Why do I need Apple TV??? (and the horrible remote)

[LarryJoe33]

The 890 still today is a great remote And does do things the new ones don’t with z-wave. I got rid of all my z-wave stuff a while ago and moved into HomeKit things(hue/Lutron ect...).
It is nice that the new ones the elite and companion remote have smart home control you can program an activity and change the lights all in the same scene. Then the little buttons it has you can do a lot with lighting.
you can also do that with harmony bridge and adding the activities into homekit along with the lighting and other things you want for that activity. I’d try out a harmony hub at least you can do a lot with it and an iPhone If you have HomeKit devices.

I will check it out for sure. I’ve gone the Alexa route vs HomeKit and I’m so immersed in it there is no looking back. I assume harmony works with Alexa but will do some homework. I won’t even begin to list how much smart functionality is in my home. It’s become an obsession. Pretty much everything that runs on or controls power is “smart”. I think my favorite is when I turn down my street my garage door opens and the front door unlocks.

 

[Demiles]

I’ve been doing a comparison the last few days of image and sound quality between the apps built in on my new LG TV and the ATV. I have to say that both image and sound quality are better through the ATV then the TV apps. For sound I used the same speaker on TV Bluetooth (APTX)and Airplay (AAC?) on the ATV. Being hearing impaired the sound is clearer easier for me to understand.

 

[LarryJoe33]

I’ve been doing a comparison the last few days of image and sound quality between the apps built in on my new LG TV and the ATV. I have to say that both image and sound quality are better through the ATV then the TV apps. For sound I used the same speaker on TV Bluetooth (APTX)and Airplay (AAC?) on the ATV. Being hearing impaired the sound is clearer easier for me to understand.

I’ve definitely found the sound quality overall better through the ATV. Not much of a difference in video. My last setup was a Sharp Aquos with a sharp Soundbar and although the Soundbar absolutely killed it with power and volume, we found voice dialogue incredibly hard to understand. So much so we put on subtitles often. We thought it was our old ears. I now have the Samsung Q70T Soundbar and I have to say the voices are crisp. We don’t have to turn the volume way up anymore. I don’t love cranking music with it though. The sub is a little weak, but I got a deal on it for $400 vs $700 and I think I’m keeping it. I do wish I tried the Sonos soundbars. Still might. I have until the end of January to return the samasung.

 

[LarryJoe33]

I did discover an anomaly with the ATV. The audio is ever so slightly out of sync with the video. It's hardly noticeable, but once you notice it, it's impossible to not study constantly. I did a million tests. When using the TV speakers it was spot on, but with eArc and the soundbar it was off. I thought for sure it was an eArc common issue, BUT using the TV apps (Apple TV, Netflix, etc) over eArc it was spot on. Strange but enough to make me use the TV apps. I played with audio sync delay for hours to no avail.

 

[mmomega]

Seriously, give me a good reason to switch over to it. Just got a new Samsung TV and I am really impressed with the apps available. Pretty much everything I use on my Apple TV is on the TV. Apple TV is hooked up but I’ve been using the TV apps for Netflix, YouTube, Prime, etc. On top of it all, the TV remove is impressive (and also will control Apple TV).

I guess a related question, why would anyone with a newer TV like this but an Apple TV or any other add on device for the matter? Ami I missing something? Apple Arcade isn’t enough for me.

Happy Thanksgiving all.

No good reason. Don't get it.

Hope you are enjoying it.

 

[LarryJoe33]

No good reason. Don't get it.

Hope you are enjoying it.

I already had/have an AppleTV4k. This ended up being a pretty good thread, you should read more than the opening post.

 

[mmomega]

I already had/have an AppleTV4k. This ended up being a pretty good thread, you should read more than the opening post.

Understood that you have it, that is why I said, hope you are enjoying it.
My 'no good reason don't get it' was an answer more for the questions at the end of the opening post and the title question.

 

[pmiles]

Relying on app support on "smart TV's" is a gamble as many TV manufacturers provide limited support and often drop support once their newer models are being released.

Streaming boxes, whichever brand you choose, are only in existence because of the apps that they run on them. So support for apps on these devices are a 1000 times better overall than ANY smart TV on the market.

AppleTV isn't necessarily the device you have to buy. People who are already in the Apple EcoSystem benefit from the device because it integrates with all their other devices. That's why most choose AppleTV over say Roku or the like.

