EXCLUSIVEOFFER
Thought it was worthy of it's own post
Apple TV 32GB 4th Gen - $244 (Save $25)
Apple TV 64GB 4th Gen - $324 (Save $25)
Original Target $25 off $125 or more spend deal
Edit:
MOD: Gift card option no longer works.
Apple TV 32GB/64GB (4th Gen) $244 / $324 (with Code) @ Target
520
hawkers8905 on 07/01/2016 - 10:06 target.com.au (935 clicks)
Last edited 08/01/2016 - 14:07 by 2 other users
Last edited 08/01/2016 - 14:07 by 2 other users
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That's still $210 and $281 AUD respectively. Not that inflated really. Would cost you the $30 in shipping from the US.
And add in GST since US price is pre-tax depending on your state. $231 & $302
The US prices also exclude sales tax… whereas our prices do include GST.
With the current exchange rate, makes this a bit close to US prices but wouldn't really consider this a bargain.
Its a bargain if you really wanted on and prepare to paid RRP for it.
Not meant to start that war again but why would you get this over the Nvidia Shield TV?!
Good question so had to research myself.
Came across this article - http://9to5mac.com/2015/11/07/apple-tv-2015-vs-nvidia-shield…
So basically even an exclusive Apple biased site admits that Apple TV got nothing over Nvidia and the only reason to get it is that you are 100% tided to iOS platform.
Read into it it's pretty much this.
Nvidia Sheild over Apple TV
- Full 4K/HEVC @ 60FPS via HDMI 2.0
- Vastly superior gaming experience
- Expandable
- Cheaper
Apple TV Nvidia Sheild
- None but the author made up something anyway just for the laugh like
- 4K content is limited anyway so why not pay the more money to stick with 1080p
- You can access the Apple eco system. I don't even know what kind of difference it makes on a TV
- You can buy Apple certified accessories like Gamepads and Remotes. ROFL WTF?!
@Firey1989: I am comparing them at from a technical perspective. Stop raging just because I don't find it as a deal.
@maxhu: Not trying to support any claims. I haven't even claimed a preference over apple or android. You just assumed, gets you nowhere.
@Firey1989: But you already have with all your angry comments and the fact that you still can't find one reason (except that you are commit to Apple anyway) to convince people getting this.
@Firey1989: well that escalated pretty quickly. Dont take criticism of a deal/product so personally - anyone would think that you designed the apple Tv , then crafted it with your own hands from bare materials before posting it here!
Besides, i Dont understand why anyone would want apple Tv now that plex is free on all major platforms - just grab a chromecast or even ps3 /xbox for like $50 on gumtree and youre sorted for streaming , netflix etc
I actually have a PS3 and I also have a Chromecast and already use both Plex and Netflix.
Is the content available via the Apple very good or well priced? Apart from the technical merits of the device, what is good about Apple TV?
I am comparing them at from a technical perspective.
Apple products will often lose out if you focus on the technical comparisons. The reason Id get one isn't necessarily for the technical reasons but the functional ones, namely:
- AirPlay integration with existing Apple devices
- Access to my iTunes content, including movies and the like not available in the Android Apple Music app
- Access to the Apple App Store, so I can focus my buying on one app ecosystem and probably have a library of games from day one where universal apps grant me an Apple TV version
- iCloud integration
- Possibly some HomeKit integration down the line
- Guaranteed ongoing support and updates that almost certainly integrate with functions on other Apple hardware elsewhere
There's probably others but that's off the top of my head. I'd love 4K and feel Apple dropped the ball there even though my TV isn't 4K enabled (it'd also probably mean the iTunes Store would bring in UHD content too which would help uptake). But many of the functional perks count more than the minor technical benefits, in my eyes anyway.
At these prices you may as well start bringing dedicated consoles into the discussion too, and if you don't need app stores there's a huge number of choices under $100 that make the Shield and this look overpriced.
@Smigit: Actually what I meant by technical is what REAL benefit you can from either of these devices. All the feature you listed are not comparisons because they all have equivalent counterparts from Android. Again, I am not trying to bash iOS and I understand people choose either platform according to their personal preference. However, if you haven't commit to either side or you don't have a strong preference then you should get the Nvidia Sheild simply because it's a more powerful (not only in specs but in REAL-LIFE) device, is future proof and it's cheaper to get.
