Good price on the new Apple TV 4k.
I have a chromecast ultra, but it annoys me that it can't do frame rate matching, nor can it do Kayo split screen. This can do both.
Good price on the new Apple TV 4k.
I have a chromecast ultra, but it annoys me that it can't do frame rate matching, nor can it do Kayo split screen. This can do both.
Agree with this. I don't know how or why but video and audio through Apple TV is much much better overall than via smart TV direct or even PS5 streaming. For the same content and sources.
uh I don't understand how that is possible - maybe better upscaling algos? I mean the feed is digital.
what do you use to play your local media files?
Apple TV does not allow you to install kodi
I need Kodi media player for the features and addons..
there is no other media out there that is like it.
I don't have any local media files to play. Most of my usage is limited to streaming apps and 4K discs that I buy from JB when they are on sale and then I sell them later on ebay once I done with them. Initial decision to buy Xbox was based on the fact that it supported Atmos Netflix streaming and also could play 4k discs but using the xbox controller to pause/play/rewind etc. isn't the most user friendly experience. Instead of spending $50 on xbox media remote, I thought I may as well buy Apple TV. Other family members find it easier to use apple tv remote compared with xbox controller.
You can install MRMC, which is a stripped down version of kodi (no addons). Personally I use Emby on a windows PC to serve local files to multiple AppleTVs, you can use the emby app, or MRMC or Infuse to play the files.
what you mean by serve?
are the media players playing it directly or getting transcoded file?
so these media player can't play directly via SMB/network share?
@pinkybrain: Serve means play via a network share.
@Morien: is that like playing via smb share?
but you still need the emby app…why not just play directly via smb share?
why not just play directly via smb share?
With a question like that, it makes me think you are not using Kodi correctly/to its full potential.
You don't use Kodi as just an SMB file share interface do you?
I use an app called Infuse (annual subscription). Works a treat to play files from a NAS or network volume.
how much you paid per year and what is the benefit of sub?
Yeah kodi is free so not interested in paying for a media player..
@pinkybrain: Ease of use mostly, but you can get the full rundown here - https://firecore.com/infuse
Plex works just fine on AppleTV.
Agree, Apple TV is compatible with basically every codec so I've never experienced any transcoding from my Plex server, it's all direct play which is a dream.
Long term kodi user and plug-in developer here. Switched to Infuse on Apple TV and never looked back.
why?
what does infuse have that is better than kodi (+ addons) and no need to pay for annual subscription?
@pinkybrain: It can run on a $200 device that can locally decode every audio and video format without server-side transcoding.
It can run on a $200 device that can locally decode every audio and video format without server-side transcoding.
So can kodi….
and
-not need to pay annual subscription fee..
-kodi addons can do so much more than infuse ever can
you switched to apple TV which has good hardware spec..
but need to pay annual subscription fee for a software that is crippled (due to apple's strict restriction/rules)
A cripple software that you need to pay for annually that does much less than a free software that you can use unrestricted (and also gets regular updates)
So not sure what benefit here is in switching to Apple TV..
@pinkybrain: Can you name some of the $200 devices that run kodi and can decode 100mbit/s or more 4K HDR with 7.1 sound? Genuinely curious.
Also in what way is infuse crippled?
Also in what way is infuse crippled?
It is crippled when you compare it to kodi + addons..
If I am a longtime user of kodi + addons
and I migrated to infuse and you said the main thing it does is (which I would have to pay an annual subscription)
- locally decode every audio and video format without server-side transcoding.
And that is all it can do
when on Kodi (it already does this) and I don't need to pay for it.
Plus I can install all these other kodi addons (which makes kodi 100x better than any media player out there)
And I can't even do that on Infuse (which I need to pay an annual fee)
I would view that as paying for a cripple software in comparison to what I get free + can do much more.
Can you name some of the $200 devices that run kodi and can decode 100mbit/s or more 4K HDR with 7.1 sound? Genuinely curious.
You can search yourself or ask on kodi forum
Doesn't matter how good the hardware spec is if they severely cripple/restrict what the software can do..
you should already know that.. if you are a true kodi plugin developer.
Long term kodi user and plug-in developer here.
I find your claim here hard to believe.
Any long term true kodi user/fan would never leave kodi knowing what it can do with
-addons
-as a local media player
-free software that gets regular updates
and choose a cripple software and ecosystem that severely restricts what the software can do..