Heck I had a Roku for the longest time and it worked just fine. I picked up an AppleTV to integrate with the rest of my devices. The remote? Takes a lot to get used to. But you don't have to use it.... just like you don't have to use the Apple Magic Mouse.

To each their own. Just waring you that your reliance on the TV manufacturer to support Apps is likely to bite you in the butt.

 

[Racineur]

I did discover an anomaly with the ATV. The audio is ever so slightly out of sync with the video. It's hardly noticeable, but once you notice it, it's impossible to not study constantly. I did a million tests. When using the TV speakers it was spot on, but with eArc and the soundbar it was off. I thought for sure it was an eArc common issue, BUT using the TV apps (Apple TV, Netflix, etc) over eArc it was spot on. Strange but enough to make me use the TV apps. I played with audio sync delay for hours to no avail.

Hi. Not for me. Sync is on target. But sound from ATV is quite low. My biggest complain.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Relying on app support on "smart TV's" is a gamble as many TV manufacturers provide limited support and often drop support once their newer models are being released.

Streaming boxes, whichever brand you choose, are only in existence because of the apps that they run on them. So support for apps on these devices are a 1000 times better overall than ANY smart TV on the market.

AppleTV isn't necessarily the device you have to buy. People who are already in the Apple EcoSystem benefit from the device because it integrates with all their other devices. That's why most choose AppleTV over say Roku or the like.

Heck I had a Roku for the longest time and it worked just fine. I picked up an AppleTV to integrate with the rest of my devices. The remote? Takes a lot to get used to. But you don't have to use it.... just like you don't have to use the Apple Magic Mouse.

To each their own. Just waring you that your reliance on the TV manufacturer to support Apps is likely to bite you in the butt.

Good points and I don't think I will ever 100% rely on the TV apps, but when they do become stale, I am sure I will be inline for the latest and greatest streaming box. I agree on Apple integration, this is why I chose the ATV years ago. Been running one since the first which had a hard drive.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Hi. Not for me. Sync is on target. But sound from ATV is quite low. My biggest complain.

Yup, ATV has always had a lower volume, annoying when you switch sources back and the volume blows you away.

Curious, what brand set do you have again and do you use a soundbar and if so, how is it wired (HDMI, ARC, Optical, etc.)?

 

[Macalicious2011]

Relying on app support on "smart TV's" is a gamble as many TV manufacturers provide limited support and often drop support once their newer models are being released.

Hopefully Google/Android TV will be different.

I haven't used my ATV4K in over 4 weeks since buying and Android TV based Sony TV.

 

[smetvid]

The Apple TV isn't just a streaming box. Its an iOS device with apps and so much more. There are a lot of streaming apps that might be unique to the Apple TV. Like fitness apps or kids yoga for example. These are apps from the App Store that stream video content.

The Apple TV also works seamlessly with your photos and music and can instantly stream your own home made video content from a Mac through Airplay. I have had people come over with their own Macs and Airplay to my TV as a huge monitor they could use while sitting on the couch.

One streaming service your TV will never get is Apple TV+ and like others said any TV or movies purchased through iTunes. I buy a lot of series like Dr. Who that doesn't stream new seasons on any other streaming platform. Yes Amazon Prime could do that as well I guess but I prefer how Apple handles video content.

Finally the Apple TV is a fully functioning gaming console hooked up to your TV. Add a bluetooth X Box game controller and you can enjoy a ton of games from your couch with the same play experience as any other gaming console. It doesn't have a hardcore 3D rendering hardware as some more expensive consoles but some of the games like the Ducktales remake are very fun to play this way. It can be a nice alternative to iOS gaming without having to hold a small phone or tablet.

 

[JBGoode]

The Apple TV isn't just a streaming box. Its an iOS device with apps and so much more. There are a lot of streaming apps that might be unique to the Apple TV. Like fitness apps or kids yoga for example. These are apps from the App Store that stream video content.

The Apple TV also works seamlessly with your photos and music and can instantly stream your own home made video content from a Mac through Airplay. I have had people come over with their own Macs and Airplay to my TV as a huge monitor they could use while sitting on the couch.

One streaming service your TV will never get is Apple TV+ and like others said any TV or movies purchased through iTunes. I buy a lot of series like Dr. Who that doesn't stream new seasons on any other streaming platform. Yes Amazon Prime could do that as well I guess but I prefer how Apple handles video content.