Also as you said, why would you pay over $100 for what can be done with a chrome cast or your TV? For me, you get full 4K support which will last you at least another 5 years and that's why I bought the Shield.
@MadMaxBargainRoad: What I listed are 'real' benefits (to me). Having a comparable feature on the competing platform doesn't mean the features are irrelevant, because a lot of what I listed is ecosystem specific and won't cross over or play nicely with other things I own. All it means is they are relevant to users of that ecosystem, and while many people aren't locked into a platform for their TV viewing, there is an awful lot of people that have invested in one or the other mobile (and possibly PC) ecosystem. Google has it's Play store, but if all my movies were purchased on iTunes then having iTunes there is a benefit to me.
I'm not saying the Apple TV is for everyone, far from it actually. But you asked why people would choose that platform and I gave reasons why I would buy an Apple TV over a Shield. Myself and my partner own iPhones and I have a Mac, so what I listed are features that for me play nicely with things I have now or intend to use in the future. I plan to look at some home kit enabled appliances starting this year and an Apple TV will play a role there. All this combines to make the Apple TV a more powerful real-world (borrowing your words) device in the context of my home.
I'd personally probably buy a NUC before I got a Shield actually since I imagine thats even more customization if thats the route I want to go and in turn more powerful at a comparable price.
But yeah, if the Shield works for you thats good, but it wouldn't suit everyone just as the Apple TV wont.
@Smigit: You completely missed my point and just keep saying that 'You should get Apple TV because Apple can do this and that. I know Android can do the same but I don't care coz I choose Apple anyway'. For a sec I thought you were different from OP but I guess I just wasted my time typing all those. Sigh.
@MadMaxBargainRoad: I covered it above but the "I don't care" is only limited to me (I'm not speaking for everyone) in so far as I don't own any DRM'd Google Play content (movies) and don't use an android phone so the integration related comparable features there won't benefit me. I run a Mac with iTunes and therefore have a 24/7 iTunes Server running on my network.
You asked:
"Not meant to start that war again but why would you get this over the Nvidia Shield TV?!"If the Apple version of those features benefit you, many of which won't work between an iOS Device and the Shield (or will in a more restrictive fashion), then you'd possibly go the Apple TV. If you own an Android Phone or don't care about integration with other devices or services, then the Shield may be an option.
@Smigit: Pretty much another repetition of saying 'You should get Apple TV coz it works with other Apple devices'.
If you own an Android Phone or don't care about integration with other devices or services, then the Shield may be an option
That's just pure BS. Shield or other Android TV boxes are designed to WORK WITH OTHER PLATFORM AND SERVICES. They don't lock down their users like Apple does.
@MadMaxBargainRoad: You get what works for you, and I haven't told anyone what to buy. If I want to access much of my iCloud data I can not do that through an Android device on its own. If I want to stream movies from my iTunes library I can not do that on the Shield. If I have already purchased content on the Apple App Store then I would have to repurchase it if I want to access the same application from the Google Play Store where many of the Apple TV apps are being offered for free to owners of previous versions.
No one is saying a Shield or other device will not work at all with an iPhone. I've said if you are heavily invested in Apple services, you are likely to have a more seamless experience and can continue to use the exact same services as you do already as opposed to having to swap to 'comparable' ones. There are things Apple produces for iOS that simply do not have Android apps available to access and there are SDKs and services which are closed to the Apple Ecosystem.
Just because they two ecosystems have comparable features, it does not mean that they are all (fully) compatible. Yes, I can move my photos to Google Photos on my phone and then access them on my Shield, it doesn't necessarily mean I as a customer want to move my library or upload to two services concurrently when there is a device on the market that targets the services I use today (on my internet connection, as bad as it is, it took about 3 months to get the lot into iCloud with daily updates). I'd be very interested in buying a Nest Thermostate or Protect, but they use Nest Weave which isn't compatible with HomeKit, so while I can still use them with my iPhone I can't make use of the Siri controls and the like. For me, thats a deal breaker and is one example of many where a comparable service doesn't mean it's necessarily a viable alternative based on what I want (particullarly when ecobee etc have products that meet those requirements). Other companies like Philips have home automation products that now support the platform and I'd happily use those since they meet my needs.
