It's not for a lot of people. It doesn't have to be an elaborate set up. People with sound bars are screwed, and that's probably a huge chunk of people that own an ATV.
And you, the passive-aggressive anti-Apple regular here, know more than Cook & Co. do.
You're better than that. Be serious.
So Cook & Co. are gods, and incapable of making a bad move?
In the era of Bluray and 4K video, some people still don't understand that optical can't carry the HD sound such as Dolby Digital +, TruHD or DTS HD...and still hanging on with a lossy connection such as Toslink...
But its a consumer device, is it not? I'm not arguing against omitting an old style port, but to argue that its because it can't be used for top-notch audio when the device itself doesn't seem to satisfy the video/audiophile crowd at all seems like an illogical argument to me.
So Cook & Co. are gods, and incapable of making a bad move?
Now you're being childish. Of course they're not 'gods.'
All I said was, chances are very high that their decision making on this is driven by more data, more customer insights, more imagination, more foresight -- almost God-like, in other words -- compared to your recommendation of what their decision should have been.
For all the stupid fulminations and teeth-gnashing here, none of the whiners have brought up the brilliant new software capabilities, new remote, Siri-integration, gaming possibilities, stunning interface, etc. on the new AppleTV.
But its a consumer device, is it not? I'm not arguing against omitting an old style port, but to argue that its because it can't be used for top-notch audio when the device itself doesn't seem to satisfy the video/audiophile crowd at all seems like an illogical argument to me.
Unless you listen to your audio solely losslessly -- which I doubt -- the word 'audiophile' seems like bit of a stretch, doesn't it?
Unless you listen to your audio solely losslessly -- which I doubt -- the word 'audiophile' seems like bit of a stretch, doesn't it?
I don't know. I'm going based on forum reaction, which is probably hyperbolized. I guess what i mean is, if something is cutting edge (like the MBA was back in 20xx) then ditching the old ports makes sense, but if something is designed to be a broad "mass market" object, doesn't it make sense to include ports that allow greater adoption? Of course extra ports = extra expense. I guess I don't know what I'm talking about " src="http://forums-files.appleinsider.com/images/smilies//lol.gif" />
By forward do you mean via Wi-Fi? If so, won't that increase the likelihood of keeping sound in sync with picture?
Yes, I mean via AirPlay. I have been using that setup on my 3rd gen since day one. I have my Apple TV plugged into a projector via HDMI. I have an old iPod Hi-Fi plugged into an AirPort Express and I have my Apple TV AirPlay its audio to the Express. It has worked perfectly for me all these years. I have never once had a picture-sound sync issue.
It is also possible to plug the iPod Hi-Fi directly into the optical port of the Apple TV but with my setup the two are across the room from each other so the Airport Express solution has worked wonderfully for me.
I honestly don't get the need for optical ports from the Apple TV. I only use the optical out from my TV, since the TV has to be on anyways for the AppleTV to work in any meaningful way, no?
Not all TV's are "TV's". My front projector is video only and has no need for audio. Therefore, there is no audio input and no audio output. Even through the digital audio is in the HDMI cable used for the video. Which is why an optical output on the Apple TV is needed. All DVD and BR devices have digital output separate from the HDMI. Which works for all surround receivers without HDMI video inputs but digital audio inputs.
This won't affect me as I already have a 4X2 switcher/splitter that allows me to switch the 4 HDMI inputs between my TV and my projector and the video HDMI output to the projector also have a digital coaxial output connection. (I would think most people with projectors has one so they don't have to switch DVD, BR and AppleTV cables between the TV and projector. Plus most projectors don't have more than 1 HDMI input. So the all the HDMI when outputting to the projector have the digital audio sent to my receiver from the switcher/splitter. The output connected to the TV is just HDMI. Which means I have to run an optical out from the TV back into my receiver so that I can also I get my surround sound while watching the TV.
It something like this, but my digital is coax not optical. Pretty sure you can get a similar unit for less than $50 on eBay. If you don't need to switch between a projector and TV or 2 TV's, then it a little cheaper as you only need a switcher without the splitter.
