New Apple TV First Impressions: Not a 'Revolution,' But Siri and tvOS Shine

[Unami]

-no optical audio
-really, really casual gaming (not even nintendo has to be afraid of that)
-bigger (uglier, won't fit under the side of my tv any more)

i'll pass. maybe a few generations down them line, when/if gaming is more interesting on it (established "pro" controller-standard, games that are more than blown up phone-games)

i don't care about 4k, though - my tv is not big enough, and even if it were 55 inch, i wouldn't be sitting close enough to see the difference in resolution. as long as most cinemas have just 2k projection, i'm fine with 1080p. the only advantage of 4k would be a wider color gamut, but this will be hard to see - and as long as nearly all content is color-graded for 2k/rec709 - even when filmed in 4k - that won't make a difference either.

so, no, we don't "have to start somewhere", 4k is pretty much useless for a huge portion of consumers, because they don't have and won't get big enough screens, ever. and the "bladerunner resolution"/rings of saturn concerns the recording device, not the tv. deckard examines the photo on a crappy crt with sd-resolution. btw., he also rotates it slightly, which will be much more interesting.

4k makes sense to me as a video/film professional, because i can either downscale a 4:2:0 4k image to a 4:4:4 2k or crop it. on the other hand, it makes the already huge filesizes even bigger. for a small tv channel, archiving 1 year of 24/7 4k programming would require petabytes of storage. which won't make much sense until storage has become much cheaper. 8k, with 4 times the resolution of 4k will take even more space. that's already a real problem in the industry - store demands have grown and are in the process of growing much faster than storage costs are dropping.

as a consumer, 4k doesn't make much sense to me right now. maybe when i'll get that laser projector we were promised in the 90ies, that stands at the base of a wall and transforms it to a huge screen. or with the next model of occulus.

 

[TimBridges]

Lost optical audio, I don't even know if my soundbar can use HDMI, WTF Apple?

So how do I get audio to my home cinema system?

 

[peterdevries]

Or maybe they will just be serving up the bandwidth?

I think/hope this whole bandwidth thing will soon be a relic from the past. Here in Europe most TV is delivered through an internet connection already and is independent of any data caps that there might be. I have a non-throttled non capped data connection of (last time I checked) 45 mb/s (I just checked and it is now 200 mb/s - woosh).

I would applaud the move to TV apps. It would enable me to filter out everything I don't need or like and focus on those things I enjoy.

The true next step in TV viewing for me has been set with this Apple TV (even though many dispute this). It enables the function of a la carte viewing on a per-TV show or Movie basis irrespective of the content provider (the search finds all instances of a movie on different apps). The only thing we now need is for content providers to enable billing based on individual viewings and / or subcriptions (or a combination of that). The app based functionality would make that easy to do: Netflix and HBO (get a general subscrition); RTL4 (Dutch TV channel that sucks) only get the news and don't pay for the other content etc etc.

In short: I would like to build my own TV entertainment menu myself on an individual show basis.

 

[peterdevries]

So how do I get audio to my home cinema system?

HDMI throughput?

 

[SimonTheSoundMa]

Needs 4k. And yes, I have a 4k TV at home.

There is no point in Apple doing it. UHD TV standard isn't yet finalised. There will be all sorts of compatibility problems with UHD TV when it is launched. Only Sharp I know of has one compatible panel and it is not for general sale.

 

[Jsameds]

So how do I get audio to my home cinema system?

AppleTV --HDMI--> TV --Optical--> Home Cinema

 

[satcomer]

What I'm excited about is the developer part SDK! Think about it because if you local station makes an App then you would be able stream your local channels (think NPR, etc.)! Plus with about to use game now and this new Apple TV and games controllers and this could only get better!

However like others said I'm worried about the lack of optical audio!

 

[fitshaced]

There should be a 'find my remote' app on the iPhone. This remote being black might mean it gets lost quite often.

 

[TimBridges]

Ooops
Should have thought of that

 

[Jsameds]

Ooops
Should have thought of that

That how I have mine set up. Everything HDMI going into my TV and then one optical out to my surround sound, so the TV is the central 'hub' if you like.

That means then anything that is displayed on the TV automatically goes through the 5.1, regardless of what input I'm using (TV/PS3/PS4/Blu-ray player, Apple TV etc.)

 

[Jsameds]

There should be a 'find my remote' app on the iPhone. This remote being black might mean it gets lost quite often.

And 'Find My iPhone' on the AppleTV

 

[xmichaelp]

I currently have an Apple TV. If I had it all to do over again, I'd get a Roku. Even after the announcement.

My roku was garbage. Awful cheap build, cheap remote, ugly UI, and the streaming was bad. It crashed every time I rewind.

 

[angryshortguy]

One of the big announcements coming out of Apple's "Hey Siri" event in San Francisco today was the new and improved Apple TV, which aims to provide users with a far more robust and unified experience than its predecessor. As it did with the iPad Pro and iPhone 6s, Apple has allowed some journalists hands-on time with the new Apple TV after today's event and subsequently the first impressions of the device have been shared online.

