Is the Apple TV the best streamer you can buy now? | The case for Apple TV
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
- The Apple TV has gotten a less-than-glowing reception from us for the past several years, but as streaming TV has evolved, the Apple TV 4K looks better than ever. Was the Apple TV just ahead of its time, or have we just woken up to it?
The Apple TV 4K is available here - bestbuy.7tiv.net/Zd46AK
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0:00 - Intro
1:31 - Previous Opinion
2:22 - Tons of Horse Power
3:12 - Apple TVOS
3:49 - Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and HDR10
4:24 - Premium Interface
4:46 - Other Premium Features
5:39 - No Home Screen Ads and More Privacy
6:53 - Final Thoughts
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#AppleTV #Apple #4K #AppleTV4K #TVOS #HomeTheater #HDR #DolbyVision #iOS #AppleEcoSystem - Věda a technologie
Honorable mention for the ATV screensaver. The long, extremely high quality, drone shots are so completely relaxing.
You can add it to the shield as well. You can also siedeload an Apple TV skin. You can even change the sounds to mimic the Apple TV. Which is to say, you can make a much better device, the shield, to act like a ATV if you like it that much.
@Justin Marshall I understand your curiosity, but just because you may like the UI, doesn’t mean you like the device better. It’s about having freedom. The shield gives you freedom from ApPle TV’s locked down os. The point is that you can the best if both worlds…you can have the screaming fast shield pro, with all the freedoms that the platform affords you, as well as having the UI Of the ATV if that is that you prefer.
And the newest tvOS update gives you much more frequent refreshes of the screeensavers, so you don’t see the same one repeated as often.
@@kilgoretrout4461 why on earth do you want that? The price is the same but you copying the other device?
@@kilgoretrout4461 it’s a streaming box, what is tv os “limited in”
The killer feature for me is the ATV4k’s ability to output Spatial Audio to an atmos enabled receiver. Some well produced tracks on Apple Music - classical music in particular - are just so immersive and impactful in this format.
For example?:
considering getting one just for listening to atmos music alone
I’ve owned every rendition of the Apple TV mostly because I loved the integration of the screensaver with my family photos. They are fantastic responsive devices and we have on all of our systems at the house. Expensive yes, worth it? Yes!
Sam’s club is the worst place to buy an Apple TV device.
I got one last year, one of my favorite devices ever. It’s fast, I can link my streamings services into the TV app, the Siri integration is very nice, and the integration with other Apple devices is super useful.
For $50 I have a a Rolu streaming stick, it works perfectly and is cheap enough to keep in every room
Can you please do a VS of high end streaming devices. ie Shield, Roku Ultra, Fire Cube, and Apple TV. I would love to see a best of the best.
Agreed😎
+1 This!
Same here! Sheild for the win tho hahaha
Guys- I am really new to the video stuff and have a basic question on the streaming devices. What do you consider as a high-end streaming device? Is it the price and the no of avaiable streaming apps? All these boxes are so small that there is hardly any real estate to add quality power supply, video/audio processing chips, noise separation etc etc in those units. Hence the question.
Shield wins every time.
Been with AppleTV since the gen 1. I currently have the first gen 4K edition. I got it for the atmos since I didn’t have a 4K tv. It worked very well with a few quirks but when I upgraded to a 4K tv with Dolby vision it was a game changer. The AppleTV practically set itself up now behaves as if it’s the tv’s OS. The best part was not having to re-enter all my log-in credentials when I changed TVs
@@user-otzlixr it does log you out of apps from time to time especially when you don’t use them for a while but when I unplugged the old tv and plugged into the new one everything stayed active on my AppleTV without any issues. I didn’t unplug the AppleTV from the wall. I just disconnected the hdmi on the tv side of things when swapping out TVs.
Absolutely correct!
I too thought Apple TV was a gimmick until I owned a 4k tv myself last year.
The quality of panel is one thing, but without a good UI the overall experience fails drastically.
Lack of ads was one of the reasons I got a Shield, but now I have ads thanks to software updates. Good pints were made here. A lot has changed. Would love an Apple TV and Shield head to head video.
A few years ago I would never have switched, but would it be worth it now?
I love my shield pro. I prefer android but its nice that apple has something for it's consumers aswell.
The Apple TV is really nice. The lack of higher Dolby Vision & Atmos profiles make it underwhelming for PLEX. The Shield Pro is still the king for PLEX or any other home media streaming.
@@kennehtk seriously? Man that's the fastest android streaming box on the market. I NEVER had lag problems with mine.
@@kennehtk oh ok i see. I never used my shield for PLEX. I mostly just stream. I just wanted a crazy strong tech piece that streams no problem. I really like my shield. Its at the top of my list of favorite tech gadgets that I own. I use it everyday. Maybe try again?
What did you get to replace it with?
@@kennehtk well atleast the apple tv is an option. Glad it seems to be working out just fine for you now😎
@Kenneth K sounds like connection to me.. my shield never lags
I now have 3 Apple TV’s. The 2nd gen, Apple TV HD, and appletv 4k. The HD and 4k are great though the 2nd gen has some limitations it’s still very useful. We use the search function constantly. Also having it be a hub for smart home stuff is nice too. Working on using it as a doorbell video display now.
Been using Apple TV since the beginning, through its many versions. A few years ago, I got curious and tried a ton of the others: Roku, shield tv
Pro, assorted Amazon devices…kept coming back to apple as much as I wanted to get away. No ads! That’s a big one for sure. Speed, ease of use…it’s excellent.
