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Post by Priapulus on Oct 16, 2019 8:13:35 GMT -5
I was going to upgrade my Apple TV to the newest 4k. But after reviewing the programming on my older Apple TV, I wonder if it's worth it?
I already have a Netflicks, Amazon Prime and UTube premium subscriptions, and apps on my Samsung TV, which allows me to play them directly on the Samsung. Virtually all the apps on the Apple are pay apps; the reason I cut the cord 15 years ago was to get away from all that subscription drag.
As far as I can see, all that an Apple TV offers that my Samsung or HTPC doesn't, is easy viewing of my iPhone photos.
Can anyone make a good case for upgrading my Apple TV? The technology is great, but the programming is too mercenary.
Sincerely
/b
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Post by repeetavx on Oct 16, 2019 8:31:56 GMT -5
Unless the picture from your Apple TV is better than the picture you're getting from your HTPC, I think that you're thinking is in the right direction. (I prefer Netflix and Amazon Prime Video off of the HTPC because of the ease of using a mouse).
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Post by rbk123 on Oct 16, 2019 8:35:36 GMT -5
(I prefer Netflix and Amazon Prime Video off of the HTPC because of the ease of using a mouse). The problem with Prime Video on the HTPC is there is no app for it and so it won't pass DD5.1 (via a browser) and so everything is in stereo; I unfortunately have to use the PS4 for Prime watching (no idea on Netflix).  |
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Oct 16, 2019 9:14:20 GMT -5
I have two Apple TV's, the 1080p version in the upstairs bedroom and the 4K version in the family room/home theater. I really like the interface and it works very well in my system.
Is it better than the cheaper Roku's?....probably not, but we have an Apple centric environment at home so it fits in. I can tell you that the interface and apps are much faster and more reliable
than what I get on my Samsung 4K smart TV.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Oct 16, 2019 10:22:52 GMT -5
I was going to upgrade my Apple TV to the newest 4k. But after reviewing the programming on my older Apple TV, I wonder if it's worth it? I already have a Netflicks, Amazon Prime and UTube premium subscriptions, and apps on my Samsung TV, which allows me to play them directly on the Samsung. Virtually all the apps on the Apple are pay apps; the reason I cut the cord 15 years ago was to get away from all that subscription drag. As far as I can see, all that an Apple TV offers that my Samsung or HTPC doesn't, is easy viewing of my iPhone photos. Can anyone make a good case for upgrading my Apple TV? The technology is great, but the programming is too mercenary. Sincerely /b So for you to use your TV’s Apps you must have ARC working to get DD+ audio? Though I have a relatively slow internet connection I’ve found I can stream some Prime 4K programming; the picture isn’t always much better (though sometimes it is), but the DD+ soundtrack which (now that I have an RMC-1) includes Atmos, is much better. I don’t have ARC so without an external box I wouldn’t get this from my TV’s Apps. We are also quite Apple centric and use the ATVs interface to play our iTunes library, and use the screen mirroring and Airplay functions from our iThings, I’d also miss the OSD without an external box. If you are considering a new ATV4K box, you should be aware that some in the Apple community think there may be another fall event, and that possibly a new ATV will be released. I’m not holding my breath and don’t know exactly what a new box could bring to the table right now, except possibly HDMI 2.1 or at least eARC. Anyway, if you want ‘the latest’ you might want to wait 30 days or so; there could also be sales on the old model, or many used ones available. |
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Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Oct 16, 2019 10:33:30 GMT -5
This is just my opinion but I prefer the Roku. We have both here (at Emotiva) and when I was looking to upgrade the system at my house I played around with both units and decided to go with the Roku. The reason I choose the Roku was because of the funky behavior the ATV does. If CEC is turned on its constantly poling the system to see who has control. So when going into and out of ARC (OTA broadcast) the ATV will tell the TV to go to it. With my TV its always causing conflicts that the Roku doesn't. On an A/B comparison of how well they work, ease of use and how often they glitch, its about a toss up in my opinion. Based on the facts at hand the Roku was the right choice for my system.
Lonnie
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Post by AudioHTIT on Oct 16, 2019 11:11:11 GMT -5
This is just my opinion but I prefer the Roku. We have both here (at Emotiva) and when I was looking to upgrade the system at my house I played around with both units and decided to go with the Roku. The reason I choose the Roku was because of the funky behavior the ATV does. If CEC is turned on its constantly poling the system to see who has control. So when going into and out of ARC (OTA broadcast) the ATV will tell the TV to go to it. With my TV its always causing conflicts that the Roku doesn't. On an A/B comparison of how well they work, ease of use and how often they glitch, its about a toss up in my opinion. Based on the facts at hand the Roku was the right choice for my system. Lonnie What I’ve read some use as a solution to the CEC issue you describe (or others), is the Lindy adapter, which I understand blocks pin 13 on the HDMI cable, hence defeating CEC on the ATV (this assumes you don’t want CEC on the Apple). But what I’ve heard if you’re not an Apple house, Roku is very good, and who wants another adapter in the HDMI chain if you don’t need it. |
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Lonnie
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Post by Lonnie on Oct 16, 2019 11:20:47 GMT -5
This is just my opinion but I prefer the Roku. We have both here (at Emotiva) and when I was looking to upgrade the system at my house I played around with both units and decided to go with the Roku. The reason I choose the Roku was because of the funky behavior the ATV does. If CEC is turned on its constantly poling the system to see who has control. So when going into and out of ARC (OTA broadcast) the ATV will tell the TV to go to it. With my TV its always causing conflicts that the Roku doesn't. On an A/B comparison of how well they work, ease of use and how often they glitch, its about a toss up in my opinion. Based on the facts at hand the Roku was the right choice for my system. Lonnie What I’ve read some use as a solution to the CEC issue you describe (or others), is the Lindy adapter, which I understand blocks pin 13 on the HDMI cable, hence defeating CEC on the ATV (this assumes you don’t want CEC on the Apple). But what I’ve heard if you’re not an Apple house, Roku is very good, and who wants another adapter in the HDMI chain if you don’t need it. Thanks for the heads up on the adaptor. I do appreciate it. Lonnie |
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Post by garbulky on Oct 16, 2019 11:28:55 GMT -5
I use a Fire TV couple to an Echo Dot. I don’t think this set up can be beat. I have An old gen generation Apple TV lying around and like you my main use for it would be for the phone.But I haven’t bothered to hook it up yet
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cawgijoe
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Post by cawgijoe on Oct 16, 2019 11:50:25 GMT -5
I forgot to mention that I have a Roku Premiere 4K in the basement that I got last Black Friday for an amazing price. It's mainly used in the winter or when there is bad weather while riding
an exercise bike. It works fine.
