(Part 2) Best products from r/appletv

Not bluetooth, but I love, love, love these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TLT10I/

The best part is they work with everything on your TV, whereas a bluetooth headset would only work with your Apple TV. They sound great (better than bluetooth, to my ears), are super comfy, and you can also find them in an open-backed variety if you prefer.

I've used mine daily for over two years, and they've held up very well.

I did the same when I got my smart tv. I’m glad I did. In addition to a better user experience, more frequent firmware updates, and better privacy, the Apple TV also works with the remote app on your iPhone/Apple Watch. It’s pretty handy for when you can’t find the included Siri remote.

Speaking of remotes, I highly recommend getting a case for it. I have this one and love it:

elago R1 Intelli Case... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ESXK5PO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It protects it, and makes it easier to tell which part of the remote is the top.

Oblivion was shot using Sony’s F65 which is perfectly capable of HDR color.

The box on amazon clearly points to this on the back where it recommends an HDR TV for the best picture and the goes unusually further to specifically say the main feature supports HDR10 color.
https://www.amazon.com/Oblivion-Blu-ray-Tom-Cruise/dp/B01FH1UYX4/ref=tmm_frk_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

to be frank I've so far not seen any UHD Bluray that doesn't openly advertise HDR color in some way. Even the older remasters I have like the fifth element and Labyrinth openly say you need an HDR TV for 'best picture' .

Logitech Harmony Smart Control is what I use. It’s still a hub based Harmony product but comes with the simple SmarT Control remote which doesn’t have a touchscreen which in turn keeps costs down.

Logitech Harmony Smart Control with Smartphone App and Simple All in One Remote - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQ5RYI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PvlQDbY652R8F

Also, you can use IR Harmony remotes with the Apple TV 4K. So remotes like the 650 and 350 can both be had for under $40.

I’m a big fan of the Logitech Harmony Companion. Beyond being able to integrate with tons of other smart devices, the remote just feels great.


Logitech Harmony Companion All in One Remote Control for Smart Home and Entertainment Devices, Hub & App, Works With Alexa - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3RFC4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FFgBDb2ECC1AW

I don't know of any apps, but there might be ones you can sideload (no idea either way).

There are cheap Open VPN routers you could conceivably use. I've been meaning to try something like this (https://www.amazon.com/GL-AR150-ext-External-Antenna-Repeater-Tethering/dp/B015CYI8DY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1493649077&sr=8-3&keywords=home+vpn+router) with AppleTV. Not ideal as I think you'd at least have to change your AppleID on the AppleTV, but for someone who frequently needs to use a VPN it might be worth exploring.

I'm definitely interested in better solutions though.

VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar (2015 Model) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SMBG8NC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_EoTExbX006QF2

Really recommend Vizio soundbars. Great sound for a great price. Also comes in 5.1 version with rear speakers and a subwoofer. The 2.0 version is great for apartment living though.

I use the Bose Soundlink Color with my Apple TV. I bought the white version. Works great and is currently $99.
It's one of the few "small" speakers that actually sounds good. I've bought 3-4 other cheaper speakers on Amazon where everyone said that they sounded good, but to me they didn't. It also feels nice (rubberized) and even has an included battery in case you need it. I also have pretty good bluetooth reception for my phone (it can pair to both at the same time). The connection to the other speakers I tested usually died as soon as I left the room, this one seems to work fine even through walls for me. (drywall)

I went this direction – perfect solution

Got a bit expensive FiiO BTR1, but it's quite powerful to drive two headphones, plus has integrated battery, so no wires.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075YD83Y9/

Sadly, I can't use aptX codec because of lack of Apple support, but AAC works great as well.

Edit: typo

Not at all.

The USB-C port on the Apple TV is for servicing purposes only. Not for regular users to use.

Even if it was a fully functional USB-C port, USB-C isn't magic.

It will only support what the host device actually supports.

Currently, there are no USB-C to HDMI 2.1 dongles on the market.

However, even when they become available, I guarantee you will not be able to just plug them into the Apple TV and get HDMI 2.1.

You must have seen HDMI 2.0 dongles like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Compatible-Thunderbolt-Supports-Resolutions/dp/B01FIVSC6Y/

Dongles like this are not magic. They will not automatically work with any USB-C device. They will only work with devices that specifically support sending a HDMI 2.0 signal over the USB-C port.

The host device need to be electrically wired to do this. The Apple TV 4K is not.

Additionally, the graphics in the device need to be capable of outputting a HDMI 2.1 signal. The A10X in the Apple TV 4K is not capable of that.

For my wife, yes. She hates the Apple TV remote for this very reason. I actually just bought a universal learning remote so she never has to use the Apple remote. It was not easy finding a universal remote that had directions and a volume control. I wish it was backlit, but this one remote can control Apple TV and also volume, source, and power for the TV without having to switch modes.