The Verge went hands-on with the new Apple TV, and while they found the new remote to be "frenetic" at first, they noted the sensitive controls are easy to get used to, even in a brief demo environment. The site also liked the slight visual overhaul thanks to tvOS, and called the device a "meaningful" upgrade to the Apple TV line, but was left unsure whether it met Apple's massive vision detailed during today's conference.

Variety's brief demo with the new set-top box found that the overall experience has been uniquely tuned around Siri and Siri's in-depth search parameters. Specifically, the site was a fan of the device's "fast and fluid" interface, along with the new remote control and the possibility of future Apple Watch integration. On the downside, Variety noted that much of the in-video alternate functionality shown off by Apple during the media event -- like searching for actors while a movie plays -- is limited to iTunes videos for the time being. The site also found some roadblocks when continuing to inquire into specific categories with Siri, with the voice assistant sometimes stumbling over whether they were beginning a new query or continuing insight into a previous one. In the end, while they liked the brief experience, Variety wasn't sure Apple completely "changed the TV experience," as the company hoped to do. SlashGear said the physical Apple TV set-top box "isn't quite as aesthetically pleasing," as the existing version, but thought the brighter tvOS and slick menu controls were far ahead of the current Apple TV. The site also noted the accessibility of the remote's IR blaster -- which allows the small device to control a TV's volume -- and the ability to support MFI-certified controllers, like Bluetooth gamepads, is a plus for anyone looking into the new gaming App Store section of the Apple TV.

The new Apple TV will be available in late October for $149 (32GB) and $199 (64GB). Besides TV and movie functionality, Apple introduced a few gaming-centric features today, including unique co-operative play for certain game titles and the announcement of the first gamepad for the new Apple TV.

Article Link: New Apple TV First Impressions: Not a 'Revolution,' But Siri and tvOS Shine

So the new iPhone is capable of taking 4k video but the Apple TV can't play it.
Not really working out to be the best ecosystem.
"It Just Works" should be changed to "Give us time, we'll catch up..."

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

h.265? You're too funny...

Head on over to DSL Reports' forums. Comcast is just starting to roll out h.264/MPEG-4 support in some of their markets. Let's check in about 10 years from now, but I'm not holding my breath. John Oliver looks so much better on my ATV right now when compared to the broadcast on Sunday night - I can tell that Comcrap is strangling what's coming over the cable already, and they're already offering - in FL, of all places - an opportunity to pay $30 extra to get over the cap.

My last house just had CL fiber installed - Prism looks so much better than the (Com)crap I get fed at my current location. Lemme know if you'd want a gentleman's wager we'll see h.265 before this decade checks out - I wouldn't take that bet! Cheers!

The pace that cable adopts h.265 has nothing at all to do with Apple's ability to adopt h.265 (and Apple ALREADY is using h.265 for FaceTime). All these other players don't have to change before Apple could roll out such an TV. Instead, Apple could lead by rolling out a new standard and then it would be on these other players to play catch up (but even there, it wouldn't matter if a Comcast ever adopted h.265 for their video delivery).

As to "strangling" (data caps, etc), anyone in a strangled community could choose to download 1080p or 720p or SD versions of files. A 4K TV doesn't force anyone to only stream 4K video; it just makes that possible for those who desire it and are not in strangled areas.

While I share some of your pessimism about broadcasters adopting it for cable or over-the-air even before the end of the decade (it took them a VERY long time to shift from SD to HD even with a GOV mandate), I was surprised to see that over-the-air 4K is actually being tested: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-rele...s-of-emerging-atsc-30-standard-300111554.html While I had generally come to assume the path to 4K quality was probably another round of discs and streaming from an industry leader (like Apple), there may be some hope that at least some broadcasters might do something with 4K even at the over-the-air level.

 

[prowlmedia]

What I want to know is why is it bigger?! Any ideas?

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

The Verge tech reporter in the video said "the Apple Remote uses IR (Infrared) to control your TV". Must have been asleep during the keynote. The Apple TV remote uses Bluetooth and doesn't need line-of-sight like an IR remote. How sloppy was he with the rest of his assessment?

Tech specs page at Apple confirms IR transmitter (too): http://www.apple.com/tv/specs/ A remote trying to do more than what can be done within the TV box would need IR to turn on other links in the chain (that lack Bluetooth). For example, while the bluetooth functionality can activate and run TV, most would probably need the IR to turn on the TV and maybe the surround sound receiver. No IR and it would likely be back to multiple remotes for many.

 

[Basic75]

Needs 4k. And yes, I have a 4k TV at home.

They didn't put in 4K so that you'll have to upgrade again in one or two years.

 

[Robstevo]

Everyone saying there isn't enough content.

Surely apple (according to all the fan bosys) should be the pioneers and the ones striving for the better?

If Apple make 4k the norm the content will be made.

To say they shouldn't do it because there isn't enough content is basically a view DIRECTLY opposite of Steve Jobs view on technology ie striving to be the best, game changes etc

Sadly it seems apple have lost this culture and fan boys are happy with average or the norm instead of going against the grain and striving for the best.