Have you been able to compare apple tv to youtube tv?
Good points in this video !
I think the video would be even more interesting with a Nvidia Shield Pro vs AppleTV approach. It's an interesting topic since both devices excellent while having slightly different pros/cons
I LOVE the Apple TV and I’m so glad to see you agree and come up with a great list of reasons. The high res Home Screen is a nice detail. Keep up the great TV related content
just picked up, amazing how smooth everything works basically like iOS but on ur TV
I've been using Apple TVs for a while. The interface is something I have always enjoyed and I've loved the picture they give as well. When i moved out I got a TCL 6-Series and an Apple TV 4K and I've loved it. When I watch TV in the living room it's about the experience for me, and this does indeed help with that experience. I have other devices for my other setups, because they just work or are cheap, or they came with the TV, and I don't care as much. But the livingtoom is where the Apple lives. Oh yeah, and not to mention having Fitness+ on it is a nice bonus.
Big thing the current Apple TV is missing is some kind of advanced upscaling engine. The new one has a neural engine that could handle the AI and it would go a long way to improve HD picture quality on that thing.
My only problem with it is that it doesn’t support DTS audio, which is important for IMAX Enhanced.
And it doesn’t support HDR10+ for Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
Or properly support Plex. Android TV is still the better solution mostly due to its flexibility.
@@serialtoon does it even support CZcams 4k videos now?
@@ppkprashanth Yes it supports 4K as of tvOS 14
@@serialtoon how so?
what system do you use?
Some of my top features of ATV since having one for about 7 years (still going strong): The integration between it and my Apple Watch for Fitness, audio sharing on 2 sets of AirPods, those gorgeous relaxing screensavers, sharing the screen with my MacBook or iPad or iPhone, Apple Arcade for my daughter, auto-downloading apps that I've bought on other devices, using my iPhone as a TV remote when the native remote is lost between cushions, being able to type out passwords on my iPhone quickly and instantly into my ATV. I'm sure there's loads more, but I can't see myself swapping to anything else any time soon.
Agreed, I just recently tried the other options in attempt to rid myself of some Apple products, but the other interfaces were a wreck (with annoying ads). I suppose if I have to keep an Apple device around the Apple TV is a great standalone product.
I don’t even use LG’s WebOS apps I my LG 65 inch G1 when I’m streaming. I use my Apple TV 4K. It’s worth every dollar! It has every app you can think of. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Tubi, Peacock, HBO Max, Pluto, CZcams etc. I love to game on it as well using Apple Arcade.
I do the same. I love my LG Oled but as far as streaming goes, the Apple TV is my go to for everything. It has every app you can ever want, plays games, the new metal remote is pretty slick and the so far, I've only had one issue and that was HBO max crashing upon startup but that was resolved by deleting and redownloading the app. It is pricey but worth it in my opinion. Also, being able to use my iphone seamlessly with the apple tv is great, like when the search bar comes up, it asks me if I want to use the iphone to type what I want, it just works..
To me the power behind the hardware, fluid UI, and privacy still wasn’t worth the higher price when I could get the same apps as every other streamer, but then I realized I was wrong about the last part. Bc access to Apple’s services are the real differentiator. Before I was paying $16 for the Spotify family plan and $10 for 2TB of shareable iCloud storage. Just $4 more a month and I’d unlock Apple Fitness for everyone in my family w/ the Apple One plan. My brother and I were paying $130/mo for a gym that closes 2 hours after we both get out from work. We dropped the gym, bought our own free weights, bench set, financed a stair machine, and picked up an Apple TV for the garage. That’s money saved and we get to exercise way more often. Seems cheesy but it is what it is
Now it’s like $37
What stair machine did you go with?
On the techie front, it also supports frame rate matching for all fractional and non-fractional frame rates, provided the app supports this functionality.
Got my 4K 1st Gen AppleTV in early 2020, and love it.
Apple TV 4K flows unbelievably well with my LG G1. Barely ever use any of the LG apps, and the screensavers are on all day. Just gorgeous.
How are you enjoying your G1 tv? Is it oled? I’m looking to buy one but looking to see if it’s worth it
I had two OG Homepods sitting around doing almost nothing when at some point they were updated to be useful as Atmos speakers for the Apple TV. It was a no-brainer to make the switch from built-in Roku to Apple based on that alone (my Samsung soundbar sucked). The airpods feature is also a nice bonus.
How does that work, do you just use those 2 pods as L+R and they do atmos on their own through some sort of spatial audio or do you add them to an existing surround setup?
The Apple TV 4k + 2 HomePods setup does not have Atmos on Amazon Prime and Disney+. Atmos only appears on Apple TV app, Netflix and HBO Max. Not sure about Hulu, Paramount+ and others. For Atmos to work on Prime and Disney+, you need an Atmos soundbar and connect it to the Apple TV 4k.
@@bynahelemaal The setup is straight forward but you need an iPhone. Connect your HomePods and TV 4k to the same wifi, go to the Home app, add all of them to the same room. It will then allows you to pair the 2 HomePods and connect to the TV 4k.
@@super_hero2 but it does do virtual 5.1 or 7.1 on these other apps
@@MG-yu6do 5.1 yes, I am not sure about 7.1 since there aren't any 7.1 contents around to test. But we are talking about Dolby Atmos so I want to point that out so people can make their decision.
By the way, I contacted Disney+, they said that it is the Disney+ app problem for not able to play Atmos on HomePods. That was like a year ago so if they have not fixed it by now, they would never fix it because it only occurs on the HomePods setup and not many users use them.
