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Do modern smart TV need Apple TV

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maverick786us

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Based on my HTPC Setup. I am planning to buy Sony Bravia 3, which I will use for Netflix, and PS Games. When I went to the showroom the sales person said that Bravia 3 doesn't need Apple TV for streaming, because it has smart TV with built-in Google TV OS.

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When I googled it further clarified my doubt. Still I want to know a third opinion, if I need Apple TV for my HTPC setup. If modern smart TVs have built in functionality. Will it make Apple TV Obsolete?
 
Smart TV's don't "need" an Apple TV, but an Apple TV usually is a nicer streaming device.
Buy the TV and see if the built in Google TV works for you, if not, buy an Apple TV device and use that.
I use Apple TV's personally, I like the interface and speed of the device as well as the remote.

Also, It looks like there is confusion between the Apple TV device and the Apple TV+ Streaming service.
Which one are you referring to?
 
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This is like asking which flavor of deodorant smells better.

If you like Google TV, then built in Google TV will work fine until it gets too old and you need something newer for codec support or when apps demand more memory and cpu than it has.

If you like Apple TV, I've heard good things, but I'm not buying an Apple accessory device given I don't have any modern Apple main devices and don't intend to change that.

Personally, I'm not a fan of Google TV. Samsung's system works on my projector, but it feels a lot worse than the newer Rokus I have (the older Rokus feel pretty sluggish these days).
 
I will use my TV to watch streaming channels like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Hotstar. Sometimes Youtube. For this do I really need Apple TV? If modern smart TVs have built in Google tv, do some modern smart TVs also have built in Apple TV? I don't want "Larry Page" to spy on me lol ;);)
 
maverick786us said:
I will use my TV to watch streaming channels like Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney Hotstar. Sometimes Youtube. For this do I really need Apple TV? If modern smart TVs have built in Google tv, do some modern smart TVs also have built in Apple TV? I don't want "Larry Page" to spy on me lol ;);)
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If you’re concerned about privacy, Apple TV is the only TV or streaming device that doesn’t heavily monetize your data. Now, mind you, no one knows exactly what Apple is planning to do with all that data or why they’re collecting so much of it, so that might be cold comfort. TVs are some of the worst offenders when it comes to recording and selling everything you say and do. If my wife didn’t like to use the built-in apps, I would never allow any TV in the house connect to the Internet. (I would go rip out the SIM card in the car, too, if she’d let me.)

The main reason I would still get an Apple TV is simply that it stays snappy and up to date. The TV interfaces feel OK for the first year or two, but pretty soon it becomes horribly sluggish, and you feel like you’re getting the second-class-citizen experience with streaming apps. My ATV 4K feels more modern and quicker than any smart TV I’ve used, and it’s from 2017. If you or the people in your house use any iDevice, it’s also the best Airplay device for performance and compatibility. As of now, there are also no ads on ATV’s homepage, none injected when you pause video, etc.

If data privacy isn’t that huge for you, you could always use the built-in apps for the first couple of years until they start feeling slow and then see about a streaming box. Maybe there will be a new ATV or even NVIDIA Shield by then.
 
Apple tv updates decently. Smart tv just slowly starts to suck after a while and the on board storage usually is tiny. So a lot of different apps you may have to delete some to make room. Honestly the smart tv UI's are always laggy and nag you. I use apple tv on mine. Just better experience. Just don't drop the remote on the ground (the older one was made of glass).
 
Apple TV is still better than any of the garbage apps you can download on smart TVs. All the other streaming devices suck and are full of ads. It’s also the fastest and most buttery fluid experience out of all them.
 
it will be quite free and easy to use your smart tv os to see if you like it or if something you want to do does not have a native app for it.

Firestick-chrome dongle-apple tv-your playstation a connected computer can all be alternative, but smarttv if it only for netflix should me more than good enough, even the Ruko OS can do that.

You can always add them in the future if you have any issue (they can get quite cheap during prime day, black friday, etc...)
 
LukeTbk said:
it will be quite free and easy to use your smart tv os to see if you like it or if something you want to do does not have a native app for it.

