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Is the new ATV 4K worth it?
- Thread starter jwolf6589
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If you had the ATV4K1, then I would say that it isn't worth upgrading to the newest one.
If you had a 4K TV, I would say that it would be worth upgrading from the ATV4, but since you still have a 1080p TV, it might be worth sticking around to see what else Apple has planned.
As it is right now, I think the newest ATV4K2 is over priced for what it does. There is rumors that Apple might come out with a more performance-focused Apple TV, so if you are okay with how your current Apple TV is performing, it might be worth waiting to see what Apple has planned.
Another thing worth noting about the new ATV4K2 is that it is missing a bunch of features that a lot of us were hoping for, and in some ways, is a downgrade to the ATV4K1.
If you are planning on getting a 4K TV, then I would. If you are into gaming, there could definitely be benefits.
If you are otherwise happy with the performance of your ATV4 and have no plans to get a 4K TV, then the ATV4K2 probably wouldn't be worth it.
It seems that the people that disliked the original Siri Remote (ATV4 and 4K1) really like the new remote (ATV4K2) better. Not sure if it means the new remote is better or they just really hated the original Siri Remote.
But, keep in mind that you are losing some features and functionality with the new remote, especially for casual gaming and Apple Arcade. There are many games in the Apple Arcade that will not work with the new ATV remote, but will work with the ATV4 and ATV4K1 Siri Remote.
If you do not play games, then this shouldn't really matter much.
Many people prefer the touch pad for scrubbing video, so that might concern you.
You could always use or original Siri Remote from your old ATV4 with the new Apple TV 4K2 if you prefer it over the new remote.
If you currently have issues with your ATV4, then maybe an upgrade would be worth it to you.
If you want to upgrade just to have the newest device, it wouldn't be worth it, imo. But, it is your money, do what you want with it.
If you had a 4K TV, I would say that it would be worth upgrading from the ATV4, but since you still have a 1080p TV, it might be worth sticking around to see what else Apple has planned.
As it is right now, I think the newest ATV4K2 is over priced for what it does. There is rumors that Apple might come out with a more performance-focused Apple TV, so if you are okay with how your current Apple TV is performing, it might be worth waiting to see what Apple has planned.
Another thing worth noting about the new ATV4K2 is that it is missing a bunch of features that a lot of us were hoping for, and in some ways, is a downgrade to the ATV4K1.
Depends...
If you are planning on getting a 4K TV, then I would. If you are into gaming, there could definitely be benefits.
If you are otherwise happy with the performance of your ATV4 and have no plans to get a 4K TV, then the ATV4K2 probably wouldn't be worth it.
This is highly subjective, and I would ask if you like the original Siri Remote. If you like it, then you might consider the new remote less desirable.
It seems that the people that disliked the original Siri Remote (ATV4 and 4K1) really like the new remote (ATV4K2) better. Not sure if it means the new remote is better or they just really hated the original Siri Remote.
But, keep in mind that you are losing some features and functionality with the new remote, especially for casual gaming and Apple Arcade. There are many games in the Apple Arcade that will not work with the new ATV remote, but will work with the ATV4 and ATV4K1 Siri Remote.
If you do not play games, then this shouldn't really matter much.
Many people prefer the touch pad for scrubbing video, so that might concern you.
You could always use or original Siri Remote from your old ATV4 with the new Apple TV 4K2 if you prefer it over the new remote.
Replaces the menu button. AFAIK, it functions the exact same, just has a different name.
I think it comes down to why are you tempted to upgrade....
If you currently have issues with your ATV4, then maybe an upgrade would be worth it to you.
If you want to upgrade just to have the newest device, it wouldn't be worth it, imo. But, it is your money, do what you want with it.
Thanks for this well thought out reply. I don't game and am happy with the performance of my HD unit in general. The only downside is that it would appear that system sounds are lagging behind with the HD unit but this is not a reason to spend $200. I just have some money and thought or was tempted to upgrade just encase we don't see a new unit for another 4 years. I am not dissatisfied with the performance of the A12 chip in my Mini 5 as I don't plan on upgrading my iPad unit for a long time.
If apple is working on another AppleTV unit then it may be wise to wait.