Wow! Great review video!! I agree with "everything" you said in your video about Apple TV 4K which is not usually the case with most reviewers. I recently bought a new SamSung 4K TV with the Apple TV service integrated in so that I did not need an actual TV black box but I chose to attach my Apple TV 4K and buy a backup unit for my other TV because I missed the smooth operation of the Apple controller and the entire Apple experience when you have the TV unit installed. Ease of use, quality, user interface and privacy are for sure reasons to get this unit. I admire that you changed your mind over time (need more of this on CZcams) and for the right reasons.
I have the appleTv 4k (first gen) and still working really well and keeps getting updates, a great device.
I still love the Nvidia Shield over Apple TV!
Nothing but the shield works for me. I don't use DTS-HD Master or TrueHD/Atmos. I encode those to FLAC. Those 2 proprietary codecs are pretty inefficient, and I'm never going to beyond anything but a 7.1 setup.
I use the Nvidia Shield Pro. I stream from a USB drive connected to my router with no issue. It supports Dolby Vision. Its killer feature is the AI Video Upscaling. Makes lower-resolution content, especially streaming look much better on my LG C1. I still have a bunch of HD and SD along with anime content that's not 4k HDR. The Nvidia Shield makes this kind of content look presentable on a 4k display.
Iirc don’t all modern smart TVs have similar up scaling features?
@@lthemanl the upscale from Nvidia is the best on the market : better sharpness while keeping the content natural/organic.
Agree 100%
The Shield is a pretty awesome little box in its own right but I think the Apple TV is the best all around considering updates and support along with the A series chip and privacy and a no brainer if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
doesnt the lg c1 have an onboard chip already?im lookin at this for my older tv
I just love the fact that it works with all the other electronics made! Had not gotten it yet but with this review, am rushing to get one!! Thanks
I have had the Apple TV from the first one and always loved it
Ive loved Apple TV for years but currently it has a bunch of problems - Amazon no longer outputs HDR or match frame since the last update and Atmos tracks on Netflix have had problems with pops and clicks since TVOS15
If only those Atmos Problems were limited to Netflix...or tvOS 15!
The issue started getting really bad around 14.7 and it affects all Content in Dolby Atmos, no matter the source. AppleTV+, iTunes, Disney or Netflix. The stuttering, dropouts, crackle and popping seems to pop up at random, sometimes heavily, sometimes just slightly or even not at all for a bit.
Apple is aware of the problem, but apparently cannot fix it easily!
I do experience the popping and crackling sounds but never while watching content. Usually when just sitting in the menu however this is very rare.
@@junrosamura645
The menu isn't even using Atmos, so it is a different issue.
What kind of AV Hardware are you using?
I have my AppleTV hooked up directly to a Denon X6700H
Ive never had any issues with sound. Amazon also outputs hdr
@@darthwarren4599
The Bitrate of Audio in Prime Video is simply much lower than on Netflix, iTunes, Disney+, AppleTV+...those are the Services I have compared it with directly. AppleTV Dev overlay and FireTV Stick developer overlay can show the actual A/V Bitrates. Video is also often much lower Bitrate, and it shows. HDR does work for Prime Video, but no Dolby Vision.
Could not agree with you more about the latest Apple tv 4K, really enjoying the honesty and the credible information that you provide, a channel worthy of subscription.
You got the right stuff guys, well done.👍👍
Would you still recommend the Apple TV 4k if I'm not bought into the Apple ecosystem?
I'm using webos on my C1. Should i buy this?
Would appreciate a dedicated video on your thoughts on the Nvidia Shield / Pro including a segment on its AI Upscaling
second this!
I own the shield pro 2019 and I turned it off after 10 minutes. To me, it just added a lot of noise to the picture. This was really noticeable when watching something where one of the actors was wearing a checkers tie and it looked like someone had turned up sharpness up all the way, which shouldn't even exist as a display settings. All it does is add noise to try and fill in the gaps for more detail. This was fine. 25 years ago on CRT 480i displays because of the picture quality. With today's 1080p/UHD digital signals, this is no longer needed. I tried turning it on after a few updates but I was completely underwhelmed. That and how Nvidia hosed up the latest Android update made me realize Nvidia just doesn't care. I mean, they claimed the CPU was faster than the 2017 model and it was the exact same chip. L. This was confirmed by many sources.
Now, the Nvidia has it's place. I also own the ATV4K 2nd gen and it's quick and snappy. The fact that it won't bitstream audio is my only issue with it. It converts all audio to LPCM. You can make it "fall back" and it will bitstream Dolby Digital, but that's it. People say it's the same as MAT Atmos bit I can tell the difference in sound quality between it and my shield. Sideloading apps is also a huge plus but you will need a keyboard/mouse for apps strictly made for phones. Some work with the remote while others don't.
The shield was my go to for UHD/HDR/DV content and I used the ATV4K mainly for 1080p and below content. Both are snappy as far as response time but I had issues with high bitrate local files like ISO files that I purchased and ripped over the years. I recently bought a media player that blows both the shield and ATV4K out of the water.
It's the Dune Dune HD Pro Vision 4K Solo, the cheaper. The model is the same as the shield. It plays back ISO files with full Blu ray menus, or you can jump directly into the movie. It also supports Dolby Vision profile 7 (MEL and FEL). DV can get confusing but there are different profiles. Profile 4 and 5 are what you find on streaming services like Netflix. Profile 7 is what they use for UHD disks so those DV ISO files play in Dolby Vision. I could play Kodi on the shield but it would just be HDR and not DV because neither the shield or ATV4K support profile 7 or 8, only 4 and 5.