Unless all you did was watch some local videos and did not install any cool addons.
@pinkybrain: I did search myself and couldn't find any capable Kodi boxes at the $200 price point that can play any format. I used to run Kodi on Raspberry Pi but that was no longer an option when I upgraded to 4K.
On Apple TV I can get apps for all the things I used Kodi plugins before, so not really missing any of the plugins. Infuse can do a lot of other things too, like automatic subtitle and artwork downloads (works better than on Kodi). It also runs on iPad and iPhone as well, at no extra cost. So it is compatible with a lot more of my devices than Kodi. For $1.50 per month the subscription cost is far cheaper than building a media player PC that is powerful enough to decode any 4K content locally wit Kodi.
Sorry you are finding it hard to believe, but I've used Kodi for over 10 years (started with XBMC) and developed several plugins for it (scraper, audio plugins and a screensaver). Recently all I want to do is watch movies in 4K with no hassle and Infuse+AppleTV is absolutely perfect for that. Less time spend tinkering, more time watching.
@kackstelze: You didn't do good enough search…here is a link
Your 10+ year claim of being a Kodi user is again hard to believe if you can't even do some simple search.
https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=332180
Also a popular raspberry pi replacement device that can do 4k
https://forum.kodi.tv/showthread.php?tid=340809
On Apple TV I can get apps for all the things I used Kodi plugins before, so not really missing any of the plugins.
Really…?
Which apps are they?
Kodi can install plugins that Apple would never officially allow on any apps…
There are also plugins that Kodi does even officially support, but you can install it anyway..
Also another benefit of the plugins is I don't need to launch multiple apps.. or pay for more apps like you..
It is all within one app interface (ie convenience)..
Infuse can do a lot of other things too, like automatic subtitle and artwork downloads (works better than on Kodi).
Not sure how that is even possible now..
considering that Aus government has banned most of the popular subtitle sites..
Kodi also has these features but obviously subtitle downloading does not work anymore due to this reason..
Only way around this is via VPN or some other method..
If you got local media, most people use a local media scraper anyway.
This saves the artwork+metadata to each individual movie folder
For $1.50 per month the subscription cost is far cheaper than building a media player PC that is powerful enough to decode any 4K content locally wit Kodi.
If you want to keep paying $18 per year ..
when I can do that for free on a free software..and do even more …
then go ahead.. keep doing it..
This is ozbargain..
and I got better things to spend that saving on..
And I am not a fan of paying something for life just to keep using it forever…
The infuse app should be a pay once only.. not annual subscription..
just to keep using it since they aren't going be adding any new major features..
That is just stupid to keep paying them an annual fee to just to keep using the app to do the same basic feature - ie playing local media files.
It also runs on iPad and iPhone as well, at no extra cost.
Pretty sure there are apps that are free (that apple allows) that can play your local media.. and no need to pay for infuse.
You should already know these apps or you can search for yourself.
Recently all I want to do is watch movies in 4K with no hassle and Infuse+AppleTV is absolutely perfect for that.
Well this device + software is just right for you then..
Since I want do more than that..
Looks like this is not the device for me..
I did want to look at possibly getting this Apple TV (cos of good hardware spec)..
but based on the software that is mention here (and how cripple it is) + needing to pay the annual cost for (just to get the same basic features as Kodi but even less than than Kodi + plugins can do).. I will skip this Apple TV…
Since we have different use cases..
There is no need to continue this discussion..
@pinkybrain: The links you sent me have very few sub-$200 devices, instead has expensive options such as Nvidia Shield or X86 PCs. The few that can be had for less than $200 are rare ARM boards with lots of limitations (first sentence in your link "All hardware running Kodi will have issues with Atmos audio dropouts " - makes me laugh as an ATV user). Those ARM boards are 60-70 USD, and you need a fan/heatsink, case, flash memory and a power supply, plus overseas shipping and GST will get you close to the ATV price point again. Kodi is not optimised for many of those non RPI platforms, so expect that things may not work smoothly. Also those ARM boards pale in comparison to the CPU power the ATV has…
Kodi can install plugins that Apple would never officially allow on any apps…
There are also plugins that Kodi does even officially support, but you can install it anyway..