I really don't see what is so hard to understand about all that. Again, if you are not tied to a providers services then by all means go the Android box. Hell, if you're tied to the iOS ecosystem still look at it but there's certainly some benefits to owning devices in the same product family. The Pros and Cons may still sway iPhone owners to an Android TV device and I wouldn't blink an eye if anyone chose to. If I owned a 4K TV I too may look elsewhere, but I don't so it's not hugely relevant, just a nice to have.
You asked why someone might get one device over another, and I answered that. I didn't begin to say anyone had to choose the Apple TV over the competitors based on those reasons or any others and there's no right choice. If you want to combine an iPhone with a Chromecast, Shield, Roku or a whatever, go nuts.
Im referring to the argument about AppleTv being a closed system with limited options. Android is just as closed and technically not as feature rich. You dont get the same rich level of integration on Android as you do on Apple. You arent disadvantaged by going apple compared to Android.
Airplay on Apple works far better than casting on Android. It takes far less (profanity) about to put a photo from your iphone on an appletv than trying to do the same with any android phone.
have fun wasting your life finding torrents.
I meant i do nt understand this - think u got it wrong
"At the end of the day, we have two completely different platforms that certainly cater to different audiences."
No need to argue, it's simply different strokes for different folks.
Yeah, I understand that if you are already invested/commit to one of the platform then it's a no brainer. However, there are people who is shopping for a good TV set top box and want to get the most value out of it. That's why I said there is absolutely no reason to get the Apple TV over Nvidia Shield.
Actually it is more than that. The ATV is a supported, polished platform.
On top of that it is relatively secure. We don't have to be Fandroids, or prefer iOS over Google, etc. just to buy streaming content.
NVidia and Android are walled gardens just like Apple's ecosystem- and the rush to get a device into consumer homes is on. Buying a box like this is too often about being fanbois or fandroid. There are many options, the Roku is probably the best for most people, and its software, RokuOS (Linux) is so far, well maintained.
However Apple do it better (for most people), eg with less bugs, better security and easy to use interfaces. They manage and maintain their own software rather than share development and blame for failure amongst teams of disparate coders from here to Timbuctoo. They have far more mature internal practices, contribute RFCs and standards and do all of that working on their own products rather than designing data-collection systems that others use and distribute without charge, in many cases to avoid accountability for failure, minimise financial liability, brand impacts, etc.
On any device that connects to your home network, your data, let alone one that is connected 24x7, a well maintained platform is far better than one that is discontinued by the manufacturer after 3 months, relies on third party plug-ins that all die off too, and are simply left unmaintained with all the the hard-to-fix bugs intact.
Most such home-devices broker your personal information to work with online services, leak your usage and private data like sieves, are totally forgotten about by the manufacturer ('End of Lifed') after as little as a year and are completely riddled with security holes and vulnerabilities that the user is left blissfully unaware of.
Buying a supported, well coded box with a curated platform like the Apple is one of the better choices for people that want to avoid being targeted by malfeasants online- BUT in the process buyers are still accepting that Apple (rather than Google) will service and target them. Remember however that Google makes money by connecting your dots in ways that no-one else can.
@zerovelocity: Still same argument that you put up
- Apple platform is better
- Apple platform is more secured
- Android locks down their users like Apple do
Unfortunately I don't agree to any of those. Android and Apple eco system are pretty much the same. No one is more polished or secured than the other esp. after KitKat. Android is definitely not more buggy than iOS, whoever says that must have hidden under a rock for ages. On the other hand, Android on phone/Tablet/TV/Auto is ALWAYS much more open than iOS will ever be. You can pretty much turn your Shield TV into a fully fledged computer if you want to. Streaming all media from any platforms. Android is designed to do that.
And still the same facts you miss:
- Apple maintains their platforms and hardware properly
- They do it for years and years, rather than months, or in many cases, not at all
Some people don't want to throw away their devices when support is withdrawn and it is rendered vulnerable to exploitation.