It's also the best upscaled I have seen, it used the VS10 engine so it can output any format regardless of the source and remap the color tones so the colors are core5. The ATV4K does this, but nothing close to how good the picture is on the Dune. It's a hybrid Linux/android OS but that's it's one downside. It's not a good box for streaming services. Outside being able to get 4K 60gps HDR 444 on CZcams, other services are either limited to 4K no HDR or 1080p. Apparently Google and streaming providers are very picky about who gets the full Android TV OS, that or the content providers block it. That's why all those cheap Android boxes out there are limited. Seems anti competitive but it's Google. All I know is I did a lot of research and it isn't licensing.
The Dune plays back both the h.. 264 and 265 400Mbps jelly fish files flawlessly. Neither the shield or the ATV4K are capable of this and the Dune has a way weaker processor than both. If you have a lot of local content the Dune can't be beat and is in the same price range. It also has an HDMI input so I run my nuc to it, very handy. It's limited to 1080p no. HDR though but you can record stuff also. I hooked my shield up to it and the menus came up fine, but when trying to play something on Netflix it would error out due to HDCP.
Right now, Dune is number 1 for local media, the shield and the ATV4K are so close. Each has a strength and a weakness. The inability for the ATV4K to allow bitstreaming of audio like Dolby Atmos is the ATV4Ks weakness, that and app limitation. The shield does bitstreaming and high bitrate content better but now that I got the Dune, I have to think about which to use if I want to watch Netflix/Hulu/prime video.
I'm using the 2017 model. Still kickin and one of my ultimate favorite tech pieces I own.
I also have a 2019 model aswell.
The front of the shield he shows in the video is interesting. Whats that sensor in the front? Or is that an older 2015 model? Mine doesn't have that rectangular sensor on it.
I have an Apple TV 4K and I love it, but I have to use my Chromecast with Google TV 4K for HDR10+ with Amazon Prime or for Dolby Atmos with Plex etc. Do you really think that the Apple TV 4K is superior to the NVidia Shield Pro or for that matter the Chromecast with Google TV 4K?
I owned both and for local media playback nothing comes close to the Dune HD Vision Pro. Below is a copy and paste but it supports HDR10+ , Dolby Vision profiles 4, 5 7 (FEL and MEL) and 8. Both the shield and ATV4K support 4 and 5. 7 is what they use on UHD disks so even though Kodi can playback ISO files it falls back to HDR10. Bohemian rhapsody was amazing also And was my first true HDR10+ experience as neither the shield or ATV4K can. Cheapest model is the same price range, weaker processor but still plays back high bitrate material batter than any device I have ever owned. If the ATV4K would bitstream audio it would be on top as far as streaming services are concerned.
I own the shield pro 2019 and I turned it off after 10 minutes. To me, it just added a lot of noise to the picture. This was really noticeable when watching something where one of the actors was wearing a checkers tie and it looked like someone had turned up sharpness up all the way, which shouldn't even exist as a display settings. All it does is add noise to try and fill in the gaps for more detail. This was fine. 25 years ago on CRT 480i displays because of the picture quality. With today's 1080p/UHD digital signals, this is no longer needed. I tried turning it on after a few updates but I was completely underwhelmed. That and how Nvidia hosed up the latest Android update made me realize Nvidia just doesn't care. I mean, they claimed the CPU was faster than the 2017 model and it was the exact same chip. L. This was confirmed by many sources.
Now, the Nvidia has it's place. I also own the ATV4K 2nd gen and it's quick and snappy. The fact that it won't bitstream audio is my only issue with it. It converts all audio to LPCM. You can make it "fall back" and it will bitstream Dolby Digital, but that's it. People say it's the same as MAT Atmos bit I can tell the difference in sound quality between it and my shield. Sideloading apps is also a huge plus but you will need a keyboard/mouse for apps strictly made for phones. Some work with the remote while others don't.
The shield was my go to for UHD/HDR/DV content and I used the ATV4K mainly for 1080p and below content. Both are snappy as far as response time but I had issues with high bitrate local files like ISO files that I purchased and ripped over the years. I recently bought a media player that blows both the shield and ATV4K out of the water.
It's the Dune Dune HD Pro Vision 4K Solo, the cheaper. The model is the same as the shield. It plays back ISO files with full Blu ray menus, or you can jump directly into the movie. It also supports Dolby Vision profile 7 (MEL and FEL). DV can get confusing but there are different profiles. Profile 4 and 5 are what you find on streaming services like Netflix. Profile 7 is what they use for UHD disks so those DV ISO files play in Dolby Vision. I could play Kodi on the shield but it would just be HDR and not DV because neither the shield or ATV4K support profile 7 or 8, only 4 and 5.
It's also the best upscaled I have seen, it uses the VS10 engine so it can output any format regardless of the source and remap the color tones so the colors are correct. The ATV4K does this, but nothing close to how good the picture is on the Dune. It's a hybrid Linux/android OS but that's one downside. It's not a good box for streaming services. Outside being able to get 4K 60gps HDR 444 on CZcams, other services are either limited to 4K no HDR or 1080p. Apparently Google and streaming providers are very picky about who gets the full Android TV OS, that or the content providers block it. That's why all those cheap Android boxes out there are limited. Seems anti competitive but it's Google. All I know is I did a lot of research and it isn't licensing.
