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

[x-evil-x]

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?

Which stock app? Infuse is like Plex but way better. Its for my own content I have on hard drives connected to my server.
My two Marantz are from 2018 and 2019. I used to have a pioneer elite back in 2008 but that had hdmi also.No dual zone like my new ones do. I wanted to upgrade to atmos for both rooms so I got rid of the old one. It wouldn't fit in my new tv stand anyway it was a huge receiver.
I used to use optical for things. I also had an hdmi switcher for years that worked pretty well. I like keeping all my components in the main room and running an hdmi to my bedroom so I can use all the same things in there.
Maybe get an hdmi switcher and use that? Might be time to upgrade the receiver if you wanted some new things. The apps for them is nice. Its nice having wifi built into them now and smart controls.

 

[LarryJoe33]

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.

How do you use the AppleTV 4k to play your ripped movies? Have you added them to your itunes library? Just curious. I have my rips on an Apple Time Capsule HDD and I Airplay using VLC Media Player from my MBP to the TV or HDMI it to the TV. That said, I rarely play my old stuff anymore, there is just SO much content available and not a lot of time to sit in front of the TV.

 

[newtito]

How do you use the AppleTV 4k to play your ripped movies? Have you added them to your itunes library? Just curious. I have my rips on an Apple Time Capsule HDD and I Airplay using VLC Media Player from my MBP to the TV or HDMI it to the TV. That said, I rarely play my old stuff anymore, there is just SO much content available and not a lot of time to sit in front of the TV.

I use Plex Media Server running on my iMac (all my ripped movies are stored there) and then use the Plex App on the AppleTV 4k to play them. I've had no complaints.

The number one reason we recently got an AppleTV was for Fitness+, which another poster mentioned. We had the Roku stick with AppleTV app and were quite content with it, but wanted to experience the workouts on the "big screen." It's been great!

Another thing that the AppleTV App on other devices don't do - Apple Music. We use Plex to stream our music, but now with the AppleTV we can just stream our entire library, as well as all other music that can be found on Apple Music.

 

[LarryJoe33]

I use Plex Media Server running on my iMac (all my ripped movies are stored there) and then use the Plex App on the AppleTV 4k to play them. I've had no complaints.

The number one reason we recently got an AppleTV was for Fitness+, which another poster mentioned. We had the Roku stick with AppleTV app and were quite content with it, but wanted to experience the workouts on the "big screen." It's been great!

Another thing that the AppleTV App on other devices don't do - Apple Music. We use Plex to stream our music, but now with the AppleTV we can just stream our entire library, as well as all other music that can be found on Apple Music.

Thanks. I will have to check plex out. My Samsung TV has an Apple Music App that’s identical to the ATV app, but as mentioned, music sounds better on the ATV.

 

[HarperVision]

How do you use the AppleTV 4k to play your ripped movies? Have you added them to your itunes library? Just curious. I have my rips on an Apple Time Capsule HDD and I Airplay using VLC Media Player from my MBP to the TV or HDMI it to the TV. That said, I rarely play my old stuff anymore, there is just SO much content available and not a lot of time to sit in front of the TV.

You can also use the Infuse app. I like it better than Plex because to me the images look better and the setup and maintenance is less com”Plex” too! ;-)

 

[Jus711]

I have an ATV4K, a fire TV Cube, a Xiaomi Box (Android), and the built in webOS on my LG OLED. I have also used a Roku and a Nvidia Shield. The ATV4K has by far the best interface and more importantly the best video and audio processing of all the devices I’ve used. Is that worth the $50-$100 premium over the other devices? That’s really up to the individual buyer, but I got my ATV on a discount from att when they were on clearance for $90 and I was pleasantly surprised and probably would’ve paid full price.

 

[topcat001]

I have an ATV4K, a fire TV Cube, a Xiaomi Box (Android), and the built in webOS on my LG OLED. I have also used a Roku and a Nvidia Shield. The ATV4K has by far the best interface and more importantly the best video and audio processing of all the devices I’ve used. Is that worth the $50-$100 premium over the other devices? That’s really up to the individual buyer, but I got my ATV on a discount from att when they were on clearance for $90 and I was pleasantly surprised and probably would’ve paid full price.

