Hands On: Mission's USB Power Cable Lets You Plug Your Apple TV Directly Into Your TV Set

[snak-atak]

In the old days, you could plug in your computer monitor into your desktop. It's actually surprising that TVs don't have some outlets built in.

Agree, totally. TV’s have inputs and outputs for everything. HDMI, USB, Cable, Audio, etc. why don’t they build in pass through power, like a built in surg protector? They charge us $1,000 - $2,000 per set. What’s another $10-$20 for convenient power?

 

[AgeOfSpiracles]

Serious question… Why are there not USB-C ports on TVs to open the potential for USB-C power and video output? Most streaming sticks can be powered by TVs’ onboard USB ports.

In a lot of ways, it's similar to the problem cars had with ports and infotainment systems in the 2000's. Outside of very high-end TV's, the industry doesn't add new tech because of low profit margins and consumer apathy. Nobody buying a $700 Vizio is going to pay $750 for the same TV with USB-C PD ports.

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

Clever...

 

[PinkyMacGodess]

I don't really get this either. Why pay an extra $25 to get a cord with a big inline brick to replace the simple AC cord that you already have?

Saves on the number of cables?

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Spend $24.00 to end up with more clutter (lok at that huge brick!). Just add a surge protector with additional outlets to the outlet where your TV plugs in, and problem solved. Total cost: less than $20.00.

Or, you could get a slim format UPS (Battery backup) for your TV and other media equipment, protect them against power issues and keep them running during a brief outage (assuming your network equipment is also on a UPS).

 

[MysticCow]

If you hate cord clutter...HERE'S ANOTHER CORD FOR YOU!!!

 

[RickDEGH]

What do I think? I think I’m enjoying the roasting. And I also think it’d be garbage behind my TV, literally.

 

[Macintosh TV]

Someone really spent time and money on developing this ? 2 Wires for 1 Wire device.. yea amazing, give the person a nobel price in the field of Idiocy.

That's not even the case. You still have 2 cables. The HDMI cable, and this cable.

All that it changes is where you grab power from.

 

[Macintosh TV]

This is hilarious. It ignores the fact that the TV still has to have a power cable. If you're mounting your TV on the wall, your outlet is likely behind the TV or run into the wall to a power connection, which you can simply wire your Apple TV to for power also.

 

[0924487]

Why on earth would you add another consumable product to the system?

Those cheap ass batteries will fail in 2 years.

 

[ajfahey]

uh, no. Apple TV shouldn't even be a thing for modern TVs that have the capacity to run the Apple TV App.

 

[George Dawes]

Err sorry ... am I missing something here ???

What does this actually solve rather than replace a nice slimline power cord with a huge hulking box ??

 

[Anijake]

I keep my ATV on 24/7. What happens with this device when you turn off your TV?

 

[FasterQuieter]

There is a lot of skepticism about the product on here, but it seems like a good idea. Some people have the wire(s) to their TV put behind the wall by a professional and don't want a second visible wire snaking up to their TV. This would solve the issue in a situation like that.

 

[kiranmk2]

USB-C is the answer here.

If TVs supported USB-C we could have a world where most TV-attached devices just connect to the TV via a single cable which transports power, video and audio (and potentially network). As it is though, most optical disc players have been consigned to the bin and of the major consoles, a lot of streaming sticks already take USB power and only the Switch of the modern consoles would probably be light enough in its power demands to work.

 

[pup]

I can see RV or marine applications, to reduce inverter use.

I'm guessing that this provides 120v DC, and the ATV is OK with that?

Also, would't a solution that combines 2 USB ports provide enough amperage for the ATV without requiring batteries?

 

[Ion-X]

When I read the title I thought this was going to power the AppleTV over the HDMI cord and then I would be impressed.

Same, that would be legitimately impressive and a huge boon for streaming sticks like Roku, Fire stick, etc.

This, though? This is just… the most over-engineered kluge known to modern humans!

 

[Boyd01]

I can see RV or marine applications, to reduce inverter use.

Well, I guess it's one less cord plugged into the inverter. But if the TV is plugged into the inverter, it wouldn't change the amount of power required. The Apple TV still requires the same amount of power, but it would just pass through the TV instead. For that matter, there's probably some inefficiency in this adapter that would actually result in more power being used.

 

[Kastellen]

That headline needs work, because I already plug my Apple TV directly into my TV.

 

[pup]

Well, I guess it's one less cord plugged into the inverter. But if the TV is plugged into the inverter, it wouldn't change the amount of power required. The Apple TV still requires the same amount of power, but it would just pass through the TV instead. For that matter, there's probably some inefficiency in this adapter that would actually result in more power being used.

Most RV and marine TVs are actually 12 volt, so this device would allow you to use an ATV without having an inverter. Or if you have one, not having to run it can save on efficiency losses and parasitic draw.

 

[spencecb]

Saves on the number of cables?

How? A uSB cable is replacing a power cable. That is cable for cable, as in, no reduction of cables...

 

[izzle22]

There is a lot of skepticism about the product on here, but it seems like a good idea. Some people have the wire(s) to their TV put behind the wall by a professional and don't want a second visible wire snaking up to their TV. This would solve the issue in a situation like that.

So are you saying that there are people who have a professional come out to their house and put the TV's power cord down through the wall??? Why would you do that? Just you have a professional come out to remove it when you get a new TV?

No. Most people get a professional to install a power outlet behind their tv and usually it has 2 plug ins. if you need more you can add an extension for $3. This product makes no sense for 99.9% of all TV installations.

 

[ivanpasic]

How does this reduce clutter? It replaces a single cord, with a power bank and two cords.

 

[GadgetVirtuoso]

This is a solution to a tiny problem. Sometimes I take one of my spare AppleTVs when I travel, especially when I know I will be staying someplace for a week or two. Many hotels don't have extra outlets near the TV, but all the TVs have USB ports these days, so this would help in those situations and so would packing a small power strip. A small power strip is a lot less than $25 too.

 

[pup]

Most people get a professional to install a power outlet behind their tv and usually it has 2 plug ins. if you need more you can add an extension for $3. This product makes no sense for 99.9% of all TV installations.

Probably a lot of people have a soundbar that uses that second outlet, and many of those recessed outlets are too small to fit a splitter.

Obviously this is a niche item - maybe there's a market and maybe not. Most of these comments though are the typical geek "I don't need this, so no one does".