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Endorphine88

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Feb 12, 2018
263
192
Philadelphia, PA
The only thing I have not recently updated in my arsenal is my Apple TV. I've been back and forth on whether it makes sense to get the newest one or not. Here's why:
- It lives in my bedroom and plays on a small 32 inch 1080p TV (no 4k).
- It still works perfectly fine and I have no issues with it other than limited functionality of the old remote
- During peak hour spikes in the neighborhood, I only get speeds of about 15 download/12 upload and I feel like that won't be adequate for 4K
- If I want to view stuff in 4K, I'd have to upgrade the TV too

Do you guys feel like it makes sense to retire the old device and get the new one?
 

T'hain Esh Kelch

macrumors 603
Aug 5, 2001
6,485
7,461
Denmark
So far you havent given a single reason for why you should upgrade, so I am not sure why you are trying to get us to buu something you clearly dont need.
 

-Gonzo-

macrumors 65832
Nov 14, 2015
1,504
851
One thing you haven’t said is which Apple TV you do have.
If your using an ATV3 or lower then possibly upgrade to ATV4 if the use of extra apps and games take your fancy.
If your already using an ATV4 then I’d say you’ve already answered your own question.
 

fluamsler

macrumors member
Mar 5, 2016
96
32
near Basel, Switzerland
If you are happy with the performance of your Apple TV and don't plan to upgrade your TV to 4K in the near future there is no reason to upgrade to the Apple TV 4K. To stream a 4K iTunes movie you need AFAIK around 25mbps down.

The biggest points for the Apple TV 4K are: faster performance and 4K HDR support. But here in Switzerland the numbers of 4K movies is just average. Most of the movies are "just" 1080p.

Hope this helps! :)
 

mtneer

macrumors 68040
Sep 15, 2012
3,183
2,715
I am also waiting on Apple TV to support YouTube content at 4K. Otherwise their 4K ability is pretty limited in my opinion.
 

ajohansson

macrumors regular
Dec 5, 2011
141
7
the only thing ATV4 gives you is access to youtubetv, sling etc. You can get a roku for much cheaper for that stuff. But if you want it all in one there ya go. I went with the 4. I rip alot of movies and they arent 4k and there isnt a ton of programming thats in 4k and really i am not that much of a videofile.
 

BODYBUILDERPAUL

Suspended
Feb 9, 2009
1,773
1,438
Barcelona
Over say the ATV 3, i'd say the biggest and best feature that makes it pretty 'pro' is the auto frame rate switching for iTunes Movies, Netflix etc. If you watch film and notice panning judder, then this is for you.
Also, of course, the app store and damn nice UI.
If you love the ATV, then go for it! It's now my only box and my, does that make life simplistic and stress free :)
 

Sakurambo-kun

macrumors 6502a
Oct 30, 2015
572
672
UK
If you don't have a 4K TV then the differences between the ATV4 and the ATV4K are basically zero. It has a faster APU inside, but there's no difference in performance as far as the user is concerned.
 

BODYBUILDERPAUL

Suspended
Feb 9, 2009
1,773
1,438
Barcelona
If you don't have a 4K TV then the differences between the ATV4 and the ATV4K are basically zero. It has a faster APU inside, but there's no difference in performance as far as the user is concerned.

But, for £30 extra it is amazing having that A10X chip. At the end of the day, imagine how efficient that ATV 4K is at playing 1080p iTunes films.
It's like simply driving a Ferrari on the motorway in 7th gear. Just a beautiful, flawless experience :)
Way buy a 2015 model when for £30 extra, you can buy the latest and will be fast in 2 or 3 years time after many TV OS updates :)
That's how I look at it - you can buy a iPhone 6S now or a iPhone 8 now BUT do you think the 6S will run beautifully in 2 years time after a series of updates? I certainly don't think so!
The A8 chip in the ATV4 is old now, very old and was never any where near as good as the A9 which followed.
 

Hermes Monster

macrumors 65816
May 4, 2010
1,204
552
UK
But, for £30 extra it is amazing having that A10X chip. At the end of the day, imagine how efficient that ATV 4K is at playing 1080p iTunes films.
It's like simply driving a Ferrari on the motorway in 7th gear. Just a beautiful, flawless experience :)
Way buy a 2015 model when for £30 extra, you can buy the latest and will be fast in 2 or 3 years time after many TV OS updates :)
That's how I look at it - you can buy a iPhone 6S now or a iPhone 8 now BUT do you think the 6S will run beautifully in 2 years time after a series of updates? I certainly don't think so!
The A8 chip in the ATV4 is old now, very old and was never any where near as good as the A9 which followed.

I second this. In fact, get a refurb from Apple and negate the £30

The 4/4K is a big step up in visuals (the UI) and usability. You can also use apps to stream from your NAS so you’re not 100% tied to Apple TV for content

Oh, and the screensavers - worth the upgrade alone
 
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