Firestick-chrome dongle-apple tv-your playstation a connected computer can all be alternative, but smarttv if it only for netflix should me more than good enough, even the Ruko OS can do that.

You can always add them in the future if you have any issue (they can get quite cheap during prime day, black friday, etc...)
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THis advice is best. It is always best to try before 'upgrading' otherwise you won't feel there is as much value in a purchase. See the same thing in my groups "i just bought this jeep last night, what upgrades should I get?" ummm drive it first figure out what you don't like.
 
yes the tv can use the appletv app, you already figured that out as you stated in your op. why are you still asking!?
 
I am not sure I fully get what is going on, if the goal is really just Netflix and playstation game.

You do not need any Apple TV app, you can just use the native Netflix app directly, Netflix to run really well on everything out of the box. Why have an appleTV app between the TV and Netflix ?

Darunion said:
so why isn't your pc just doing this?
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Linux browser Netflix tend to be limited (or complicated not to be limited I am not sure) if the HTPC run Linux (a common choice), will any recent TV will run it perfectly fine with a nice remote out of the box.
 
LukeTbk said:
I am not sure I fully get what is going on, if the goal is really just Netflix and playstation game.

You do not need any Apple TV app, you can just use the native Netflix app directly, Netflix to run really well on everything out of the box. Why have an appleTV app between the TV and Netflix ?


Linux browser Netflix tend to be limited (or complicated not to be limited I am not sure) if the HTPC run Linux (a common choice), will any recent TV will run it perfectly fine with a nice remote out of the box.
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I think he is confused since there are two things called Apple TV, one is the streaming device, Apple TV, and the other is the streaming service, Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ is a subscription streaming service for watching only Apple created content, that's it.
 
I'll never give Apple a cent. I've used their products at work, and there's no way I would voluntarily have anythinng Apple at home.
I like having full control over my devices, my files, my updates, what software I choose to use, and my upgrades.
 
Unless you want to use the actual Apple TV streaming service there isn't much benefit to using Apple TV hardware on any decent modern TV. Netflix, Amazon Prime, Youtube, etc, usually work better on the TV's built in apps. They'll better match the frame rate, HDR capabilities, etc, and let you customize picture quality specific to the app.
 
watercooler said:
I'll never give Apple a cent. I've used their products at work, and there's no way I would voluntarily have anythinng Apple at home.
I like having full control over my devices, my files, my updates, what software I choose to use, and my upgrades.
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That’s pretty dumb since they have the best streaming box.
 
Darunion said:
Wait. You say you are doing a HTPC setup, so why isn't your pc just doing this?
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I don't have my pc anymore as of now the tv is going to be my home theater for watching movies and other streaming channels and the latest version of PS for gaming. I haven't bought my tv yet, I am waiting for my next paycheck so that I can buy tv, and PS I can only buy 3-4 months later when I have enough savings. So its a long road

Right now I use my MacBook pro for streaming which I connected with my pair of Sonos Era 100 using bluetooth. Sonos App is really good. Once I you set up both the speakers in stereo pair mode using the app. you can connect with any device using bluetooth and it will work as stereo pair with littlest hick ups, but thats fine. I have yet to see how it works with smart tv when connected using bluetooth.

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Zepher said:
I think he is confused since there are two things called Apple TV, one is the streaming device, Apple TV, and the other is the streaming service, Apple TV+.
Apple TV+ is a subscription streaming service for watching only Apple created content, that's it.
Click to expand...
I was under the impression impression that with older smart TV, the only way to watch online streaming channels is through Apple TV, amazon fire stick. I studied that with Apple TV t's better compared to Amazon stick because Apple provides the functionality where you can search for a movie in all the streaming channels that you have subscribed for, and it provides many other features including its amazing UI.

When I went to TV showroom and the sales person said that I don't need Apple TV with Sony Bravia 3 because it has Apple TV and Google TV inbuilt. I thought he mean the hardware features. So I was wondering, wilth these modern TVs will Apple TV become obsolete.

