Apple TV lastly helps lossless audio, however here is why audiophiles are nonetheless disillusioned

Apple rolls out constant updates for the Apple TV 4K platform that proceed to make it interesting to homeowners and would-be consumers alike, and for probably the most half, I am joyful that I personal one. A primary-gen Apple TV 4K sits in my lounge as my major streaming machine, and whereas its age is beginning to present a bit, it is nonetheless an ideal machine that I plan to make use of till it merely stops working.

A giant a part of the viewing expertise for me is audio, and that is the explanation I’ve a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos encompass sound setup in my lounge. Once I pop in a 4K Blu-ray, I do know I am not going to have any points with my participant and receiver taking no matter audio sign exists and sending it via my audio system. Sadly, the Apple TV 4K nonetheless has that situation, and though Apple retains on pushing updates, the issue continues to persist. At this level, I’ve to surprise if Apple is taking part in with me.

Apple TV 4K (2022)

Model

Apple

Bluetooth codecs

5.0

Wi-Fi

6

Ethernet

Gigabit (128GB mannequin solely)

Storage and RAM

64GB, 128GB

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Apple TV 4K will get lossless audio… for AirPods

The gang goes gentle

Pocket-line / Apple

Apple’s tvOS 18.4 replace provides lossless audio for AirPods Max customers, which is sweet for individuals who pay attention with earbuds. I can not say I watch TV like that ever, so it is an replace that does not do so much for me. As a substitute, I might prefer to see Apple deal with audio for individuals with residence theaters. The great factor about having a receiver is that it is capable of deal with all forms of audio codecs, starting from Dolby Digital, Atmos, DTS: X, and many others. It doesn’t matter what I am taking part in, I do know my receiver can deal with it.

I can not say the identical factor in regards to the Apple TV 4K as, in line with its specs web page, it solely helps Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus 7.1, and Dolby Atmos. That covers hottest codecs, however the situation is greater than that. I’ve a receiver to cowl all my bases, so the very fact the Apple TV 4K cannot do this for me is not nice. It would not be a difficulty if the Apple TV 4K supported audio passthrough over HDMI, so my receiver might decide up the slack, however that is not the world we dwell in. As a substitute, the Apple TV 4K takes my audio and does the work itself, so if it takes a format that is not supported, I get a lesser expertise. On high of that, the audio that in the end does get output is not Hello-res lossless. Fortuitously, this is not an issue for most individuals as they seemingly cannot inform the distinction, and it would not be definitely worth the hype for a lot of.

My drawback with that is the Apple TV 4K is already the costliest streaming machine in the marketplace. The cheaper Roku Extremely helps audio passthrough over HDMI, so there’s not a very good motive the Apple TV cannot do it too. We see Apple retains on pushing the boundaries, this newest replace for lossless audio over AirPods being the most recent instance. I want Apple would lastly add this replace and be finished with it, particularly since cheaper platforms have already got it. I will not maintain my breath for this since Apple has had years to implement it, however contemplating what number of updates nonetheless come to the Apple TV 4K, possibly it is nonetheless within the pipeline.

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A brand new mannequin can repair plenty of these issues

Possibly Apple is holding out for that

Apple / Pocket-lint

We’re now a number of years faraway from the final iteration of the Apple TV 4K, so we’re due for an improve. That is particularly the case for me as any individual who has an eight-year-old machine. I’ve tried out the Roku Extremely and an Amazon Fireplace TV Stick Max, however neither of them might exchange my Apple TV as my major machine. I do not assume HDMI passthrough is a {hardware} limitation of the Apple TV 4K, but when it in some way is, a brand new iteration might repair that.

On high of audio passthrough, there are a lot of extra issues I would like from the next-gen Apple TV 4K. Apple Intelligence assist is an enormous one as that is one of many new options Apple has been pushing, nevertheless it’s been absent from Apple TV. Having a technique to get higher film suggestions is an enormous factor for me, and if I can do this from the consolation of my sofa with the Apple TV, I might love that. The third-gen Apple TV 4K is the one mannequin that is nonetheless receiving all of the options in new updates, because the first-gen and even the second-gen are lacking out on among the newest ones. That is to be anticipated as know-how ages, so it looks as if there are some {hardware} limitations for lots of the updates being rolled out.

There are numerous rumors a few next-gen mannequin arriving in 2025. We’re in line for an improve given Apple’s earlier cadence, however there’s been nothing formally introduced as of but. The Apple TV 4K finds itself as the costliest streaming field in the marketplace, and it isn’t notably shut. The third-gen model has two fashions that value $130 and $150 respectively, whereas the competitors peaks at $100. I’ve talked about it earlier than, however I want Apple can be extra aggressive within the budget-friendly tier. The Roku Extremely comes with an Ethernet port at no further cost, whereas it is advisable to shell out $150 to get an Apple TV outfitted with one. It is a part of the explanation why Apple TV opponents may need extra worth for some individuals.

A part of the explanation these cheaper alternate options supply these options may very well be to stay aggressive, and I can not fault them for that. I do know once I’m speaking about an Apple TV 4K to my family and friends, I do not usually advocate it until they’re on the lookout for the very best of the very best. For lots of people, a Roku Extremely or perhaps a streaming stick will get the job finished. Absolutely anything is healthier than utilizing the sluggish and sluggish good TV UI. I hope when Apple makes a brand new Apple TV 4K, it is extra reasonably priced, so I may give it a greater advice. I additionally hope it is lastly what offers us audio passthrough too.

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