Seems like you are still educating me about Kodi since you don't believe I'm decade long user and a dev? :)
I know exactly what plugins you mean, I used to use them as well. It was a total pain because you constantly had to change the repo URLs as they got taken down… and then half of the content didn't play or only in garbage quality… I solved this issue with Plex, Radarr, Sonarr and NZBget, and I'm kicking myself for not doing that earlier as it is a night and day difference.
Which apps are they?
Netflix for example. The Kodi plug-in was total rubbish back when I used it.
considering that Aus government has banned most of the popular subtitle sites..
I suggest you try using another DNS provider
just to keep using it since they aren't going be adding any new major features..
They do keep adding features all the time, got a lot better since I subscribed.
Pretty sure there are apps that are free (that apple allows) that can play your local media.. and no need to pay for infuse.
I'm paying for one app that runs on ATV, iPad, iPhone and Mac computers on all my family members devices with the exact same interface, config synced over iCloud. Kodi cannot do that.
I used to be a hardcore Kodi fan like you so I can understand many of your arguments, but I've moved on since I found a better solution. I suggest you look into a combination of Plex (or Jellyfin)/Radarr/Sonarr and a capable settop box just to see what the world outside Kodi looks like, especially if you are into 4K content.
Oh and btw, check out this Kodi fork for ATV: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/mrmc/id1059536415
Send me a DM if you want to continue this conversation because it’s probably not of public interest here.
Send me a DM if you want to continue this conversation because it’s probably not of public interest here.
No I don't have any more interest in continuing this..
Also this thread is expired..so only people continuing with this thread is us..
As mention in my last post we have different use case..
So no point in continuing this conversation..
Also stop making out like only ATV can playback 4k content locally..
If that was the case.. then the entire world would have an ATV..
ATV owners are in the minority of market share of 4k media players
Majority of scene releases don't even have dolby atmos
so it is not a major issue for most people.
Also they probably will fix it eventually with software update..
Already know about the crappy mrMC fork of Kodi that is crippled and need to pay for it..
No thanks.. Only an idiot would think that is a good deal.
I think we should end this here…
I'm getting this to upgrade my existing 4K Apple TV. It's interesting that there have been a number of decent deals for new Apple devices, especially this soon after launch, last gen 4K was few and far between. Not complaining though!
I wish they had a deal for 64GB version as well
Not sure about the 2021 version but on the 4K one I got last year you can’t actually download any movies to it. GB storage is just taken up by app data and games (of which I only use a couple of apps so the extra storage space that I paid for is fairly useless).
Be aware that not all commands work with Kayo or Binge using the new remote that comes with the 2nd Gen Apple TV (or any other third party remote), and neither app supports frame rate matching:
Not a surprise that I’ve got no experience with that at all. Binge does not deserve being subscribed to whatsoever - no 4K support, lack of subtitle support and simply looks amateurish in comparison to other products.
Kayo I imagine would be fine. Can they really bungle up video output where you don’t touch the remote the entire live game?
Re the frame rate matching, apparently the solution is to set the Apple TV to 50hz output, and then let the other (properly written) apps do the frame rate switching.
if you have 2 apple tv's in nearby rooms, would the remotes interfere with the other device not in use?
No
They’re bluetooth devices so no.
Unlike the Mac IR remotes of yesteryear.
sorry if this is a dumb question, what is Kayo split screen? i would be very interested in this.
I ordered one impulsively because of this and had no idea exactly what the split screen was (ie multiple apps at once or games at once… Was hoping for apps but ). I likely have no need for it. But it seems popular so I will give it a go. Peer pressure wins.
Worst case it goes to my bedroom TV. Android on it is a bit unresponsive.
Just wondering - what's the cheapest TV you can get that would truly utilize all of the 2021 Apple TV's capabilities? Like resolution, refresh rate, HDR, and those types of capabilities.
what size?
I don't need too big. I'm honestly happy with 43" but I think 50" minimum for a good experience.
Personally, I think to "truly utilize" HDR capabilities you want a TV with full array backlighting (or an OLED). They don't come cheap unfortunately. But there are some deals out at the moment for a 55" BX OLED for $1700, so that's a pretty good deal. Otherwise you can occasionally get a 55" Sony X9000 for around $1400.
TLDR: Cheap isn’t always good.