This is my experience as well. I use my HTPC for some specialised stuff, but the ATV works very well for the rest. Anyway my projector does not have "Apps" so I have to use something.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Price of the boxes is not an issue for me. I don't mind spending the Apple premium for their products, hell, why change now! That said, I just want something that really separates itself from the field. Discernable improvement in Audio and Video quality is definitely a trigger for me. I am sure I will be first in line for the AppleTV 8k.

 

[Jus711]

Price of the boxes is not an issue for me. I don't mind spending the Apple premium for their products, hell, why change now! That said, I just want something that really separates itself from the field. Discernable improvement in Audio and Video quality is definitely a trigger for me. I am sure I will be first in line for the AppleTV 8k.

Obviously it’s YMMV, and I’ll admit to being more sensitive to variances in video and audio quality than most, but for me the difference has been more than minor. I always reach for the ATV remote first because no matter what I’m watching I know it’s going to look best on the ATV (outside of maybe some specific 4K HDR YouTube videos which the ATV can’t process properly). The only niggling issues I have are with it’s inability to pass through Atmos bitstream from sources like your own rips or (ahem) apps like Kodi and that hasn’t been a dealbreaker for me and that’s why I keep the Xiaomi box around for something I absolutely want that capability for.

 

[nutmac]

Price of the boxes is not an issue for me. I don't mind spending the Apple premium for their products, hell, why change now! That said, I just want something that really separates itself from the field. Discernable improvement in Audio and Video quality is definitely a trigger for me. I am sure I will be first in line for the AppleTV 8k.

Agreed.

$180-200 for Apple TV 4K is still relatively affordable in the grand scheme of things. While $50 for Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or $120 for Fire TV Cube are closer to "impulse purchase", $60-150 price premium is not outrageous when you consider Apple TV's superior privacy policy, HomeKit Home Hub capability, HomePod home theater audio, and tighter integration with Apple ecosystem, including support for Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+.

Beyond price, only consistent criticisms have been polarizing remote and aging hardware.

When Apple can update Apple TV with faster processor and redesigned remote, both of which are strongly hinted, I think it can become very compelling. Faster processor can enable better Apple Arcade experience while paving the way for newer codecs (e.g., H.266, AV1) and better video processing.

I think most folks can ignore 8K as you need 85" or larger TV to even begin to appreciate additional pixels, there are almost zero 8K contents (most movies are shot in 4K, with 2K CGI) aside from few experimental sports and demo materials. If you are fortunate enough to own an 8K TV, you will almost always rely on upscaler.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Obviously it’s YMMV, and I’ll admit to being more sensitive to variances in video and audio quality than most, but for me the difference has been more than minor. I always reach for the ATV remote first because no matter what I’m watching I know it’s going to look best on the ATV (outside of maybe some specific 4K HDR YouTube videos which the ATV can’t process properly). The only niggling issues I have are with it’s inability to pass through Atmos bitstream from sources like your own rips or (ahem) apps like Kodi and that hasn’t been a dealbreaker for me and that’s why I keep the Xiaomi box around for something I absolutely want that capability for.

On Youtube and Atmos, I have found that using the YT app on the TV produces a better Atmos experience than on the ATV. So based on your comments, now I understand why. I haven't experienced much with Atmos in terms of movies or at least I haven't noticed anything remarkable on either the TV apps or the ATV apps. I have run the TY test videos and the sound is doing what it is supposed to do. I am not overwhelmed by Atmos, but this may be more of a factor with my soundbar and lack of rear channels. I just don't think you are ever going to get the full separation experience from a soundbar, the speakers are all too close. My soundbar is supposed to be higher end ($700) but I am honestly thinking of returning it. I may try out the Sonos Arc. The Beam just sounded puny in the store. Definitely open to soundbar suggestions.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Agreed.

$180-200 for Apple TV 4K is still relatively affordable in the grand scheme of things. While $50 for Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K or $120 for Fire TV Cube are closer to "impulse purchase", $60-150 price premium is not outrageous when you consider Apple TV's superior privacy policy, HomeKit Home Hub capability, HomePod home theater audio, and tighter integration with Apple ecosystem, including support for Apple Arcade and Apple Fitness+.

