Streaming Services.
- Netflix.
- Prime Video.
- Hulu.
- HBO/MAX.
- YouTube.
- Apple TV+.
- Disney+.
- These top services are available plus many more from the platform.
Setup. This player is generally easy to set up Option to use your iPhone to automatically add your Apple ID, WiFi, and other settings. Prompts you to sign in with your cable provider to access all the apps supported by your cable or TV subscription. User is prompted to enable Dolby Vision if available. Match dynamic range is off by default, so all content is forced to HDR by default. There is a TV button, however by default it will take you to the Apple TV app before returning to the home screen. You can return home directly by changing the default function of the TV button in settings. iTunes is shown as the only option for buying and renting movies. No mobile app control, however the Apple TV remote feature is built-in to iOS. Ability to sideload apps if you connect the device to a computer, but requires many complicated steps.
Ease of Use. This player is good for everyday use.
Interface. We found this player’s response to be fast, allowing it to navigate menus and content quickly. The layout of the apps on the home screen is customizable for easier access to your favorites.
Remote control.- Standard media remote.
- It also has a built-in microphone for voice search.
- The app also allows you to use your phone or tablet’s microphone for voice commands.
- This unit offers an optional game controller.
- It uses Bluetooth communication so it does not require a direct line of sight with the device for control.
- Additionally, an app is available that lets you use a phone or tablet to control the player and use the device’s keyboard to enter text.
Picture Quality. This player supports resolutions up to 2160p. In our tests we found that HDR was supported in the following format(s) Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, HLG. A compatible TV is required to take advantage of those formats. In general, we found the streaming picture quality to be excellent. Streaming quality is very similar to what we see with streaming content on the best TVs. The quality of the video you’ll get is largely dependent on the speed of your network and the picture quality of your television.
Audio. This player will output multichannel digital audio. Also, supports Dolby Atmos. Lacks DTS-X support.
Connections. This player supports the Wi-Fi generation standard WiFi 6, which supports dual-band: 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. Given its design, this player has a good number of connections. It has one HDMI output. DLNA is supported allowing access to play music, photos, or videos directly through the player but may require App download to gain access to content. Bluetooth (5.0) is supported which can be used to pair compatible speakers, headphones and video game controllers. Supports AirPlay so you can mirror and display content from compatible devices.
Miscellaneous. The Apple TV 4K (128GB, 2022) Can be paired with a game controller, including those from Xbox and PlayStation for playing compatible games with built-in Siri support, you can use the remote’s microphone for voice commands to search for content.
