ “smart TV” interfaces are truly horrid.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Question , in almost every modern tv since last 5/6 years at least you get apps for pretty much everything and also they support Dolby Atmos and HDR.

What is the major use case for a device like Apple TV?

I do have a couple of them but have left them unplugged as I’ve found them to be unwanted in the household.

That "getting apps for pretty much everything" doesn't seem to be true at all... unless everything is defined as only the major streaming video apps plus what is typically a handful of some others. That would be like saying since Macs have apps for pretty much everything one can do on iPhone or iPad, what's the point of iPhone or iPad?

There is a relatively enormous App Store for AppleTV vs. any of the TV app stores. And apps for AppleTV are usually kept functional until an AppleTV generation reaches that "long in tooth" state via tvOS obsoletion and/or Apples "buy again" game of vintaging stuff (that can still work just fine).

However, even if some TV brand covers both of those bases as well (do any of them???), AppleTV is fully compatible with all Apple ecosystem benefits while TV apps are not. So if you are deep into Apple, you'll find that you can generally do more with AppleTV than you can with TV apps.

If app uses are mainly limited to major video streamers (Netflix, Disney +, etc), TV apps can be just as good. And note AppleTV the app is very far from offering the functionality of AppleTV the box. Some seem to perceive the app being available on TVs means there's little-to-nothing more the box can do. That's completely untrue.

Most simply: all it takes is as little as ONE app available for AppleTV that is NOT available for TV. If there is ONE+ app(s) that people like on AppleTV that they can't get on the TV, it may be able to justify an AppleTV all by itself. For me, that would be the Computers app that comes stock with AppleTV. Often overlooked, it is a very functional app that takes advantage of content I own (vs. content that can be rented or purchased). It's not about selling me something but about serving up a wide variety of media I already have, be that movies, tv shows, home movie collection, photos, music collection, podcasts, etc. Subscription cost to use it for all of that: $0. Rental costs for content available within it: $0. Cloud subscription for access any of that: $0 (no cloud required).

 

[-Gonzo-]

If app uses are mainly limited to major video streamers (Netflix, Disney +, etc), TV apps can be just as good. And note AppleTV the app is very far from offering the functionality of AppleTV the box. Some seem to perceive the app being available on TVs means there's little-to-nothing more the box can do. That's completely untrue.

Although I mostly agree the one area I think the AppleTV suffers the most is the streaming apps from some of the major video streamers compared to their Smart TV/other streaming device app counterparts out there.
For some unknown reason the AppleTV gets lumbered with bare bones versions of some apps which is a shame.
BBCiPlayer in the UK being one example where we don’t even get a basic function of subtitles let alone anything a little more advanced like UHD, they just say it isn’t possible on the AppleTV which to me just seems bizarre but then I’m not an app developer.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I can agree with that... and suspect the cause is Apple is a "bad" partner (good old "30% right off the top" and "if you sell a subscription in app, we want our cut first", etc) and thus pays the price of getting prioritized lower on "latest & greatest" updates. Perhaps the streaming app makers would RATHER we use the apps on other platforms because the deal with others is much better for the streamer?

However, for OP, the hybrid model can work: use the best version of the streaming app. If its on the TV, use that app there. If it's on AppleTV, use that version. If its on an iPhone, airplay it to the TV. etc.

And, I have several "smart" TVs bought over the last decade. While pretty new TVs tend to have "latest" version of apps, older ones seems to reach end of (updates) support with apps... even when the same brand of television has newer TVs with newer versions of those apps. On the other hand, AppleTV tends to have functional apps for LONGER and when it gets "too old", buying a replacement AppleTV for newer apps is generally much less expensive than buying a replacement television.

 

[SurfMacJpMtb]

I'm in the market to get a new AppleTV and popped over to the forums to see what people are saying and I'm seeing a LOT of people that are disappointed with it. I was wondering if it's a vocal minority and most people are ok with the new box or if it really is an issue and I should get a 2021 model and just accept that I'm buying an older machine...