I would wait until you get a 4K tv. I relegated our ATV HD to 2nd tv duty. Does fine for the occasional use. Picture quality on my LG OLED is fantastic.
I've just upgraded from Atv 4th gen, to atv 4k 2 gen (confusing names). Performance wise, I've seen a great improvement in some apps. But I only upgraded, since I got a great offer, and I've got a 4k tv. If not, I was perfectly happy with the Atv 4th gen, since it was still a lot better, than any smart tv apps I've experienced. So I would also recommend waiting, till you upgrade your tv.
Since I have a 4K tv we upgraded to the new 4K model Apple TV. The Apple TV HD is now our bedroom unit, as we have a 1080p tv in our bedroom and I can honestly say, I’m happy enough with the way it works there. Sure the 4K model is a bit snappier but the 1080p tv won’t get much out of all the improvements, simply because the tv cannot handle it. And to buy a newer model just for a snappier UI… I wouldn’t do it.
The HD model still works fine for what it needs to do. I think that’s also the reason Apple still sells them. As not everyone will have a 4K tv. And for a 1080p HD tv, it works just fine.
The HD model still works fine for what it needs to do. I think that’s also the reason Apple still sells them. As not everyone will have a 4K tv. And for a 1080p HD tv, it works just fine.
There are also a couple differences from the atv hd if you happen to use HomePods with your atv. The atv 4k supports homepod home theater mode, which allows you to use HomePods as default speakers, and adds Atmos and surround sound support. The new atv 4k also supports ARC, which means you can output audio from other devices like a Blu-ray player to HomePods. That’s the only reason I will be upgrading from my atv 4k gen 1 to the gen 2.
And I was one of those who hated the old Siri remote. I love the new one. Didn’t like how the touch ring worked though, but I just disabled it and all is well now.
And I was one of those who hated the old Siri remote. I love the new one. Didn’t like how the touch ring worked though, but I just disabled it and all is well now.
If you lack a 4K TV I would stay with HD, but if you are planning to get a 4K TV then upgrade from your HD model.
Performance is better, remote is better, setting Homepods as default speaker, smooter and faster apps...
Like others mentioned, I would continue using the HD version. If you had a 4K TV, then it probably would be worth upgrading, but until you buy a new TV, I'd hold on to the HD unit. We have two of them hooked up in our bedroom and guest bedroom. Neither TV is 4K and both devices work completely fine.
Regarding the remote, I never had major issues with the old remote (except for the damn symmetry which meant I often picked it up the wrong way around), but after using the new one for some time I now find it vastly superior (and have spent the $60 on an additional one for my remaining 1st gen ATV4K).
It's non-symmetrical, easier to pick up without accidentally causing some touchpad action, feels better in the hand, and finally has mute and on/off buttons. The back button is the same as the menu button. You can still scrub using the touch portion, but also have directional buttons for things like menu navigation and more easily skipping forward/back 10 seconds. The only thing missing compared to the old remote is the accelerometer that could be used to control some casual games, but a gamepad is far better for games anyway.
If you are not planning on upgrading from a 1080HD to a 4K TV anytime soon, I would stick with the ATV HD model. Hopefully in a couple of years or so Apple will release a newer model. It would be a waste to buy the ATV 4K 2021 model now and never use it on a 4K TV.
The new remote is a much improved remote over the POS Apple released with the earlier models. Nevertheless, it still has less functionality than the remotes that come with Fire TVs and Rokus. For example, you cannot press a button and access the settings. Instead you have to manually go to the Settings app to make changes, then go back to whatever app you were previously in. Kluge crap. The Apple concepts of "less is more" and "form over function" really don't work in the real world.
The new remote is a much improved remote over the POS Apple released with the earlier models. Nevertheless, it still has less functionality than the remotes that come with Fire TVs and Rokus. For example, you cannot press a button and access the settings. Instead you have to manually go to the Settings app to make changes, then go back to whatever app you were previously in. Kluge crap. The Apple concepts of "less is more" and "form over function" really don't work in the real world.
Curious, what settings are you having to access often? For switching users and audio outputs, those can be done in the control center which is brought up by holding down the TV/home button.
Edit- also there are some accessibility shortcuts that can be assigned to a triple click of the back button, I believe.
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