The Dune plays back both the h..264 and 265 400Mbps jelly fish files flawlessly. Neither the shield or the ATV4K are capable of this and the Dune has a way weaker processor than both. If you have a lot of local content the Dune can't be beat and is in the same price range. It also has an HDMI input so I run my nuc to it, very handy. It's limited to 1080p no. HDR though but you can record stuff also. I hooked my shield up to it and the menus came up fine, but when trying to play something on Netflix it would error out due to HDCP.
Right now, Dune is number 1 for local media, the shield and the ATV4K are so close. Each has a strength and a weakness. The inability for the ATV4K to allow bitstreaming of audio like Dolby Atmos is the ATV4Ks weakness, that and app limitation. The shield does bitstreaming and high bitrate content better but now that I got the Dune, I have to think about which to use if I want to watch Netflix/Hulu/prime video.
I would say on par with the shield. My opinion apple tv number 1, shield close 2nd. The chromecast is not even in the same ball park as those devices.
@@jpcreech99 I agree, but if you want to watch Amazon Prime in Dolby Atmos and in HDR10+, the chrome cast is the only one that can do that. A limited use case yes, but it’s still a use case for me 😜
@@JoshFisher567 have you ever tried the Dune HD Pro Vision 4K Solo player with Plex?
Picked up the Apple 4k 64 used it for a week and took it back. Slow transition from app to app and real slow coming out of Dolby Vision titles. Back to my Sheild pro and happy as can be.
Is it supporting 120hz refresh rate?
If I was just going to use, official released apps, I think I would go for Apple TV, specially since I changed to Apple Music. But I do rely om sideloaded apps and vpn to go around geo-blocking to expand my tv options. So for now I stick to Android and NVIDIA Shield.
I concur 👍🏼
U still can with Apple TV with TestFlight for “sideloading” apps and a second computer as network gateway to change geo location.
@@AaronFigFront that's lot of work
@@michaelmaximos8182 it is a lot easier than you think.
I wanted one for a couple years, but could never totally justify the price as we had cable and a Chromecast was sufficient for any casting needs. Last year we finally dropped cable for full streaming and while the Chromecast/Google TV was nice, it didn’t have enough ram to hang onto stuff when switching between apps. So Apple finally revamped the infamous remote, so I figured it was time to give it a go. It’s been a great device thus far.
what about using the ps4 pro or xbox one X for streaming services ?
@@pokiblue5870 I couldn’t speak from personal experience with either of those devices. But if you have them and like the streaming experience they offer, go for it.
@@a.j.2450 got to admit i love the Ui from apple TV 4k
Since I try and stay away from everything google - but still stuck with youtube, doh! - AppleTV has always been my go to :D
@@laggmonstret Google has some great platforms and services, but I also understand why some might want to avoid. My work uses Google for email, docs, etc, so I couldn’t avoid it even if I tried.
I’ve used Apple TV from the original with the built in hard drive and I love it. Very smooth and polished. I’ve tried Amazon and Google at friends houses and they look too busy and cluttered. I own a LG Oled and they have their own OS but Apple TV is my main device and go to item when I turn my tv on.
We love it on our sony x95j tv but with our samsung frame tvs the Apple TV 4K seems to be a bit more clunky. They’re both running up to date firmware. I think it has to do with the art mode on the Samsung
Can you do a video going into the “dumb mode” on these new google tvs? Do you lose any features in the settings like vrr or cec that require the “smart feature” to be turned on? Ive thought about getting an apple tv but then it doesnt make sense to boot into google tv os and then switch remotes to boot into the apple tv. Id think itd be easier to just boot into a dumb tv and then start the apple tv or xbox.
I bought a 2021 Sony a few months ago so I can only speak for that. In the settings (For any TV brand), there is a reset to default/factory settings. After the TV restarts, it will ask you if you want to enable Google or put the TV into "Dumb" mode. After you select "Dumb" mode, connect your AppleTV. The remote is smart enough to control your TV. Pressing any button on your AppleTV remote will start up the TV and put you directly into the OS menu. Your settings will have to be adjusted to your liking via the AppleTV settings which are not the same as the stock TV settings.
I’d love to ditch my nvidia shield pro but apple refuses to support plex 4K hdr with Dolby atmos
Apple TV should have to support more audio codecs. It's a real bummer.
Can u sideload it?
I don’t recall any ads in the google tv platform…
I love the Apple TV. It's the only Apple device remaining in my tech inventory. I buy movies in 4k on Vudu so with it linking to Movies Anywhere, they can be watched in either iTunes or Vudu on the device (or still yet on my Samsung phone with Vudu). It is fast, easy to use and never slows or ages with time. I'm sure a lot of people are turned off by the assumption that it's only valuable if you buy into the entire Apple ecosystem, which isn't true. Honestly, I think the only people who wouldn't like it are the people who haven't tried it. It's expensive for sure, but in my opinion it is worth the money to actually having a streaming device that just does what you expect; that's the true selling point.
This totally hits home. Just a few weeks ago I was coming to the conclusion that I should get an Apple TV. I am not a fan of Apple at all, I have intentionally never owned an Apple device, even though I do deal with them for work. The more I try to find the best streaming device the more I come back to the Apple TV, for a lot of the same reasons in your video. I think the clincher is that Amazon Music only supports Apple TV for their Atmos music outside their little Studio speaker, which is a complete joke for Atmos.
