Apple TV 4K review

Source: Apple TV 4K review

introduction

It’s been over 10 years since Apple released the first generation Apple TV. This year, alongside the new iPhones, Apple introduced the fifth generation, which now supports 4K/High Dynamic Range and is aptly named the Apple TV 4K.

Recently updated to tvOS 11.2, now graced by Amazon’s recently launched Prime Video app, and with Apple’s own TV app launching internationally, it’s about time we revisited what Steve Jobs once called a “hobby.” to visit.

Main features of Apple TV 4K

• Video formats: HD/4K Dolby Vision and HDR10
• Audio Formats: Dolby Digital 5.1/Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 surround sound
• chipset: Apple A10X Fusion chip with 64-bit architecture
• Memory: 3 GB RAM and 32 GB or 64 GB storage capacity
• Connectivity: 802.11ac WiFi with MIMO; simultaneous dual band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Gigabit Ethernet and Bluetooth 5.0
• Remote control: Slightly revised Siri remote control

major flaws

• Expensive
• Remote control still ergonomically flawed
• The Apple-controlled ecosystem means this isn’t for everyone
• No Dolby Atmos
• No 4K Youtube
• Currently, Amazon Prime non-UHD content is only available in stereo

Apple TV 4K retail box

The ATV 4K comes in typically premium Apple packaging and includes the ATV 4K itself, the slightly updated Siri remote, which we’ll get to later, the usual quick start guide, and a Lightning to USB cable.

In case you’re wondering, the Lightning to USB cable is used to charge the Siri remote. No USB charger is supplied, but chances are you have one available.

Notable is the lack of an HDMI 2.0 cable, which could trip up the newbie, or in one of our cases, a parent.

Apple TV 4K Retail Box • USB to Lightning cable included

draft

The new Apple TV 4K follows the same design trend that Apple set for the previous generations, but with a few modifications. It’s still the same black beer mat sized puck measuring 98 x 98mm and 35mm high. The sides are “fingerprint magnet” gloss black, while the top is matte black with a slightly recessed Apple TV logo. The bottom now includes eight vents on its raised circular base to provide airflow for the fan to cool its 4K HDR-ready innards. The fan cannot be heard during operation.

From left to right: Apple TV Gen 3, Apple TV Gen 4 and Apple TV 4K Gen 5

On the back you’ll find the HDMI 2.0a port for connecting to your 4K TV and audio device, the Gigabit Ethernet port and the socket for the built-in power supply – there are no external power blocks here. It’s worth noting that the Apple TV lost its optical audio (TOSLINK) in the last Apple TV generation and now all audio is transmitted through the HDMI port. This is something to keep in mind if your AV equipment is older.

The Apple TV 4K on the far right has the bare minimum of A/V connections

The front of the device is devoid of any function when powered off or in sleep mode. When the ATV 4K is awake, it shows a steady white LED light shining through the black plastic. The light will flash to confirm it has received a command from a remote control.

Although not visible, there is an IR sensor on the lower left front of the ATV 4K for use with third party remote controls and AV equipment.

We won’t go so far as to say it’s attractive, but it’s an innocuous and small design that fits in with your other AV gear without drawing attention to itself.

The Siri remote is 124mm high x 38mm wide and just 6.3mm thick. The back and sides are made out of aluminium, while the front of the remote control is a combination of glossy and matte black, all covered in a sleek glass. The remote includes two microphones used by Siri, an accelerometer, and a three-axis gyroscope, allowing it to act as a simple game controller.

The redesigned Apple TV Siri remote at left, note the raised white ring around the “MENU” button

Once you get used to chaining the remote to a brick so you don’t lose it in the sofa cushions, you can easily navigate the Apple TV experience.

It suffers from the same ergonomic problem as the previous generation, however, as its symmetrical design makes it difficult to orient yourself in low light conditions, which end up being on top – especially if you’re focusing on the latest blockbuster film.

On many occasions we found ourselves holding the TV/Home button when we were about to hit play/pause due to the remote being upside down in our hand. Apple has attempted to alleviate this, with partial success, by adding a white (non-luminous) raised ring around the menu button to help locate the Siri remote by feel alone. It helps, but it’s still not perfect, and while it doesn’t detract from the experience too much, it’s an irritant in an otherwise overall intuitive user experience.

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