But I am going to listen to the advice provide be other users here. Once I have my TV I will explore for first 3-4 months and then I will decide if I really need Apple TV.
 
maverick786us said:
When I went to TV showroom and the sales person said that I don't need Apple TV with Sony Bravia 3 because it has Apple TV and Google TV inbuilt. I thought he mean the hardware features. So I was wondering, wilth these modern TVs will Apple TV become obsolete.
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No, it still doesn’t come close to the Apple TV streaming box in terms of performance or polish. That said, it’s fine for what you need. Sony has the least annoying version of Google TV out of all the major brands.

Samsung’s interface is honestly awful. The whole system slows down to the point where even basic features like fast motion stop working. Sometimes it lags so much that just navigating the menu is nearly impossible. I have to use “Device Care” to manually free up RAM and close apps just to get things working again. My parents’ ancient 4K Bravia never has this issue.

Then there’s LG with that insanely stupid on-screen cursor UI, which I think is the worst of them all. So yeah, I’m sticking with Sony from now on. I might even sell this stupid Samsung despite the picture being so amazing. Even though I don't use the UI for anything other than switching to my PS5, Switch, or Apple TV, the UI slows down and lags. It sucks so much I'm getting angry just talking about it.

And no, it doesn’t have “Apple TV built in.” The TV runs Google OS, which lets you install and use various streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Paramount, HBO, Disney Plus, etc.

Apple TV is a streaming box with Apple’s TV OS on it. Apple TV Plus is Apple’s streaming service that allows you to watch Apple content, just as Netflix is a streaming service that allows you to watch Netflix content. Apple TV Plus is just another app that you can download using the Google OS UI that comes with the Sony Bravia.
 
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Shoganai said:
That’s pretty dumb since they have the best streaming box.
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I've never streamed anything, well besides stuff like youtube, rumble, etc on the phone.
If I watch a TV series, it's because plenty have raved about how good it was, then i'll get a whole season and watch it all in a week or two :D
I've got too many hobbies, not much time for TV
 
Shoganai said:
No, it still doesn’t come close to the Apple TV streaming box in terms of performance or polish. That said, it’s fine for what you need. Sony has the least annoying version of Google TV out of all the major brands.

Samsung’s interface is honestly awful. The whole system slows down to the point where even basic features like fast motion stop working. Sometimes it lags so much that just navigating the menu is nearly impossible. I have to use “Device Care” to manually free up RAM and close apps just to get things working again. My parents’ ancient 4K Bravia never has this issue.

Then there’s LG with that insanely stupid on-screen cursor UI, which I think is the worst of them all. So yeah, I’m sticking with Sony from now on. I might even sell this stupid Samsung despite the picture being so amazing. Even though I don't use the UI for anything other than switching to my PS5, Switch, or Apple TV, the UI slows down and lags. It sucks so much I'm getting angry just talking about it.

And no, it doesn’t have “Apple TV built in.” The TV runs Google OS, which lets you install and use various streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, Paramount, HBO, Disney Plus, etc.

Apple TV is a streaming box with Apple’s TV OS on it. Apple TV Plus is Apple’s streaming service that allows you to watch Apple content, just as Netflix is a streaming service that allows you to watch Netflix content. Apple TV Plus is just another app that you can download using the Google OS UI that comes with the Sony Bravia.
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Hard disagree on that. IMO LG's interface is the best and way better than apple TV's. The ability to easily just point and click is way more efficient. And it doesn't force you to point and click, you can still use the inferior arrow tapping.
 
sharknice said:
Hard disagree on that. IMO LG's interface is the best and way better than apple TV's. The ability to easily just point and click is way more efficient. And it doesn't force you to point and click, you can still use the inferior arrow tapping.
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Hard disagree with your hard disagree.
 
sharknice said:
Unless you want to use the actual Apple TV streaming service there isn't much benefit to using Apple TV hardware on any decent modern TV
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playstation, googlte tv, androidtv, firetv, roky, samsung, LG, Sony, they have wide support:
https://www.apple.com/eg/apple-tv-app/devices/

Not that different than a netflix.

maverick786us said:
I studied that with Apple TV t's better compared to Amazon stick because Apple provides the functionality where you can search for a movie in all the streaming channels that you have subscribed for, and it provides many other features including its amazing UI.
Click to expand...
So it will not be only Netflix like mentioned in the first message ?