I have only one apple device, that is apple tv its great, ad free as of now...
Cheap streamers? Then we’d be the product
How'd you find the shield?
Nice video Caleb the thing about Google TV is if you go into the settings you can simplify the menu to just have the apps which is great
I’ve been using Apple TV since the 2nd gen in 2011 and its always been top tier. Airplay alone was a major selling point back then. Today, nothing compares to the ad-free streaming it offers
The Apple TV has one flaw that keeps me from loving it, and has had this flaw since at least the 2nd gen: the audio output level is ridiculously low. Set a normal listening volume level on your AVR with the Apple TV them switch inputs to any other device/antenna. Notice how LOUD those inputs are, compared to the Apple TV. It's not a complete deal breaker, but it's very frustrating. I can't say for certain but even the surround channels seem extra low.
i noticed that as well but i always thought it was the streaming apps because some apps are louder than others for example ive noticed the hbo max app is lower than netflix
@@eddi3401 they are different volume levels, and it sucks. But, the core Apple apps are amongst the quietest. I read a long while back about some technical mumbo jumbo reason why they are so quiet, and it's typical Apple thinking they know better than everyone else. Frustrating.
@@Nunya.Bidness it is annoying but i just put the volume higher, i still prefer the apple tv compared to anybody else
I have both the 2017 and 2021 versions and I love them! I also have the Nvidia Shield TV Pro and the Chromecast with Google TV but I barely use them anymore, I have them around mostly for the Chromecast functionality and running Android TV exclusive apps, don’t get me wrong they’re nice but kind of laggy compared with the Apple TV and the UI doesn’t render at 4K like on the Apple TV
The Nvidia Shield Pro is not laggy... Shit, the new Amazon Firestick 4k Max isn't even laggy either which shocked the hell outta me... Google Chromecast is laggy... I mean, the Apple TV is nice, u get some decent storage, but the Nvidia Shield Pro is my winner... U can connect a 2-5tb drive to it & have a downloaded media library that is snappy as hell & doesn't eat up your bandwidth for the other users in the home... Plus I run a Plex server for my entire house & it's the Nvidia Shield that let's me have that home base & I can run the cheaper Amazon Firestick 4k Max's on my other TV's connected with the Plex... If the Apple TV let u add an external drive, I'd probably recommend it, but that's the only downside I see with it...
@dvo1245 the Sheid pro would freeze literally on the day I got it 😂
Great as usual ... Question is: do I still need it when I have Bravia X95J?
I’m patiently waiting for the lossless audio feature…..
I was very reluctant to get bc of the price, but it’s been almost a year and I love everything about it. Also, I NEVER had problems with the hbomax app and it connects to my AirPods seamlessly!
I must add that if you don’t know this already, the hdmi cable is NOT included in the box. So if you get the 4K version you need to buy the appropriate cable to get the most out of it.
Running the Apple TV 4K on my C1 and love it. Some added pros, love the remote controlling everything from powering on my tv and soundbar to the overall simplicity, great picture settings like matching frame rate and format, overall speed and how it never feels laggy, great movie selection mostly in HD and Dolby Vision, gorgeous screensavers. Literally the only con I’ve found is the CZcams app oddly enough. It will not automatically switch to HDR when watching HDR content. For that I’m forced to use my C1’s built in CZcams app
Does the LG-C1 support Dolby Vision too?
@@Michael_RareZebra yup
Right now I have a SHIELD TV Pro (2019) and CCwGTV hooked up to my main setup. Wished the Apple TV 4K would support DTS/True HD audio. I'll keep the SHIELD TV for my Plex client, and when I see a deal I'll get the new Apple TV for everything else. The 24p support is really nice, just wished it supported all the audio formats. At that price you'd think it would. A comparison one to the SHIELD TV Pro would be great. Great video as always!
I have an ATV 4K 2017 and I mainly got it for the AirPods support, as I have a Roku TV and the app doesn’t work well for it. Since I’ve had it the audio quality always gets super crackly and cuts out. I’ve also noticed the remote can be weird sometimes
I own both the Shield TV pro and the Apple TV 4K 2nd gen, since I purchased the Apple TV in December the Shield has been relegated to just powering my Plex media server, all my streaming is done using the Apple TV, as you pointed out the UI is just way nicer and polished than any other Android or Roku based streamer and the level of integration with the rest of my Apple products is unmatched, as an aside I would like to argue that the A12 is significantly more powerful than the Tegra X1 on the Shield TV(which trades blows with the A9/A9X series) although in terms of UI speed both devices are at the top of their game for their respective platforms.
I made the switch a few years ago, from shield to Apple TV 4k, i had bought a new TV with HDR, and at the time the shield could no automatically switch between SDR and HDR content. So SDR content looked jacked in HDR mode, and the only solution was manual switching. This was totally unacceptable, don't know if they ever fixed it. Apple TV 4k's "Match range and framerate" fix this problem entirely. I was concerned about losing the ability to stream local content from a NAS when I switched to apple TV, but it was not a problem, actually I found the apps for apple TV to be superior for this as well (Infuse Pro)..
Shield AI upscaling is very nice. But the UI is slow. Considering the raw power the chipset has, that should be unacceptable. Also some buggy audio issues I had with mine, I think Apple TV is just better executed device. Although I won't own one, I don't have any Apple products. but for most people, Apple TV is a better solution.
@@mikeweatherford5312 right on par with my experience, and 100% agree that the quality of the apps is much better on the Apple box, Infuse happens to be my favorite player for my Plex library, it's just gorgeous and incredibly smooth.