Apple are way behind competition these days
( despite making record profits due to a large fan base)

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

What I want to know is why is it bigger?! Any ideas?

Pure speculation: maybe heat dissipation because they are able to crank up the power since this is an A8 that does not need to worry about battery? I know the "3" can get pretty hot and I've often wondered if that heat contributes to it's sometimes sluggish performance. So maybe they fixed that (possible) problem by turning off the "thinner & lighter" mentality for once. Since it's not really a mobile device, the drive toward "thinner & lighter" really doesn't apply.

Maybe a daughterboard to implement USB3C since that's probably not built into the A8 package?

iFixit or similar will tear one down as soon as they can get one and we'll all get a better answer than guesses.

 

[drewyboy]

h.265? You're too funny...

Head on over to DSL Reports' forums. Comcast is just starting to roll out h.264/MPEG-4 support in some of their markets. Let's check in about 10 years from now, but I'm not holding my breath. John Oliver looks so much better on my ATV right now when compared to the broadcast on Sunday night - I can tell that Comcrap is strangling what's coming over the cable already, and they're already offering - in FL, of all places - an opportunity to pay $30 extra to get over the cap.

My last house just had CL fiber installed - Prism looks so much better than the (Com)crap I get fed at my current location. Lemme know if you'd want a gentleman's wager we'll see h.265 before this decade checks out - I wouldn't take that bet! Cheers!

You do realize data is just data. I'm assuming by what you mean "comcast is just starting to roll out h.264/MPEG-4 support" is packet optimization.

 

[Jsameds]

Everyone saying there isn't enough content.

Surely apple (according to all the fan bosys) should be the pioneers and the ones striving for the better?

If Apple make 4k the norm the content will be made.

To say they shouldn't do it because there isn't enough content is basically a view DIRECTLY opposite of Steve Jobs view on technology ie striving to be the best, game changes etc

Sadly it seems apple have lost this culture and fan boys are happy with average or the norm instead of going against the grain and striving for the best.

Apple are way behind competition these days
( despite making record profits due to a large fan base)

There's not enough content actually filmed in 4K, that's the point. Most movies and TV shows are filmed in 2K. 4K is a marketing scam at this moment in time. It will be a different story in a couple of years, however as it is now, there's no good reason to buy into 4K.

 

[Jbach67]

While it would have been nice to have, I didn't think it would have 4K.

4K content and the amount of 4K users is still low. Compare 4K content now to 1080p content when the ATV2 was launched. 1080p was everywhere then, and Apple still did 720p.

It would be different if iTunes had 4K content, and my guess is that when that does happen, ATV5 or 6 will have 4K.

Of course anyone who has 4K at present has a TV with the only two apps that provide significant 4K content built into a smart TV - i.e. Roku and Netflix. So why switch to apple TV for that still limited content?

Still I agree it would be nice to have 4K built in to ATV, and even more importantly, the kind of HDMI connection needed for HDR, which will yield far larger noticeable improvements than 4K at normal viewing distances. But the standards for the latter aren't really agreed upon just yet. I think this model is just fine for the next two years, and by then they should have upgraded.

For now, I'm more concerned about the continued lack of competitor Amazon prime, which is available on Roku and Amazon fire. A huge base of Apple customers also have access to a lot of free Amazon prime video and by excluding it form ATV, they are forcing that base to keep a competing box - of course this may be Amazon's refusal to play, but it is this kind of thing that hurts any attempt to really improve the TV experience.

Since I'm still using the second edition (720p), I'll be getting a resolution upgrade when I buy the new model. If this thing works out, I hope that Apple will be able to negotiate with LG or some other major TV developer to have an Apple smart UHD OLED TV that will eliminate the need for the box. Kinda like the car play thing.

 

[TallManNY]

The Verge tech reporter in the video said "the Apple Remote uses IR (Infrared) to control your TV". Must have been asleep during the keynote. The Apple TV remote uses Bluetooth and doesn't need line-of-sight like an IR remote. How sloppy was he with the rest of his assessment?

It has both since your TV is not going to have bluetooth. So the IR turns your TV on and the bluetooth controls your Apple TV.

 

[scottishwildcat]

The touch pad could be interesting but some of us simply do not like using voice controls. I have zero interest in talking to my tv.

And you don't have to. Indeed, in some countries, you won't be able to anyway.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

There's not enough content actually filmed in 4K, that's the point. Most movies and TV shows are filmed in 2K. 4K is a marketing scam at this moment in time. It will be a different story in a couple of years, however as it is now, there's no good reason to buy into 4K.

That's not true. Almost all filmed movies & television- even stuff shot way back in the mid-20th century could roll out in 4K. Wizard of Oz (1939) was mastered at 8K: http://thefilmstage.com/features/wizard-of-oz-digital-restoration-report/ Film has plenty of resolution beyond 1080p if we want it. I don't know where you got your "Most movies & TV shows are filmed in 2K" but please point us to the source of that fact(?).