Finally the Apple TV is a fully functioning gaming console hooked up to your TV. Add a bluetooth X Box game controller and you can enjoy a ton of games from your couch with the same play experience as any other gaming console. It doesn't have a hardcore 3D rendering hardware as some more expensive consoles but some of the games like the Ducktales remake are very fun to play this way. It can be a nice alternative to iOS gaming without having to hold a small phone or tablet.

This is not correct. Apple TV+ is available on many televisions via the Apple TV app. I do use an Apple TV, but my Samsung TV has the Apple TV app with all Apple TV+ content available.

 

[mallbritton]

One streaming service your TV will never get is Apple TV+ and like others said any TV or movies purchased through iTunes. I buy a lot of series like Dr. Who that doesn't stream new seasons on any other streaming platform. Yes Amazon Prime could do that as well I guess but I prefer how Apple handles video content..

Apple is in the process of making the TV app available on many smart TV platforms. If you own a smart TV that is supported then, yes, the TV+ Channel and all of your purchased iTunes Content will be available on your smart TV.

 

[-Gonzo-]

One streaming service your TV will never get is Apple TV+ and like others said any TV or movies purchased through iTunes. I buy a lot of series like Dr. Who that doesn't stream new seasons on any other streaming platform. Yes Amazon Prime could do that as well I guess but I prefer how Apple handles video content.

Where have you been hiding Lol, the ATV app with ATV+ has been available on other TVs for quite some time now and more recently Xbox and PlayStation.
The only one downside to the 3rd party devices is they have no access to iTunes Extras which may include any Extended/Directors cuts that are available as part of the theatrical purchase.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

The only streaming box I have is the 2015 Apple TV. I enjoy the hardware with the exception of the remote. I was going to wait for the refresh but decided to buy the latest 4K Google Chromecast since it was only $49 and the remote looks more functional than the Apple remote. The fact that you can install apps on the Chromecast was another selling point. It was purchased at Walmart so if I don't like it I can return it.

 

[Neonblue]

I caved in and recently bought the Apple TV 4K purely for Fitness+, I‘d been wanting one for a while but the lack of airplay capability for Fitness+ gave me the good excuse to get it now and I love it!

I absolutely prefer the intuitive tvOS over LG’s webOS, it’s a sharp and enjoyable experience. I love the Siri/Touch remote - I don’t understand why there’s so much hate for it, I love its minimalism.

 

[seezar]

One annoying thing about atv is having to reboot it daily just about. You kinda know when it’s time. Apps stop working. It’s like it’s out of memory.

I have 5 ATVs throughout my house, some have daily use, and it’s quite rare I end up having to do a reboot.

 

[LarryJoe33]

As the starter of this thread after buying my first new TV in a while (Samsung) I pondered how I would utilize my Apple TV with the new set. I completely agree that there are some Apple integrated functionality that the TV can't do, such as Photo's and although my TV supports AirPlay, the ATV does it better.

But after reading so many of the replies here and also using the TV for a month, I don't see myself never using the AppleTV BUT it has not been my "go-to" for simply jumping over to Showtime to watch Your Honor (great show BTW). It's just easier switching to the app on the TV and faster. Same for Hulu, HBOMax, AppleTV+, and Netflix. I also despise the ATV remote and although my Samsung remote can operate it, I find myself sticking with the TV apps.

I would say, in my case, my AppleTV audio video sync is off and I can't seem to solve it. I have tried all settings and new cables. It's just when I am outputting audio through my soundbar. They are in sync when using the TV speakers. The TV is spot on to the soundbar, it's strange and bugging me.

In terms of sound quality, the ATV blows away the TV for the Music App. I can play the same song on the Music App on the TV and the ATV and the ATV kills it.

SO, as of now, I will use both but more often the TV apps. The Siri search on the ATV is still very convenient for finding those episodes of Survivor that seem to be splattered across my platforms.

 

[balph]

I’ll go over the few things about an appletv you probably don’t care about but it makes all the difference to me.

