Looking for set-top box recommendation

[mazz0]

Hey guys,

My mum needs a box with the Apple TV app (including access to Apple TV channels). Having used one myself since release I can’t honestly recommend the Apple TV (hardware) with Siri Remote. Anyone got any recommendations? I could be persuaded to recommend the Apple TV (hardware) with a third party remote if those remotes offer full functionality, but it looks like it must be difficult using them to access the swipe-down menu for blurb, audio and video settings?

 

[muledoggie]

I think Roku has the Apple content as a channel.

 

[0128672]

I think Roku has the Apple content as a channel.

Yes, Roku offers AppleTV+.

Apple TV+ is now available on the Roku platform | Roku

Roku provides the simplest way to stream entertainment to your TV. On your terms. With more channels than any other streaming player.

blog.roku.com

!

 

[0128672]

Hey guys,

My mum needs a box with the Apple TV app (including access to Apple TV channels). Having used one myself since release I can’t honestly recommend the Apple TV (hardware) with Siri Remote. Anyone got any recommendations? I could be persuaded to recommend the Apple TV (hardware) with a third party remote if those remotes offer full functionality, but it looks like it must be difficult using them to access the swipe-down menu for blurb, audio and video settings?

Although you don't like the Siri Remote, has your mum tried it? When you say a third-party remote that offers "full functionality", what functionality in addition to the Siri Remote are you looking for?

 

[mpainesyd]

You can use the old-style Apple TV remote with the latest Apple TVs. With the 4-way donut for directional control this might be easier to use than the swipe-style Siri Remote. However, like all 3rd party remotes (as far as I know) the old Remote won't give you access to Siri. But maybe that is a good thing
The main thing missing from all Apple remotes is a mute button!

 

[Allyance]

I use the Remote App on my iPhone to control my ATV, I like most things Apple, but the Siri remote is the worst thing they have ever come up with. I use a Harmony remote to control my home theater system when I switch between ATV and Cable.

 

[HDFan]

but it looks like it must be difficult using them to access the swipe-down menu for blurb, audio and video settings?

All work with my Harmony remotes. Only major thing that isn't there is scrolling trackpad.

 

[mazz0]

All work with my Harmony remotes. Only major thing that isn't there is scrolling trackpad.

This Harmony remote sounds promising! Might get myself one. How do you access the swipe-down menu with it?

 

[Deliro]

I use the Remote App on my iPhone to control my ATV, I like most things Apple, but the Siri remote is the worst thing they have ever come up with. I use a Harmony remote to control my home theater system when I switch between ATV and Cable.

The WORST? You haven’t been using Apple products long it seems.

 

[waw74]

How do you access the swipe-down menu with it?

as crazy as it sounds, and I know you won't belive it, as it makes no sense
you click the down button

also, if her TV supports HDMI-CEC, the regular TV remote will work to control the aTV (TV receives the commands and sends them back over the HDMI cable to the aTV) (different manufacturers call CEC different things)
Only the four direction keys, enter, and back work.
and obviously no siri or trackpad, and there's no Home/TV button, so you might have to back-back-back depending on how deep into an app you are.

You can program the aTV to respond to any remote. It just learns the IR commands from anything
Although, this is limited to the same buttons as CEC
if you have a remote for an old TV laying around, you could use that.


another option, many of the "all-in-one" remotes already have the apple codes programmed in.
If she has a cable box remote that will control multiple things, there's a good chance the aTV codes are already in there. you'll just have to find the manual (probably on the cable company website)

 

[Boyd01]

You can use the old-style Apple TV remote with the latest Apple TVs.

I use my old Apple TV remotes with my AppleTV 4's and evidently they also work with the 4k version. I agree, the Siri remote is certainly one of the worst products Apple has ever made (and I go back to the Apple ][ in 1978). I hate Siri, but will say that my daughter's family uses it and likes the new remote. To each their own.

FWIW, you can still get the old remotes directly from Apple

Apple Remote - Apple

Apple Store Search Results

www.apple.com

 

[mazz0]

as crazy as it sounds, and I know you won't belive it, as it makes no sense
you click the down button

Ooh, I didn’t think that would work - I figured down would register as though you were pressing on the bottom of the touch pad, but it work like swiping instead does it? Cool.
I may have a spare original Apple Remote somewhere, I should try that to see what you mean.

 

[Rigby]

If you really want a different remote, this one is probably the best choice, since it has all buttons that the Apple TV supports over IR (no more, no less) and doesn't require any programming like the Harmony remotes. But I would first let your mom try the Siri remote. I know some elderly folks who have no problems with it (on the contrary, they like it because it doesn't have a lot of confusing buttons).

Roku should be fine too, but the Roku Apple TV app can't access extras for iTunes movies. Roku also does not currently support HBO Max or NBC Universal's Peacock app. It generally provides a less polished experience IMO.

 

[0128672]

But I would first let your mom try the Siri remote. I know some elderly folks who have no problems with it (on the contrary, they like it because it doesn't have a lot of confusing buttons).

... just because someone mentions a parent here doesn't mean the parent is "elderly". Plenty of senior citizens do just fine with complex remotes; it's not a function of age.

 

[Rigby]

... just because someone mentions a parent here doesn't mean the parent is "elderly". Plenty of senior citizens do just fine with complex remotes; it's not a function of age.

Woah, no idea where that came from. Sorry if you took offense, none was intended. BTW, I'm not a "senior citizen" and I do have problems with complex remotes.

 

[Boyd01]

Well, I'm over 70 and I'm the guy my kids call when they have computer problems. 😂

 

[jzuena]

I think Roku has the Apple content as a channel.

