Status of "Headless" AppleTV?

[hualon]

Back in the 2nd gen ATV days I ran one of them headless attached to my stereo: audio only, no video.

At some point Fruit pushed a software update that disabled the optical output unless an HDMI was also connected. I was wondering if anyone knew if it that change was reverted or if otherwise it is possible to run an ATV (3rd gen) without an HDMI connection: optical only.😕

 

[Uofmtiger]

Why not buy an Airport Express instead? It is better for audio anyway.

 

[hualon]

A valid point. I already have an AppleTV for this spot but I suppose I could move it elsewhere.

What makes you say that the APE is better for audio?

 

[Uofmtiger]

A valid point. I already have an AppleTV for this spot but I suppose I could move it elsewhere.

What makes you say that the APE is better for audio?

Assuming you are using CD quality files (16/44.1), the APE will send out a bit perfect signal. The Appletv upsamples to 48khz.