With your sony bravia remote that will have a shortcut button for Netflix, if it is really the only thing you do there will not be any need for an UI to start with... The OP message seem to describe the simplest need imaginable, that a $300 2017 Roku TV do perfectly fine, but then worry about a new Sony TV being able to, are you sure there is not more than having a TV for a single app and a single HDMI device ? After all there was talk of an HTPC not so long ago and now apple tv, that cannot be only to watch Netflix right ?
 
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LukeTbk said:
playstation, googlte tv, androidtv, firetv, roky, samsung, LG, Sony, they have wide support:
https://www.apple.com/eg/apple-tv-app/devices/

Not that different than a netflix.


So it will not be only Netflix like mentioned in the first message ?

With your sony bravia remote that will have a shortcut button for Netflix, if it is really the only thing you do there will not be any need for an UI to start with... The OP message seem to describe the simplest need imaginable, that a $300 2017 Roku TV do perfectly fine, but then worry about a new Sony TV being able to, are you sure there is not more than having a TV for a single app and a single HDMI device ? After all there was talk of an HTPC not so long ago and now apple tv, that cannot be only to watch Netflix right ?
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Yes not just Netflix. I have subscription of Amazon Prime and Disney Hotstar too. You gave me a good idea about Roku 2017 that will save my pocket. The reason I selected Sony Bravia is I want 4k resolution, with perfect brightness contrast color with minimal bezel I which I thought, Sony Bravia has the best
 
maverick786us said:
Yes not just Netflix. I have subscription of Amazon Prime and Disney Hotstar too. You gave me a good idea about Roku 2017 that will save my pocket. The reason I selected Sony Bravia is I want 4k resolution, with perfect brightness contrast color with minimal bezel I which I thought, Sony Bravia has the best
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All you need is your TV.
 
LukeTbk said:
You probably already have an old TV, you can already try all of those on it (are you accessing those on your phone, pc, tablet ?), that will give you an idea.
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My parents have a TV in their bedroom, my wife has a 13 year old TV with no smart tv functionality, I don't have my personal TV. I would prefer something in which I feel like a mini theater effect, like big screen, 4K display, excellent color, clarity and details. So far I am watching streaming in my M1 MacBook Pro 16. So when I switch to TV, I want to feel the difference of heaven and earth.

But because of the limitation posed by my small room, 57 inch is the best I can go.
 
maverick786us said:
My parents have a TV in their bedroom, my wife has a 13 year old TV with no smart tv functionality, I don't have my personal TV. I would prefer something in which I feel like a mini theater effect, like big screen, 4K display, excellent color, clarity and details. So far I am watching streaming in my M1 MacBook Pro 16. So when I switch to TV, I want to feel the difference of heaven and earth.

But because of the limitation posed by my small room, 57 inch is the best I can go.
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Again, it sounds like all you need is the TV.
 
I think it's a better approach to use the TV as a display device only and have a separate device to handle apps (whether that's an Apple TV, Firestick, Roku, or whatever).

There is too much potential for tracking and other unwanted changes when you have your TV directly connected to the internet. You're just making it too easy for the TV manufacturer to insert advertisements into the TV menus and extract tracking information, etc.

Also, it makes it easier to have the same interface on every TV. As long as every TV has the same cheap streaming device, then your old 2008 beater TV can have the same interface and TV controller as your brand new TV. Rather than everyone in your house trying to understand the quirks of multiple different devices.
 
GotNoRice said:
I think it's a better approach to use the TV as a display device only and have a separate device to handle apps (whether that's an Apple TV, Firestick, Roku, or whatever).

There is too much potential for tracking and other unwanted changes when you have your TV directly connected to the internet. You're just making it too easy for the TV manufacturer to insert advertisements into the TV menus and extract tracking information, etc.

Also, it makes it easier to have the same interface on every TV. As long as every TV has the same cheap streaming device, then your old 2008 beater TV can have the same interface and TV controller as your brand new TV. Rather than everyone in your house trying to understand the quirks of multiple different devices.
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While I do agree with this assessment, I think it ultimately comes down to the fact that Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, HD Homatics, etc simply do the job better, faster, and the consensus is they also have a better UI. Compounded with the aforementioned, if you ever decide to rip, or "procure" proper digital media, they'll be able to play it.
 