@@ShersGarage Another thing I noticed in terms of image quality is more color banding on the Shield (both on content and also within the apps UI like the Disney Plus splash screen), it's a small detail but it makes a difference, if the Shield didn't have the feature to function as a media server I would've sold it and just kept the Apple TV for sure.
@@ashjcoronado I actually didn't notice that much. Seems to be prominent on some models of TVs than others.
Dear Digital Trends Team,
good video and on most of the AppleTV issues you mention, I can only agree.
However, you seem to have overlooked a serious problem with the current Apple TV software. Since DigitalTrends is certainly an important resource for many home theater users and streaming fans, I hope you will please take the extra time to address the following issue. Especially because of your massive reach, it would be really helpful if you would address the issue.
Please take a closer look at this AppleTV support forum and search for Atmos stutter / cutting / dropouts etc.
For quite some time now, there have been massive problems with the AppleTV and Dolby Atmos playback. I'm talking about significant sound dropouts, a kind of stuttering during the playback of Atmos audio tracks. All apps run by the AppleTV are affected. Netflix, Prime, even AppleTV+ itself.
It seems to be clear by now that the problems are related to the fact that the AppleTV does not offer a pure bitstream output via HDMI. Rather, the audio format is already converted (like all other multichannel audio tracks) by AppleTV into multichannel PCM. Apple seems to use Dolby MAT to add additional system sounds to the stream (Siri etc).
This is probably where the problem arises, which makes error-free Dolby Atmos playback impossible. The problem is not due to "weak" HDMI cables or software problems of AV receivers. It is clearly and understandably an Apple OS software problem.
Unfortunately, Apple ignores the many users of their hardware and has not responded to this issue for months/years. It would be perfect if Apple would at least confirm the problem and give the user the choice to output multichannel audio via bitstream or as multichannel stereo. Or simply to finally eliminate this bug.
I hope you can help us, also because of your reach and awareness and this long existing problem, in the context of this video, give a little more publicity. Because we really need help in dealing with Apple and their support for the AppleTV.
Thank you very much...
I'm affected by this as well. Read this after adding my own comment above regarding this same issue.
Bummer but thankfully I have never had this issue. I have two current ATV’s now.
Does it work via Bluetooth to my The Five’s?
Love my Apple TV 4K gen 1. The only issue I have is the Netflix app. Doesn’t have the top 10 or recent features as the other streamers.
I have owned the Shield and numerous amounts of firesticks, also the fire cubes gen 1 and gen 2 and also the roku ultra and ultimately the apple tv 4k 2021. The best part of 🍎 TV, like you said, no ad's! Also, the recommended tv programs and the "whats next" option are amazing and next level stuff. The other devices, especially the firesticks, are full of ads feel intrusive. From a compatibility standpoint, the shield is still the best due to its different audio codecs. Also, when is samsung going to go on board with dolby vision? The only streamer that I have found to support HDR+ is the firestick. Overall, I think apple TV is by far the best streamer and has an awesome remote control when u get used to it. Thanks for the video. The A12 destroys the competition hands down. Also, I feel comfortable that 🍎 well support software updates longer than most any streamer.
Please I am looking for the best IPTV player for apple tv 4K
@@jonnelly234 IPTVX
In order to get the full 4K, does it have to be plugged into the HDMI 2.1 120hz? Or is it meant to go into the HDMI 2.1 60hz? Thanks!
Matching frame rate is its best feature
Apple TV is awesome.
I used them since 2013 👍🏼.
Nvidia Shield is by far the best streamer... I don't pay for content and never will...
The Shield is the best local media player, with DTS and True HD support, but as an online media Streamer the Apple TV is better, less invasive, and quicker. The UI is better too.
How to you find your content?Which apps you use?
Infuse Pro (availible in TV OS APP Store) is an excellent solution for people in the apple camp. It's quite capable of streaming local content from a NAS, or PC, in many many formats. It's interface is very slick, and easy to use, with alot of auto-propagation features, sub-title support, etc. There are good solutions in the apple ecosystem for what you are doing. I used to be a shield owner for the same reasons, and was pleasantly surprised by Infuse Pro's capabilities. It's not free, 99 cents a month... but it works better, with fewer bugs, and a slicker interface then any "Free" option I found on shield. Point it to a NAS folder and it will automatically add all content, thumbnails, movie synopsis, details, sub-titles, and organize it however you wish. Unlike shield options, there's not much setup, and "it just works". I guess you could argue ther is no sneakernet capability on ATV, aka walking a thumbdrive from your PC and plugging it into an ATV for local content, but that's a pretty crap way of doing local playback anyways, i've long added NAS to my home.
I’m getting the newest one with 128GB and Ethernet. I haven’t used tvOS before, so I’m excited to see what the experience is like. The main reason I bought it is I recently started getting into the Apple ecosystem and the built-in OS on my “smart” TV is incredibly slow and filled with ads. It’ll be great to have a streaming box that runs everything smoothly.
so how would you compare the apple tv to using an xbox x or ps5?
Been an Amazon Fire fan almost from the start. Started with Roku, tried Google as well but I’ve been pretty happy overall with the Fire stick. Apple TV just seems way overpriced for what it does.
As a former owner of two Apple TV 4K first and second generation devices, they are incredible streamers. Absolutely no buffering. However there is one caveat for me, they are very hard to hide with wall-mounted TVs. I’ve been hoping for an Apple TV dongle streamer to be rolled out someday. Especially one that would provide an Ethernet port like the current desktop devices.