I would say that most of these boxes would work for most people without issues. The "problem" with the Apple device is that it's priced higher than most of the others which casues hesitation.
You can tell the build quality of the Apple box is higher than the others, but you are paying for it.
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Post by davidl81 on Oct 16, 2019 13:14:51 GMT -5
I have several AppleTV 4ks and I like them a lot. I find them a lot faster than the apps on my TV. But the biggest reason I use it is because we have over 250 digital Movies in our iTunes account that we can watch with the AppleTV.
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Oct 16, 2019 15:38:40 GMT -5
This is just my opinion but I prefer the Roku. We have both here (at Emotiva) and when I was looking to upgrade the system at my house I played around with both units and decided to go with the Roku. The reason I choose the Roku was because of the funky behavior the ATV does. If CEC is turned on its constantly poling the system to see who has control. So when going into and out of ARC (OTA broadcast) the ATV will tell the TV to go to it. With my TV its always causing conflicts that the Roku doesn't. On an A/B comparison of how well they work, ease of use and how often they glitch, its about a toss up in my opinion. Based on the facts at hand the Roku was the right choice for my system. Lonnie I love the Roku also. I have the Ultra on most TV's and they are great. I have never had an Apple TV, but with all I read about issues with them - I have no motive to try them. Mark |
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Post by wilburthegoose on Oct 16, 2019 15:57:43 GMT -5
I have an Apple TV 4k and a Roku (4k). I use the Roku much more than the Apple TV.
The thing I love about the ATV is the volume of 4k movies. For everything else, I use the Roku.
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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 16, 2019 16:11:55 GMT -5
It's a pretty simple choice really, if you have lots of iDevices in the family (like we do) then the ATV4K integrates into that eco system seamlessly. Plus I have found that the TV based apps are far more "clunky" and they do go out date and can be hard to keep current. If you have a house full of android devices then the additional cost of the ATV4K is hard to justify, but if you are into the Apple eco system then the price is easily justified.
Cheers
Gary
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Oct 16, 2019 17:28:56 GMT -5
This is just my opinion but I prefer the Roku. We have both here (at Emotiva) and when I was looking to upgrade the system at my house I played around with both units and decided to go with the Roku. The reason I choose the Roku was because of the funky behavior the ATV does. If CEC is turned on its constantly poling the system to see who has control. So when going into and out of ARC (OTA broadcast) the ATV will tell the TV to go to it. With my TV its always causing conflicts that the Roku doesn't. On an A/B comparison of how well they work, ease of use and how often they glitch, its about a toss up in my opinion. Based on the facts at hand the Roku was the right choice for my system. Lonnie I love the Roku also. I have the Ultra on most TV's and they are great. I have never had an Apple TV, but with all I read about issues with them - I have no motive to try them. Mark Issues? I’ve never had the first one with any of the many ATV or ATV 4K. |
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Post by rbk123 on Oct 16, 2019 17:40:54 GMT -5
There you have it: Nick has had no issues, thus there must be no issues. #micdrop
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Post by Gary Cook on Oct 16, 2019 17:52:44 GMT -5
There you have it: Nick has had no issues, thus there must be no issues. #micdrop I have had no issues either with any of my 3 generations of Apple TV's. Of course I don't use ARC or CEC with any of my devices, they are the devil's disciples (no disrespect to the motorcycle club of the same name). Cheers Gary |
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Post by davidl81 on Oct 16, 2019 18:42:11 GMT -5
There you have it: Nick has had no issues, thus there must be no issues. #micdrop I have had no issues either with any of my 3 generations of Apple TV's. Of course I don't use ARC or CEC with any of my devices, they are the devil's disciples (no disrespect to the motorcycle club of the same name). Cheers Gary I have 6 Apple TV’s in total and I can say I’ve never had issues with them. I use CEC on most of them and ARC on the one in the living room and they all seem to work well. The CEC does seem to have trouble with the RMC-1, but it didn’t with my old 8802A. But since I use the harmony remote with the RMC it’s really not an issue. One advantage on the Apple TV’s is AirPlay 2. I can run background music on all (or select) devices through out the house. So when we host dinner parties it’s a neat way to get music throughout the house. Of course some of that is just playing through TV speakers while others are through full surround sound systems, but it still works very well. |
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Post by rbk123 on Oct 16, 2019 19:04:57 GMT -5
Well if Nick, Gary, and David haven't had issues, then there *really* must be no issues.
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Post by davidl81 on Oct 16, 2019 19:13:20 GMT -5
Well if Nick, Gary, and David haven't had issues, then there *really* must be no issues. Anecdotal evidence at its finest! Lol |
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