Solhokuten said:
While I do agree with this assessment, I think it ultimately comes down to the fact that Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, HD Homatics, etc simply do the job better, faster, and the consensus is they also have a better UI. Compounded with the aforementioned, if you ever decide to rip, or "procure" proper digital media, they'll be able to play it.
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But if the TV with an onboard software package, is directly connected to streaming services, and can be updated online at anytime, then the company being paid a subscription is in complete control of what that TV is able to play.
Overnight things can change to only play files being streamed in segments, and only from their websites, so anything previously procured would require a dumber TV to play.
 
Solhokuten said:
While I do agree with this assessment, I think it ultimately comes down to the fact that Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, HD Homatics, etc simply do the job better, faster, and the consensus is they also have a better UI. Compounded with the aforementioned, if you ever decide to rip, or "procure" proper digital media, they'll be able to play it.
Click to expand...

If you don't enable content matching on Apple TV or whatever hardware you have connected (if it even supports it) your TV's refresh rate won't be adjusted to match the content's framerate and you're going to get 3:2 pulldown or whatever it needs to convert the frame rate to 60hz. Content matching is disabled by default on Apple TV.

Even if you do have content matching enabled if the content isn't in 4k Apple TV or whatever hardware you have isn't going to scale the image as well as a high end TV.

If you're spending thousands of dollars on a high end TV you probably want the best picture quality possible.
 
sharknice said:
If you don't enable content matching on Apple TV or whatever hardware you have connected (if it even supports it) your TV's refresh rate won't be adjusted to match the content's framerate and you're going to get 3:2 pulldown or whatever it needs to convert the frame rate to 60hz. Content matching is disabled by default on Apple TV.

Even if you do have content matching enabled if the content isn't in 4k Apple TV or whatever hardware you have isn't going to scale the image as well as a high end TV.

If you're spending thousands of dollars on a high end TV you probably want the best picture quality possible.
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OK by enabling contents matching, will Apple TV automatically identify the resolution and other attributes of the contents?
 
I have a couple of LG TVs, and I use them to stream from the big guys. I am also signed in to Apple on them.
 
I switched to an Apple TV 4k with Ethernet after using various Google and Amazon Android devices.

The apps for ios are often much better than those for android.

The CPU in the Apple TV has a lot more horsepower. Very slick experience. The only disadvantage is that it constantly asked me to log into my Apple account again, although it seems to finally have stopped that last week.

Also, most TVs outright spy on your and sell the data. With an Apple TV you only have Apple snooping on you.
 
The built-in platforms on smart TVs are often fine enough if you watch major services and don't need much of anything else.

Dedicated boxes like the Apple TV 4K, Google TV Streamer, and Roku's lineup do have some advantages. Most notably, they're usually more powerful and last for longer. Built-in TV software is often fine... but you might notice hardware limitations after a few years, and of course you can't just upgrade your TV's processing power. Standalone hardware you can replace when needed.

The other bit: a wider app ecosystem. On-TV software is good if you stick to Amazon/Apple/Disney/Netflix, but it's lousy if there's a niche service you'd like to watch. Dedicated devices tend to get smaller services first. And while I wouldn't buy a media player just for gaming or other non-media apps, they're generally better for it.

One option is to simply wait until your TV's included platform feels inadequate and upgrade then. At the least, wait until Apple updates the Apple TV 4K this year (it's unofficially expected around September) so that you get the best value.
 
Not the same of course but my hisense (cheapy i know) roku tv just updated some point last week and now doesn't have enough storage for all the apps that were on there. It deleted netflix and disney automatically to make room. So now i had to go through and pick what we don't use as often to clear up space to reinstall those two. I am assuming the OS updated and required more space so it probably picked the largest apps to remove (and also the most used).

Not something i've dealt with on apple tv. But buying a cheap tv also played a big part of that. I would make sure what tv you get has sufficient storage.
 
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