On their own, these things justify a higher price.
- "I don't agree to any of those, Android is definitely not more buggy than iOS"
If that is the case why are millions of Android devices are still running around with Heartbleed and Shellshock vulnerabilities? There are thousands of other examples where security and features are not passed down to end users, are not addressed, and serious bugs remain in the installed base of Android devices. Just recently hundreds of thousands of Android devices have been sold on Amazon with malware built in to the hardware itself and can never be removed by the user, even if you are an unemployed kernel hacker with weeks on your hands.
Remember that devices are not sold to you just for money or fun. They are sold to you for collecting your data. And they are there to be exploited by others.
- "Android on phone/Tablet/TV/Auto is ALWAYS much more open than iOS will ever be"
This is opinion. The ecosystem is more open in that the is more freedom to develop and distribute code, but this allows free distribution of malicious code. Also, Google still pulls apps from the appstore when they care to- but they mostly don't (care to). And given that these devices are all handling money and data, they need to be curated and controlled to a very considerable extent. The free for all that can very quickly occur on any jail-broken device is not where you want your personal or bank account details stored. Given that >90% of all mobile malware attacks Android this does actually matter.
- "you can pretty much turn your Shield TV into a fully fledged computer if you want to"
Sure. However these things are consumer devices. I agree if one wants a platform to hack in your pocket a droid is a good start. However it is Android, not Linux. It is not free or open. Even if you jail-break and change the entire application stack it will still be Google's platform and that will interact with cell radios and so on in the ways Google designed it to. However most people don't want to hack, they want an appliance. The moment someone makes a decent Android replacement, something that does do what the people want and need rather than collect data for Google, I'll agree with you. Many, including the folks over at Mozilla looked at doing this, but not even they could figure a way to do it and be able to support the platform. Only Google has the money AND the smarts.
You don't need to care about these points, but if you don't, you just care less about what people do with you and your data and don't comprehend why others do.
- "Streaming all media from any platforms"
I think this is what you really care about most, and here there is much for you to say, however content is another debate and if you really care about that then take a look at how others are changing our laws so that no-one will be able to do this without paying, and in the process damage the Internet, freedom of speech, etc.
No need to argue
Nope dont agree
Wasn't the previous Apple TV like 89 bucks or something? What's so different about Gen 4?
Yeah, like lots more money
Gen 4 has app store support. It's effectively a console now and has been priced accordingly; calling it Apple TV is a stretch.
If you want a device dedicated to TV and only TV, the new Apple TV is not for you. How much longer the ATV3 is going to be supported for is anyone's guess but the pricing of the ATV4 leaves a lot to be desired given the lack of support for current and next generation features e.g. 4K@60Hz.
It honestly makes me wonder if Apple is testing the waters, if it's a stopgap for a V2 with a better feature set, or if there are planned firmware updates that will bridge the gaps.
Great offer for an item that hasn't been discounted yet
I just dont understand the point of this product, $250 for something my smart tv can already do without the clutter?
You might find your answer here
Particularly this part;
The Problem With Smart TVs
In practice, smart TVs just aren’t that great. Smart TVs have software made by TV manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, LG. Their software is generally not very good. Smart TVs usually have confusing, often baffling interfaces. Controlling the smart TV’s features will generally involve using a remote, probably using on-screen buttons on the TV. The menu interfaces usually feel old.At least with an Apple TV, it is one OS, regardless of the TV it is connected to. More reliable, timely updates to fix issues as they arise. Better supported etc.
Never had an issue with mine, especially for $250! Could upgrade my tv another 10 inches.
That's what she said….
Is that to make up a lack of it elsewhere?
Ignore OP's fanboysm. There is no reason to buy this for 1080p playback or basic 4K viewing. If you want to be future proofing and be able to justify that >$200 spend wait for another deal from Nvidia https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/222766
who is more fanboysm, you have replied to each of his/her post.
I was replying to nick nick.
No 4k panel is worth buying until OLED becomes reasonable priced. With Panasonic now getting in the mix, probably not too far away. LCD / LED 4k still isn't up to scratch compared to the last plasmas, higher resolution or not. By the time this happens, it won't be hard to dish out for antoher media player incl. 4k… it's not like they're expensive.