There are TV mounts for the ATV, that hook onto the back of the monitor. Lots of people have 3D prints for your TV, google it,
I put my Apple TV 4K in a cabinet under the TV and it works perfectly through the door of the cabinet. Try it out..
Some TV’s have enough space to place it above the small box behind the tv to place the Apple TV. I hid my cables in the wall though so it doesn’t affect me.
since the AppleTV doesn’t use IR to connect to the remote (the remote has IR to connect to your TV/Soundbar/Receiver) you don’t need to have the ATV box in line of sight at all. Mount it to the back of your TV - or hide it away. it’s just another way it’s a superior device.
@@singletstud True but one still needs an HDMI cable (which is not supplied) versus a dongle which has one attached of course.
When will we start seeing tv reviews, I need one desperately!
Can you now please test Dolby Atmos with Homepods?
Great video! Personally, my favorite thing about the Apple TV 4K is that the “Match Frame Rate and Match Dynamic Range” actually works on the major apps! Although its CZcams app doesn’t support that feature yet 😔
CZcams app also doesn't let you remove recommended videos like it does on the Nvidia shield
I have to agree with you. I have the nvidia shield also and its tug and pull with both these devices because of this feature. Apple just works but Nvidia is so much easier to use with the remote.
Every major TV in our home has a: Roku Ultra, Nvidia Shield Pro and Apple 4K TV 64GB. No, the Nvidia Shield Pro is absolutely better. The Nvidia Shield Pro is less buggy, offers 4K AI upscaling and doesn't ignore the fact you have paid streaming services that are NOT purchased through Apple. The only thing better is Apple's Siri and speech detection.
We have about 15 streaming services and the only reason to justify Apple TV in our home is the Tennis Channel on Demand and my adult kids liking Apple.
Is the ad-free also inside the aps as well or just in the user home page? FOr example, if I start CZcams, would CZcams still be ad free using this device?
unfortunately not. Though, most paid streaming services are ad free already.
Honestly I love the remote most of all.
I still think the Nvidia Shield Pro with a third party launcher like flauncher is the way to go unless you want to be part of Apple's ecosystem.
no kodi and a locked down ecosystem....nope
This past week I tried to move from a normal cable subscription to just Streaming CZcamsTV. Tried to do it with three Chromecast with GoogleTV and it has not been a good user experience. Bit the bullet and just ordered three Apple TVs. Hope they match your thoughts and experience.
I Can only concur with your view. I have the first and second generation 4K connected to two different even though the newer of the TVs has access to all my streaming services via its smart tv functionalities because I could connect my Airpod pro and later Max to the AppleTV and in that way get a way better sound experience than would have been possible with a similar priced sound bar. I also like the fact that you can keep your Apple TV updated years after the tv manufacture as stopped updating their Smart TV software.
Nope. Disagree. It's the Nvidia Shield Pro.
I’ve had several generations of ATV. The latest with the new style remote is working great. Never have an issue.
Love my Apple Tvy
The second they added the setting to allow content to play in its original bitrate, format, etc... is when the Apple TV 4K became the best. Let our TV's upscale content, my Sony does it beautifully, my three other brands streaming boxes always struggled with this.
I am enjoying my Apple TV with my Sony A9. However, it would be nice if you can tell us what sound settings we should use as the quality of the sound is not as good as the Google tv software. I have already adjusted the Image settings which i got from various sites to match = 4k SDR, Chromo - 4:4:4 and Match content - Range and Frame Rate to get the best possible image, but all other youtubers fail to mention the sound settings?
I use the 2021 4K Apple TV for my C1 and a Shield TV for my H9G. Both are great devices
Shield tv is the one I use and will continue to use
I’ve used Apple TV for quite a while. When I bought a new Sony TV in 2019, I decided to try its smart tv functionality and found it unbearable. I don’t keep it connected to the internet now. The only advantage it had was 4K CZcams.
Could you do some sort of comparison video showing the shortfalls and advantages an Apple TV provides over the competition? For my personal use case, I’m using my PS5 as my streamer box for content but I’ve been wondering if the Apple TV might be a better choice because of Dolby Atmos and Vision support. Thanks!
Own most of the major platforms of streaming TV boxes. More and more often I default to Apple TV when the Roku or FireTV is misbehaving/not working at all. Two things that still need work on the AppleTV is the weirdness of the remote and lack of USB support for other devices. I also can access video conferencing using a webcam & Google Duo on my $49 MiBox. So add some ports and Plex server support on that beefy box soon!
How was spatial audio not mentioned at all? Talk about a cool feature.
I’m happy I got my Apple 🍏 TV 2021 last year. Been super happy with it
I’ve been thinking about buying one for a long time. It really is the clarity from having no adds bombarding me that makes me want it. It’s also I have faith it will be responsive and easy to use.
How long do apple tvs usually last? Planning to get one this Christmas
Very good and informative video! I was considering buying an Apple TV 4K but my TV already has an Apple TV after the update. Playstation 4Pro too. I prefer to watch through Playstation.
Got my dad one for Christmas 2021 and after going through the effortless setup and seeing how clean and easy to use the menus are, I kinda wanted one but still had my 2nd Gen Shield. Fast forward to this week and my shield is dead and the Apple TV 4K is just over $100. Nearly HALF what a replacement shield TV pro goes. So there’s an Apple TV on the way now.
I have 2 Apple TV 4ks and they have been amazing over the past few years