Water Resistant Universal TV Remote - EasyClean PC100 | Smart, Learning Remote, Large Button, Television + Cable Box Remote. Easy to Clean, Waterproof. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYMQKFO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_KNPBDb514YZY9

I'm using an Inteset which looks the same as a cable remote but works fine, about $25 controls volume, mute, tv input and all the apple functions.

However for me I don't like that its so large so I'm getting an Xbox replacement remote to setup, its a lot smaller., $18 to try and it'll separately control tv volume and mute.

The Harmony express looks great but $250 is too much to spend on a remote imo.

This guy. I've loved it. Does my Apple tv. Tv receiver and DVD player. My kid likes to grab my Apple TV remote and grind it on the tile as he crawls sound the house. So I hide it and his big sister uses this remote.

Logitech Harmony 350 for Universal Control of Up To 8 Entertainment Devices ( Certified Refurbished ) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y34TAA0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jqn-Ab37FBNRX

I would maybe post this question to/browse https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters

I currently have this configuration. I have a HDHomeRun Extend and two Apple TV's. The HDHomeRun Extend will only give you access to over the air tv, where I live that is about 15-20 channels. I wouldn't go as far as saying its a replacement for a 100 VIP cable package. There will be channels that are simply not offered OTA for free. It is more along of the lines of local or basic programming.

You can go here and input your location to see available channels and what type of antennae you would need
https://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

Here are some links to what I have for pricing.
http://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-HDTC-2US-HDHomeRun-EXTEND-2-Tuner/dp/B00GY0UB6I
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BN5Z2WM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

If you need significant length or are winding through tight areas you will want to go with the Monoprice SlimRun AV HDR High Speed Cable for HDMI-Enabled Devices models. They are fiber optic and are as good as HDMI cables get according to lab testing. If you have Prime, on Amazon you can find Ruipro Fiber cables that are comparatively excellent

As others have said, this is the same HDMI cable Apple has sold since the Apple TV 4K launched on 2017. I bought this then and it isn’t reliable at all. Monoprice and Cable Matters have better, more reliable HDMI cables at a better price.

yeah i have one for gaming on my ipad, i recommend it as well. it’s also a little cheaper on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AZC3III/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PKDRzb5TJM9BB

These have worked great for me: Atevon.

ViewHD HDMI Audio Extractor | Optical Toslink + L/R Stereo Analog Converter Outputs | Model: VHD-H2HSAs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBHX072/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bWrYBbHE8J0FQ

This is what I use. Works great.

The ATV doesn't need to be put to sleep. CEC can be unreliable on my end as well (Samsung 4K), so I turned it off. In ATV settings, it's set it to never sleep. Instead, my ATV goes to screensaver when not in use. In remote settings, I've disabled "control tv and receivers." I now use a universal remote (IR) to control my ATV4K and TV. This option is much better because I can operate everything connected to my tv. This is the one: Inteset INT-422 4-in-1... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4I1BAY?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

The Apple TV 4K supports HDMI-CEC, so your Sony TV remote might work. Otherwise I recommend this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZYIFXSM/ref=psdc_3236443011_t2_B00BQ5RYI4

I’m not sure. On paper it looks ok. This is the one I got (on suggestion form someone here) that improved it for me.

4K HDMI Cable 6 ft - Atevon High Speed 18Gbps HDMI 2.0 Cable - 4K HDR, 3D, 2160P, 1080P, Ethernet - 28AWG Braided HDMI Cord - Audio Return(ARC) for UHD TV, Blu-ray Player, Xbox, PS4/3, PC, Apple TV https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N343SBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_55cKAb0VQMCEJ

Logitech Harmony solves this. I use this one

You could also use an HDMI Audio Extractor to send the audio to speakers that accept optical or RCA stereo (or minijack, with an inexpensive adapter)

Man. I seriously didn’t know there were 2 sizes. The small one looks like a controller for a kid. How much was the difference between the 2 since you picked the smaller 1?

Is this the same one with the big one photo?
https://www.amazon.com/SteelSeries-Nimbus-Wireless-Gaming-Controller/dp/B01AZC3III/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542940823&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=steelseries+controller&dpPl=1&dpID=41eDqC65wGL&ref=plSrch#

I picked up this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Companion-Home-Control/dp/B00N3RFC4G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466444688&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+harmony+home+control

Doesn't have native Echo support - but does work via IFTTT or Yonami

This is what I am using
https://www.amazon.com/RUIPRO-Fiber-Cable-Support-Subsampling/dp/B06XGDFCSC
to connect projector to soundbar. Amazon basic high speed 6 feet HDMI cable to connect ATV4k to soundbar HDMI 3 port.

Steel Series Nimbus
Steel Series Nimbus

Inteset 4-in-1 Universal Backlit IR Learning Remote for use with Apple TV, Xbox One, Roku,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M4I1BAY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_tai_QY6YCb...