1. airplay. Sure newer tv’s might support airplay but it’s not to the same level you get from an appletv. I use airplay daily. I play sleep sounds over my home stereo when I go to sleep. So it’s invaluable. If you dont have a home stereo and are ok with a standalone sound maker then have at it.
2. infuse. way better than plex. Beautiful. Great artwork, fast, direct play. Again if you don’t have a Plex server then you can forget about this Also. I have 1600+ movies so a nice player without problems or glitches is invaluable once again
3. now playing feature. When you are playing something you see it on your Lock Screen. You can skip ahead or back with one touch. My nvidia shield doesn’t have this and this isn’t something you get from an android based system with an android phone according to my friend. It’s very convenient.
4. Apps just look better. Not sure why you think the apples Netflix app doesn’t work or seem as good as on an android device but my nvidia shield Netflix is still fuzzy. Looks like crap in comparison because they are using a 1080p interface which goes to the apps. It just doesn’t look good to me. Not sure about Samsung tv’s or the apps. But if you don’t notice an increase in sharpness and resolution using an appletv over another device then don’t bother. My friend says he doesnt notice a difference in apps or interface and he has both an nvidia shield and an appletv. he also has a budget 4K tv and doesn’t care about interface much he says. I’m the complete opposite as the whole user experience is brought down for me if things aren’t super sharp and have polished apps.
ive never found an app on the nvidia shield that looks as good on the appletv. Especially built in apps. Apple just does apps better.
5. Remote app. I use this more than the standalone app. I don’t have to look at my phone when using it either because the buttons and layout are just done right. My nvidia shield app not so much. The back button is so small I never hit it without looking. again, another reason apple does apps so well is USER EXPERIENCE. It also doesn’t look like a generic mess of an app. Things are done right and look good doing it instead of looking like an app a 5 year made and said ok ok good enough I’ve worked for a day and that’s all you get.
6. Onscreen controls. Doesn’t matter if you don’t have a receiver which I’m guessing you don’t if you use the standard tv remote and are ok with that. I like seeing volume control and other information I can only get on a standalone device. My marantz receiver has a small screen on it which is useless and I rely on the onscreen controls and information. Volume, sound settings, display settings, music settings etc....

also, if you have an apple watch you can control everything from the watch. It’s nice to have and wish there was an app for other devices like my shield but there’s not.
I don’t think the remote that comes with it is bad at all. I prefer it over the previous one. Not sure why so much hate is on it. I think it’s because the animations make it feel not accurate because you have to pull harder to the side to get the icon to move over. You can turnoff animations in the settings and makes those go away so it’s one click over like a normal remote.

For me Infuse was the only reason to buy an Apple TV 4K with my new LG OLED TV, and I haven't regretted it one bit. Friends were recommending me an Nvidia Shield with a Plex server but I've always been suspicious of Android TV (there's probably a lot of Google spying crap built into it) and I didn't want to deal with running a server for something simple as playing back movies and TV series.

Infuse is practically perfect in my opinion: you just point it at an SMB share (in my case) with your content, it starts scanning, adds artwork and descriptions and you're good to go. The UI and UX are great, it plays back literally everything I throw at it and it even syncs playback positions via iCloud so that I can continue watching something with Infuse on my iPad. Plex has more features I think (photo albums, music, live TV etc.) but I don't need all that crap, I like the focused nature of Infuse much more.

 

[Glennster]

I’ll go over the few things about an appletv you probably don’t care about but it makes all the difference to me.

1. airplay. Sure newer tv’s might support airplay but it’s not to the same level you get from an appletv. I use airplay daily. I play sleep sounds over my home stereo when I go to sleep. So it’s invaluable. If you dont have a home stereo and are ok with a standalone sound maker then have at it.
2. infuse. way better than plex. Beautiful. Great artwork, fast, direct play. Again if you don’t have a Plex server then you can forget about this Also. I have 1600+ movies so a nice player without problems or glitches is invaluable once again
3. now playing feature. When you are playing something you see it on your Lock Screen. You can skip ahead or back with one touch. My nvidia shield doesn’t have this and this isn’t something you get from an android based system with an android phone according to my friend. It’s very convenient.
4. Apps just look better. Not sure why you think the apples Netflix app doesn’t work or seem as good as on an android device but my nvidia shield Netflix is still fuzzy. Looks like crap in comparison because they are using a 1080p interface which goes to the apps. It just doesn’t look good to me. Not sure about Samsung tv’s or the apps. But if you don’t notice an increase in sharpness and resolution using an appletv over another device then don’t bother. My friend says he doesnt notice a difference in apps or interface and he has both an nvidia shield and an appletv. he also has a budget 4K tv and doesn’t care about interface much he says. I’m the complete opposite as the whole user experience is brought down for me if things aren’t super sharp and have polished apps.
ive never found an app on the nvidia shield that looks as good on the appletv. Especially built in apps. Apple just does apps better.
5. Remote app. I use this more than the standalone app. I don’t have to look at my phone when using it either because the buttons and layout are just done right. My nvidia shield app not so much. The back button is so small I never hit it without looking. again, another reason apple does apps so well is USER EXPERIENCE. It also doesn’t look like a generic mess of an app. Things are done right and look good doing it instead of looking like an app a 5 year made and said ok ok good enough I’ve worked for a day and that’s all you get.
6. Onscreen controls. Doesn’t matter if you don’t have a receiver which I’m guessing you don’t if you use the standard tv remote and are ok with that. I like seeing volume control and other information I can only get on a standalone device. My marantz receiver has a small screen on it which is useless and I rely on the onscreen controls and information. Volume, sound settings, display settings, music settings etc....

