Not impressed by Apple TV in UK

[Hermes Monster]

The thing with the UK is that as long as there is Sky, Virgin and BT around, we'll never have dedicated apps for what they provide.

Indeed, and perhaps that's for the best, as much as it saddens me

Already annoys me that I have to pay for Sky and BT to watch all the PL/CL matches, and it's not like the costs come down from each provider showing less matches (well, Sky anyway)

But, if there's any company in the world that could bring a new TV solution to the UK, then it's Apple

The official app is out in the US store? Sweet, will have to download it from my American account when I get home tonight.

Have you tried it? What's it like?

Apologies, it's actually simpleX for Plex which is out, looks like it's a third party app, but still may work for you. I think Plex are working on an app though

 

[BMox81]

Indeed, and perhaps that's for the best, as much as it saddens me

Why do you say that?

But, if there's any company in the world that could bring a new TV solution to the UK, then it's Apple

What would you want Apple to do, given the options available?

 

[DougieB]

Apologies, it's actually simpleX for Plex which is out, looks like it's a third party app, but still may work for you. I think Plex are working on an app though

Ah, yep - already bought that. Working pretty well but am also looking forward to trying out the official app.

The official app is stuck in app review, apparently.

 

[Aniseedvan]

I have been playing with the ATV since yesterday and I am most likely going to return it. Why?

It has no useful features to me here in the UK.

No BBC iPlayer or Sky or BT Sport; I have netflix and that is it. The games are fun but I am not a gamer casual or otherwise.

And as cool as Siri is to use searching with it isn't a better experience than using my phone and a Chromecast.

The bright white/grey menus are also terrible at night. They are way too bright. And turning down the brightness makes the videos look bad.

I have a 4K TV; and I can use the Netflix app on there to watch better quality video. I can use my Chromecast to cast content from my phone or tablet.

Right now ATV isn't worth it for me if you have a smart TV which I do and a Chromecast for getting other content onto the TV.

That may change in a few months or if Apple put out their all in one TV service but right now you may as well buy the original ATV for a third of the price if you need Airplay.

I also have an Android TV box. The apps are the same choice as the ATV and Google Voice Search isn't able to filter out the content but it can search itself and the internet; it isn't a better experience but it is also half the price and has casting built in... but I don't use it either.

Of course if you have a terrible old TV with slow or no smart functionality and have never used a Chromecast then you will probably love it but not because it is a better device; only because you haven't got anything else.

I hear you; I bought it expecting some additional features over my roku 3, with the nice added benefit of Airplay on the odd occasion it might be useful.
I think maybe in 6-12 months it's benefits will show up, but I think mine's going back in the box & for a refund until that happens. Gives me the money for a couple more devolo's I need anyway!

 

[bigchrisfgb]

Not sure why they suddenly need it on this version when they didn't on the old ones?

What I really want is a SKY TV challenger from Apple, couldn't care less about iPlayer, 4OD or ITV Player - I have other ways of watching them (not that I ever actually do)

TV is moving away from live TV, the likes of iPlayer etc have to come on to as many platforms as they can in future, Apple TV included. All these apps would have came out for the Apple TV in anyway, but the BBC iPlayer app should fast forward it.

We do need a Sky challenger, VM aren't doing it because they aren't buying content, BT are pretty much sticking to sports. As sad as it sounds, the best Sky challengers are Netflix and Amazon. Hopefully Apple gets into creating it's own content.

 

[Crazy Badger]

Ah, yep - already bought that. Working pretty well but am also looking forward to trying out the official app.

The official app is stuck in app review, apparently.

Not any more and it looks much nicer than SimpleX!

 

[RB1959]

Plex is great on the ATV 4 I have it connected to my NAS for movies and my iMac for TV shows, both via Ethernet. It all streams perfectly. Airplay streams perfectly too, really impressed with that.

OK so I did open the box and gave it a go. I think its fair to say I'm liking it, not quite loving it yet. The remote takes some getting used to, its very small and very sensitive. Typing in passwords is a bit of a pain but I set it not to ask again for apps so that's OK. Netflix works really well, fast and great quality. Going to try HBO Nordic in a bit but I need to change the country setting on my vpn router first. Looking forward to iPlayer etc.