The problem with the Roku is that (at least for my Roku 3 devices) Apple TV+ has problems watching any content. I keep getting try again later errors and have to try starting shows multiple times along with rebooting the Roku to get TV+ shows to start. It isn't a pleasant experience, and I have a reminder to cancel Apple TV+ right before my 1 year free trial ends in November if it doesn't get any better.

 

[mazz0]

Woo! I went and got an pair of Apple TV Remotes (aluminium) from the Apple shop and it does indeed work perfectly with the newer Apple TVs! I wish I’d known this years ago! This is amazing! It’s the best Apple upgrade I think I’ve ever had! OK, it’s IR rather than BT and doesn’t have a rechargeable battery or Siri, but It Just Works! It fits so perfectly in my hand, it has no superfluous buttons, it’s so completely usable by touch alone! ❤ ❤ ❤

If you really want a different remote, this one is probably the best choice, since it has all buttons that the Apple TV supports over IR (no more, no less) and doesn't require any programming like the Harmony remotes. But I would first let your mom try the Siri remote. I know some elderly folks who have no problems with it (on the contrary, they like it because it doesn't have a lot of confusing buttons).

I do like the look of that Function remote (I think my mum would appreciate that being a bit bigger means it’s less easily lost), but it costs a lot to get it posted to the UK. Also, why’s it got P up and down buttons - what are they for?

 

[mazz0]

I’d forgotten how much I love this remote control! Behind the iPad this may be my favourite Apple product ever. Although I may be taking iPhone for granted a bit there.

How the heck is this thing made? How do they get the bits inside? Reckon they’re inserted through the holes for the battery and ring button?

 

[960design]

Hey guys,

My mum needs a box with the Apple TV app (including access to Apple TV channels). Having used one myself since release I can’t honestly recommend the Apple TV (hardware) with Siri Remote. Anyone got any recommendations? I could be persuaded to recommend the Apple TV (hardware) with a third party remote if those remotes offer full functionality, but it looks like it must be difficult using them to access the swipe-down menu for blurb, audio and video settings?

You can use the original silver remote on a newer AppleTV or pick this one up:

Apple TV Remote | Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV - IR Replacement Remote - Function101

The Apple TV Remote for a replacement remote for your Apple TV. Designed with traditional buttons, navigating Apple TV is easy and programmed to work out of the box. Compatible with most TV sets, soundbars, and receivers to control power, volume, and mute functions.

function101.com

Function misses Siri button, just like original silver remote.

 

[mpainesyd]

You can use the original silver remote on a newer AppleTV or pick this one up:

Apple TV Remote | Function101 Button Remote for Apple TV - IR Replacement Remote - Function101

The Apple TV Remote for a replacement remote for your Apple TV. Designed with traditional buttons, navigating Apple TV is easy and programmed to work out of the box. Compatible with most TV sets, soundbars, and receivers to control power, volume, and mute functions.

function101.com

Function misses Siri button, just like original silver remote.

That's good - it has a Mute button! However it doesn't seem to use Bluetooth which is a nuisance if the ATV is in a cupboard.
Update: looks like the mute button only works if you have programmed it for directly controlling the TV volume. I suspect this means it will not mute Homepods linked to the ATV.

 

[mazz0]

That's good - it has a Mute button! However it doesn't seem to use Bluetooth which is a nuisance if the ATV is in a cupboard.
Update: looks like the mute button only works if you have programmed it for directly controlling the TV volume. I suspect this means it will not mute Homepods linked to the ATV.

Is there a reason third parties only make IR Apple TV remotes? BT is handy (and can do the HomePod volume, as you mention, though I've mostly given up using HomePods as speakers for my telly - they disconnect too often).

 

[nutmac]

Is there a reason third parties only make IR Apple TV remotes? BT is handy (and can do the HomePod volume, as you mention, though I've mostly given up using HomePods as speakers for my telly - they disconnect too often).

Unfortunately, Siri Remote is the only Bluetooth remote capable of controlling Apple TV. Apple TV 6 will have a redesigned remote that will hopefully address most people's grievances but it is rumored for October release.

Which TV does your mom have? If she can move Apple TV a bit for infrared remote, she can probably use the TV's remote control. I am using LG's Magic Remote using Apple TV's Learn Remote feature. You can program controls like:

• Cursor (left, right, up, down)
• Select
• Menu
• Play
• Pause
• Rewind
• Forward
• Previous
• Next

And through CEC, you can also control volume and mute. Only missing controls I can think of are Siri and Home (or Back).

 

[macsound1]

Well, I'm over 70 and I'm the guy my kids call when they have computer problems. 😂

My grandpa is 90 and teaches microsoft classes at his retirement home. Helped over 100 people install and configure zoom and webcams at the start of the pandemic.
He's my go-to Windows 10 guy, even though I'm microsoft certified for server, I've never been a windows desktop user and he's encountered every possible glitch and "feature".

 

[macsound1]

Unfortunately, Siri Remote is the only Bluetooth remote capable of controlling Apple TV. Apple TV 6 will have a redesigned remote that will hopefully address most people's grievances but it is rumored for October release.

Which TV does your mom have? If she can move Apple TV a bit for infrared remote, she can probably use the TV's remote control. I am using LG's Magic Remote using Apple TV's Learn Remote feature. You can program controls like:

• Cursor (left, right, up, down)
• Select
• Menu
• Play
• Pause
• Rewind
• Forward
• Previous
• Next

And through CEC, you can also control volume and mute. Only missing controls I can think of are Siri and Home (or Back).

Also, not sure if she uses an iPhone but the only feature I use the iPhone Remote app for is when I get a push from the ATV when a text box appears. Very useful for search or passwords.