also, if you have an apple watch you can control everything from the watch. It’s nice to have and wish there was an app for other devices like my shield but there’s not.
I don’t think the remote that comes with it is bad at all. I prefer it over the previous one. Not sure why so much hate is on it. I think it’s because the animations make it feel not accurate because you have to pull harder to the side to get the icon to move over. You can turnoff animations in the settings and makes those go away so it’s one click over like a normal remote.

Some great points you made here.

One ques, and forgive my lack of knowledge on these areas, but why would you use Infuse over the stock app? Also, how old is your Marantz? I have a 20 y/o Denon, which is a tank, works perfect but does not have HDMI, only optical. Does your Marantz have HDMI, if not, how do you get the digital sound?

 

[philrock]

As the starter of this thread after buying my first new TV in a while (Samsung) I pondered how I would utilize my Apple TV with the new set. I completely agree that there are some Apple integrated functionality that the TV can't do, such as Photo's and although my TV supports AirPlay, the ATV does it better.

But after reading so many of the replies here and also using the TV for a month, I don't see myself never using the AppleTV BUT it has not been my "go-to" for simply jumping over to Showtime to watch Your Honor (great show BTW). It's just easier switching to the app on the TV and faster. Same for Hulu, HBOMax, AppleTV+, and Netflix. I also despise the ATV remote and although my Samsung remote can operate it, I find myself sticking with the TV apps.

I would say, in my case, my AppleTV audio video sync is off and I can't seem to solve it. I have tried all settings and new cables. It's just when I am outputting audio through my soundbar. They are in sync when using the TV speakers. The TV is spot on to the soundbar, it's strange and bugging me.

In terms of sound quality, the ATV blows away the TV for the Music App. I can play the same song on the Music App on the TV and the ATV and the ATV kills it.

SO, as of now, I will use both but more often the TV apps. The Siri search on the ATV is still very convenient for finding those episodes of Survivor that seem to be splattered across my platforms.

Thanks for starting this thread, most of the responses were pretty subjective but there is plenty of value along the way.

Here is my lineup:
Sony XBR-65X900F
AppleTV 4k
Sonos: Beam + Play 1s + Sub gen 3
Sony blu-ray player

I had sync issues for a while, they eventually cleared up. Not sure what it was but started shortly after I added the Sonos gen 3 Sub to my lineup. I found restarting the ATV would clear it up for a while. I got in the habit of restarting before I starting watching anything and eventually it was a non-issue. Wish I could tell you more.

After reading this thread and a few others like it, I have decided to keep the ATV connected when I buy my new TV but only as a backup. I plan to buy a TCL Series 6 which has built-in Roku and the ATV app. I have TCLs in my bedroom and garage so it isn't a complete unknown. I have ~100 iTunes movies so having access is a must.

With the exception of occasional bedroom and garage use, I have been ATV 4k exclusive since it was released. I'm not a fan of the remote, especially when using cable TV or broadcast apps. I admit the Roku remote isn't a whole lot better but for my use it is an improvement. My experiences, YMMV.

Cheers, happy new year!

 

[WebHead]

The Apple TV app has pretty much replaced my ATV box for purchased content, but because a large proportion of my video library is still self-ripped from DVD or BD (rare TV series or movies that aren't worth repurchasing on iTunes) I still have a use for the ATV.

Though mine is certainly a special case.

 

[topcat001]

Almost as a rule, high end projectors like my JVC D-ILA tend to be really "dumb". They just do one thing (extremely well) - display the input signal without any fuss, and I prefer it that way. For such setups an external box is necessary. I have an ATV and a HTPC for the stuff ATV cannot do (like madVR processing, video clock matching for precise frame rate control, etc.).