Beyond price, only consistent criticisms have been polarizing remote and aging hardware.

When Apple can update Apple TV with faster processor and redesigned remote, both of which are strongly hinted, I think it can become very compelling. Faster processor can enable better Apple Arcade experience while paving the way for newer codecs (e.g., H.266, AV1) and better video processing.

I think most folks can ignore 8K as you need 85" or larger TV to even begin to appreciate additional pixels, there are almost zero 8K contents (most movies are shot in 4K, with 2K CGI) aside from few experimental sports and demo materials. If you are fortunate enough to own an 8K TV, you will almost always rely on upscaler.

Yeah, I was just throwing a tag on the next prospective AppleTV and what they will call it. The set I just bought (The Samsung Frame 75") "only" does 4k. I paid a premium for the Frame thing and the One Connect breakout box which was a must (I hate wires, ugly wall brackets and running wires through the wall). The price I paid for this TV was more than a standard 75" Samsung 8k.

 

[1madman1]

The only reason I still have an old AppleTV still kicking around is for the rare occation I want to use Airplay video. My ancient PS3(s) do everything else, and do it much better than the ATV ever did.

 

[x-evil-x]

On Youtube and Atmos, I have found that using the YT app on the TV produces a better Atmos experience than on the ATV. So based on your comments, now I understand why. I haven't experienced much with Atmos in terms of movies or at least I haven't noticed anything remarkable on either the TV apps or the ATV apps. I have run the TY test videos and the sound is doing what it is supposed to do. I am not overwhelmed by Atmos, but this may be more of a factor with my soundbar and lack of rear channels. I just don't think you are ever going to get the full separation experience from a soundbar, the speakers are all too close. My soundbar is supposed to be higher end ($700) but I am honestly thinking of returning it. I may try out the Sonos Arc. The Beam just sounded puny in the store. Definitely open to soundbar suggestions.

im pretty sure all of YouTube is 2 channel audio. Nothing is Atmos within YouTube or even 5.1.
Not even sure if the movies they offer are even in 5.1

 

[Jus711]

im pretty sure all of YouTube is 2 channel audio. Nothing is Atmos within YouTube or even 5.1.
Not even sure if the movies they offer are even in 5.1

Right I was remarking about two separate issues: Youtube-The ATV4K can't do HDR or 4k/60fps for YouTube videos, and Atmos-the ATV4K doesn't passthrough the uncompressed bitstream Atmos data to a receiver, it does Atmos fine through streaming apps it allows like Netflix, Prime video, and the  TV+ content (though likely still compressed), but not for your own rips through something like Infuse or VLC. The Youtube issue is a hardware limitation and issues with YT's codec that won't be fixed and the Atmos issue is a choice in feature set that is likely done to combat piracy and is also unlikely to be fixed/changed.

 

[WebHead]

How do you use the AppleTV 4k to play your ripped movies? Have you added them to your itunes library? Just curious. I have my rips on an Apple Time Capsule HDD and I Airplay using VLC Media Player from my MBP to the TV or HDMI it to the TV. That said, I rarely play my old stuff anymore, there is just SO much content available and not a lot of time to sit in front of the TV.

Yes, added to iTunes library after using Subler to import the metadata and artwork. Then it plays through the Apple TV's Computer app. (I don't have the Apple TV 4K but I believe it works the same.)

I know some of the abovementioned solutions have their own advantages but I prefer the Apple interface and keeping all my content together.

 

[LarryJoe33]

im pretty sure all of YouTube is 2 channel audio. Nothing is Atmos within YouTube or even 5.1.
Not even sure if the movies they offer are even in 5.1

So those Ultra 4K Dolby Atmos tests on YT don't work? It sure seems like the center, top, left and right are firing in accordance with the demonstration?

 

[x-evil-x]

So those Ultra 4K Dolby Atmos tests on YT don't work? It sure seems like the center, top, left and right are firing in accordance with the demonstration?