One thing I absolutely regret doing is buying Hisense 4K TV to save money on TV. TV’s video isn’t too bad after you calibrate it but the software is horrible. Wouldn’t save the settings and every now and then the CEC stops working I.e. it wouldn’t detect my soundbar (TVs remote won’t control soundbar) and I will manually have to reset CEC. Also I had trouble with the Chromecast connected to this TV i.e. if I cast on chromecast then it will only play audio with blank screen. Also the firmware upgrade is through USB only and not via air. Now when I am out of warranty, I am too scared to upgrade via USB.
Also worth mentioning that the TV is not really smart as I can’t download additional apps.
If I could go back in time, I will spend more and get a better TV.
Yeah I am leaning towards Samsung or LG to be honest. Even getting a good model TV of theirs, but used from FB marketplace/gumtree to save money. Of course you gotta inspect it well.
I had shortlisted Sony X9000 series back then and I regret not buying it.
@ozioziozi: Just sell yours for however much you get for it, and go and get that better TV that you're longing for. Sure you lose a bit of cash, but you get that better experience :)
@TwentyTwoCarats: Yes, eventually will do that or move this to bedroom. I had shortlisted Sony X9000 series back then and regret not buying it. My last Samsung TV only lasted 6 years so I was disappointed with Samsung.
@ozioziozi: My understanding is that Samsung is great for the entry to mid level 4K TVs. They're nice and vibrant and do the job reliably. I think LG are better in the more premium section with their OLED technologies being on point these days. As for Sony, I think they were pioneering the smooth refresh rate technologies from back in the day, and they seem to be a decent middle ground between the two. Sometimes you can snag a Sony for pretty cheap that has great features.
No stock left, Gone:(
Is this better than Nvidia Shield? I currently have Shield.
If you are in the apple ecosystem Apple tv is a no brainer. Agree with the other comments on this thread. Have a bluetooth speaker that I used with Shield. The volume control was bad; as in went from two low to too high when I moved one step up. With Apple Tv no problem whatsoever.
Wow - I just missed out on the last one
I have an old Vodafone TV box that I want to replace. Is there any way to get Kodi running on the Apple TV to use the Foxtel Go plugin?
Hello,
I have got sony x90e 55 inch. It has got all the apps for streaming (Netflix,Kayo,Amazon prime etc.). what is the purpose of Apple TV in this scenario? does it provide better viewing experience ? Just trying to justify a reason to purchase it.
Better operating system (the Android on Sony tv's is slow & buggy). Can watch shows on the Apple TV streaming (most pre-2020 TVs don't have the Apple TV app, there's a list of the models somewhere). Airplay if you have other iOS devices. Apple Arcade if you're into that.
But it is sold out now…
You are absolutely right about the Android slowness. So just a better hardware and software to access all the existing streaming services as well as Apple TV ?
Pretty much. Unless you want to watch shows on the Apple TV app, the only real benefit I think is not having to use the crappy Sony Android operating system. I am actually on the same boat as you, I have a Sony OLED TV and thinking if I should get an Apple TV.
I am using Apple TV for the fitness + app.
Back in stock - Slightly higher at $220.14 after discount.
Hi
I have a DTS sound system, I think this does not allow that as an optical input so what is the best audio I can get out of this model ?
Seems to be back in stock… Just ordered one, price came to $220.14 though
Thanks OP. Back in stock and just ordered. Also had a $20 voucher sitting there for when I changed my eBay payment method so came down to almost $200 even.
Where did you find the $20 voucher? I also changed my payment details today but no voucher message.
I got an email saying if I changed the payment details, they’d give me a voucher. I believe it may have been a timed offer or perhaps even targeted as I had a few emails leading up to it about changing which I had ignored up to that point.
Damn it I missed this one.
Any new deals?
Cannot wait to own a 2021 NEW APPLETV 4K
I just bought apple TV 4k (2021) recently and quite pleased with it. I also have Xbox One S and I didn't buy apple tv for so long thinking that xbox can do everything that I need it for (just basic netflix and other apps, nothing special). I have my Xbox connected to Samsung Dolby Atmos Soundbar which comes with a pair of rear speakers. For some strange reason, when I played content through Xbox (audio set to raw, allowing the soundbar to decode), my rear speakers were rarely noticeable (unless it was Atmos content) however with Apple TV, these rear speakers have come back to life and are very noticeable.
Overall Apple TV is much easier/ smoother to use compared with Xbox so I am quite happy with my decision to invest in this apple TV. For the last year or so, I was just waiting for the new Apple TV 4k to be released and as soon as it was released, I went for it.
Just sharing my experience in case there are others sitting on the fence.