BS, i have a 4K tv that replaced a 6 year old plasma, much better picture/colours and half the power and heat.
@Robster33: You simply can't reason with someone who thinks a 720p Plasma is better than a 2015 4K panel. You just can't.
@Robster33:
I have the last of the Panasonic plasmas (65inch - 1080p). No LCD can touch it for black level (LCD / LED pixels can't switch off), viewing anlges, contrast and realistic / film like colour. OLED don't suffer from LCD / LED shortfalls. They are actually more like a plasma technically. LED is gap filling. The purists will buy OLED as they did plasma when it was available.@MadMaxBargainRoad:
Nor can you reason with a halfwit that puts words in your posts. 720p?Try again champ.
@Ripped: First thing i noticed when i got my Samsung 55" 4K after having a 6 year old Panasonic 54" Plasma was how great the blacks were. Go figure.
You're paying for access to the App Store and the benefits that provides, which is something TV manufacturers can't really provide. If you didn't want that access there's a $100 Apple TV 3 that'll play back content fine.
Also a Smart TV for many is a $1k+ investment. If you have one already and it does what you need then paying $250 for an Apple TV may be a waste, but if you don't have such a TV and aren't in the market then $250 is substantially less to pay.
Or spend less than half of that money on Nexus Player and get the same or even more benefit.
Well you can get anything you want. The benefit will vary greatly based on the need. Just pointing out owning a Smart TV isn't a given.
If you're not dedicated to Apple, check out Roku 3. I've got the 3rd Gen AppleTV, it pales in comparison to Roku. Even usability wise. The remote on Roku is simply fantastic, the GUI is better, there's far more apps available (incl. Spotify).
Rokus are indeed excellent, the best commercial box out there. The ATV4 is quite brilliant though, far better than ATV3- the remote control rocks.
This is a good deal for people wanting to buy the Apple TV 4th Gen, especially the 32GB version. I'm not in a hurry, and have a wait-n-see towards it.
The Siri integration is way cool tho, and 3rd party app and streaming content support will only get better. With the Apple TV however, the services is not the issue, but as hardware is fixed, Apple as they often do will only support standards when it's more mainstream - unless it's their own standards. No reason why the Apple TV 3rd Gen couldn't have supported HDMI-CEC. 4K at the moment is still a mixed bag. Do we wait for HDMI 2.0, USB-C 3.1/Thunderbolt 3?
Can tell when it's school holidays because all the keyboard warriors are out in force
So totally off-topic here, but do any of these video players mentioned have the ability to download torrents directly?
I've currently got an AppleTv gen2 jailbroken to stream my Plex content. I'd love to ditch the Plex server altogether and download my torrents directly to the tv connected streaming device. Is that possible?
no
No but with the 4th Gen you can actually download the Plex App for TV OS
Yes, I use The Infuse app through my ATV 4, which accesses all my movies on my NAS (which is a basic usb HDD attached to my router via usb). This works for me.
BTW, you can try Infuse on your jailbroken ATV 2…This is how I originally come across Infuse on my jailbroken ATV 2. Check it out firecore.com & have a look for an overview. Infuse is part of aTV Flash Black…
I bought a 32gb in the last eBay sale. All if can say is these things are awesome. I use it for plex, stan, Netflix but also it has a ton of free games from the App Store that you play using the motion controller remote. I was sceptical at the price too but so far has been totally worth every dollar.
Quick market summary
Streaming - Chromecast < $50
Streaming + Limited apps - Apple TV3, TelstraTV/Roku2 ~$100
Streaming + Apps/Games - Apple TV4, Nvidia Shield ~$200-$300
Streaming + Games + DVD - PS4, Xbox One, Steam Machine ~>$400Lots of different options at different price points
Also if you like games the SteamLink box allows you to stream your Steam games to a TV at around US$50, no AU pricing or release.
Also Nexus Player for Streaming + Apps/Games ~ $120
at this price tag, I would recommend Xbox One or PS4
Izefyre on 07/01/2016 - 10:10 Comment score below threshold.