Nope it’s just two channel. You not upmixing?

 

[x-evil-x]

Right I was remarking about two separate issues: Youtube-The ATV4K can't do HDR or 4k/60fps for YouTube videos, and Atmos-the ATV4K doesn't passthrough the uncompressed bitstream Atmos data to a receiver, it does Atmos fine through streaming apps it allows like Netflix, Prime video, and the  TV+ content (though likely still compressed), but not for your own rips through something like Infuse or VLC. The Youtube issue is a hardware limitation and issues with YT's codec that won't be fixed and the Atmos issue is a choice in feature set that is likely done to combat piracy and is also unlikely to be fixed/changed.

Has YouTube ever offered 5.1? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it Nothing on my nvidia shield either.

 

[LarryJoe33]

Nope it’s just two channel. You not upmixing?

I'm using the YT app on the TV to run Atmos tests. While I have your ear, let me run this by you. My SB is Atmos capable. I have been playing with output from the TV. My choices are Auto, PCM and Pass-through. The documentation claim for pass-through to work, I must use HDMI out on the TV and HDMI-eArc on the source, which I am. I have been using pass-through for the X1 cable box, but when I use a built in app, pass-through is greyed out and it defaults back to auto. I haven't checked out the choices when using ATV, but I will. When it defaults back to auto, it does so for all sources, including the cable box.

As I mentioned a few posts above, I am not sure how dramatic Atmos can really be on a soundbar, but I am trying! I am not overly impressed with my Samsung Atmos soundbar, especially the power of the SW.

 

[Jus711]

Has YouTube ever offered 5.1? I don’t think I’ve ever seen it Nothing on my nvidia shield either.

No, they don’t even have it for their TV service. My Atmos issue with the ATV4K is limited to being able to get it to pass through the bitstream uncompressed Atmos audio data to a receiver from either my own rips housed somewhere locally on my network or from the cloud played through a video app like Infuse or VLC or Kodi, etc. Even if it decoded and sent it PCM which the ATV4K can do, it doesn’t allow for it. It’s not a huge issue but it is one of the few that I have for my use case.

 

[x-evil-x]

No, they don’t even have it for their TV service. My Atmos issue with the ATV4K is limited to being able to get it to pass through the bitstream uncompressed Atmos audio data to a receiver from either my own rips housed somewhere locally on my network or from the cloud played through a video app like Infuse or VLC or Kodi, etc. Even if it decoded and sent it PCM which the ATV4K can do, it doesn’t allow for it. It’s not a huge issue but it is one of the few that I have for my use case.

Yea it’s a big thing for me too. With over 1600 movies and tons in 4K. Most 4K are in atmos also. I use my shield for pass through and the Plex server but I do prefer infuse. Maybe next version will offer it. No idea why it wouldn’t.

 

[topcat001]

I know it's not a good solution for everyone, and I vastly prefer Unix based systems, but I have found that a Windows 10 HTPC with an nVidia card offers the maximum flexibility, particularly for newer formats. I'm quite happy with my setup. It's a bit involved, though. I am also working on MPC-HC (they have a shortage of C++ folk) and use this machine for testing my builds.

 

[Jus711]

Yea it’s a big thing for me too. With over 1600 movies and tons in 4K. Most 4K are in atmos also. I use my shield for pass through and the Plex server but I do prefer infuse. Maybe next version will offer it. No idea why it wouldn’t.

I think it’s an anti piracy issue and not a hardware issue, my cheap Xiaomi box does it fine and I doubt is has half the power of the A10. But it’s not just , the fire tv devices don’t do it, the rokus don’t, the built in tv interfaces don’t, etc. Even the new Android update for my Xiaomi takes the capability away. Outside of the shield and some Chinese import boxes I don’t know of anything else that does it.

 

[827538]

Recently got the Apple TV 4K and have enjoyed using the remote, it's quick, voice inputs have been flawless. I wish TV manufacturers would team up with Apple and let Apple do the UI, all the box is missing is coax in/tuner to take over all the functions you could want from a TV. I've always liked LG's webOS but the Apple TV interface is just so much more slick.