I would recommend the latest model. The interface is super responsive. I do not experience any of the issues with dropped connectivity. I have owned each version of aTV and currently have the three different 4K models running on different TVs. The aTV 4K version 3 is the quickest to interact with.

 

[nutmac]

My only real complaint from Apple TV 4K, which will be partially addressed in upcoming software update, is the "no signal/black" screen when the TV is switching dynamic range or frame rate.

Apple will enable VRR and QMS on 3rd generation Apple TV 4K, allowing compatible TVs to immediately switch the frame rate.

This won't solve the dynamic range, however, which will require both the TV and Apple TV to support HDMI 2.1a's SBTM. In theory, this can be done via software update.

 

[AL2TEACH]

most people are ok with the new box

Probably more accurate plus it's less expensive, has HDR10+ and Matter for HomeKit. For me, it's not worth leaving my Apple 4k because of one thing, still LPCM.

 

[akash.nu]

That "getting apps for pretty much everything" doesn't seem to be true at all... unless everything is defined as only the major streaming video apps plus what is typically a handful of some others. That would be like saying since Macs have apps for pretty much everything one can do on iPhone or iPad, what's the point of iPhone or iPad?

I didn’t realise the major use case was outside of the main few streaming apps. I mean games on Apple TV are just horrendous to play and nowhere close to the iOS experience or a console experience. At least for me, most of the apps that I have ever used on an Apple TV can be found on the smart tvs.

Can you give an example of a use case that may be used by a lot of people but can only be achieved via Apple TV and not on a smart Tv platform?

There is a relatively enormous App Store for AppleTV vs. any of the TV app stores. And apps for AppleTV are usually kept functional until an AppleTV generation reaches that "long in tooth" state via tvOS obsoletion and/or Apples "buy again" game of vintaging stuff (that can still work just fine).

Yep, I get it but I can’t imagine a lot of people are in this situation to be honest. Various studies show that the size of the AppStore doesn’t mean much and that majority of the users stick to a few handful of apps.

However, even if some TV brand covers both of those bases as well (do any of them???), AppleTV is fully compatible with all Apple ecosystem benefits while TV apps are not. So if you are deep into Apple, you'll find that you can generally do more with AppleTV than you can with TV apps.

So I am super deep in the ecosystem but can you give me a usecase here that can ONLY be achieved using Apple TV?

1. Airplay works fine with smart TVs and that is technically the main use case I see that requires you to be in the ecosystem.
2. If you buy any content on any other devices then that would be available via the Apple TV app.
3. Even Apple Music is supported on the most popular Samsung and LG TVs. <I get this might be a caveat if people have other brands and they may choose to buy an Apple TV because of this>

Probably the only other scenario I see where the ecosystem will help is to access your photos on the Tv. But since AirPlay works with the smart TVs, we can just use that method to access Photos.

If app uses are mainly limited to major video streamers (Netflix, Disney +, etc), TV apps can be just as good. And note AppleTV the app is very far from offering the functionality of AppleTV the box. Some seem to perceive the app being available on TVs means there's little-to-nothing more the box can do. That's completely untrue.

I agree with you here completely, but do you have any examples I can try out?

Most simply: all it takes is as little as ONE app available for AppleTV that is NOT available for TV. If there is ONE+ app(s) that people like on AppleTV that they can't get on the TV, it may be able to justify an AppleTV all by itself. For me, that would be the Computers app that comes stock with AppleTV. Often overlooked, it is a very functional app that takes advantage of content I own (vs. content that can be rented or purchased). It's not about selling me something but about serving up a wide variety of media I already have, be that movies, tv shows, home movie collection, photos, music collection, podcasts, etc. Subscription cost to use it for all of that: $0. Rental costs for content available within it: $0. Cloud subscription for access any of that: $0 (no cloud required).

I think I am in sync with you but just wondering if this is big enough of a problem in the grand scheme of things. I am using Plex to access my personal collection and it works flawlessly.