But its a consumer device, is it not? I'm not arguing against omitting an old style port, but to argue that its because it can't be used for top-notch audio when the device itself doesn't seem to satisfy the video/audiophile crowd at all seems like an illogical argument to me.
I certainly wouldn't want a new Apple TV without an optical out port. And my rack is too crowded the way it is, to add another box just for optical sound. Looks like I'll be bypassing this Apple TV until they fix it with the next model. Shoot.
anantksundaram - I agree with the others who've said it totally blows to not have the audio out... for the main reason of streaming audio via AirTunes WITHOUT having to have the tv on. This is a deal killer for me -- I don't want an ugly HDMI audio converter extra box to plug in, and i don't want to have to turn on the TV to play music.
I also don't want to always have to turn on the stereo to watch TV on the apple TV, or other sources for that matter (since I'd have to rewire everything through my stereo's HDMI switcher, which is pain). Don't most people use the multiple inputs on the back of the TV, anyway? otherwise, you have to always change remotes/inputs, switch the stereo source, flip back to the cable mode, etc. I hate having to switch sources or remotes all the time. I have one audio return from the TV to the stereo, so that whatever video source the TV is showing, the stereo input is "TV". When I listen to music, the stereo input is AUX (apple tv audio).
For all the stupid fulminations and teeth-gnashing here, none of the whiners have brought up the brilliant new software capabilities, new remote, Siri-integration, gaming possibilities, stunning interface, etc. on the new AppleTV.
C'est la vie.
1. Seems a little underwhelming. Gaming reminds me of Nintendo Wii from years ago
1b You can do multiple players but can you do multiple players over the Internet.
2. Just wondering if Siri really is that improved. My initial experiences with it were disappointing so I don't bother with it.
3. How does this Integrate with my Cable TV or enable me to cut the cord? (No apple subscription plan yet)
4. Would have liked to see something with HomeKit integrated Products now.
Comments
So Cook & Co. are gods, and incapable of making a bad move?
In the era of Bluray and 4K video, some people still don't understand that optical can't carry the HD sound such as Dolby Digital +, TruHD or DTS HD...and still hanging on with a lossy connection such as Toslink...
But its a consumer device, is it not? I'm not arguing against omitting an old style port, but to argue that its because it can't be used for top-notch audio when the device itself doesn't seem to satisfy the video/audiophile crowd at all seems like an illogical argument to me.
And things get replace. Can't wait to get the new ?TV
Now you're being childish. Of course they're not 'gods.'
All I said was, chances are very high that their decision making on this is driven by more data, more customer insights, more imagination, more foresight -- almost God-like, in other words -- compared to your recommendation of what their decision should have been.
C'est la vie.
Unless you listen to your audio solely losslessly -- which I doubt -- the word 'audiophile' seems like bit of a stretch, doesn't it?
Tell that to my Pioneer DVL-909. DTS LD's are worth every penny.
Unless you listen to your audio solely losslessly -- which I doubt -- the word 'audiophile' seems like bit of a stretch, doesn't it?
I don't know. I'm going based on forum reaction, which is probably hyperbolized. I guess what i mean is, if something is cutting edge (like the MBA was back in 20xx) then ditching the old ports makes sense, but if something is designed to be a broad "mass market" object, doesn't it make sense to include ports that allow greater adoption? Of course extra ports = extra expense. I guess I don't know what I'm talking about
Yes, I mean via AirPlay. I have been using that setup on my 3rd gen since day one. I have my Apple TV plugged into a projector via HDMI. I have an old iPod Hi-Fi plugged into an AirPort Express and I have my Apple TV AirPlay its audio to the Express. It has worked perfectly for me all these years. I have never once had a picture-sound sync issue.
It is also possible to plug the iPod Hi-Fi directly into the optical port of the Apple TV but with my setup the two are across the room from each other so the Airport Express solution has worked wonderfully for me.
I honestly don't get the need for optical ports from the Apple TV. I only use the optical out from my TV, since the TV has to be on anyways for the AppleTV to work in any meaningful way, no?
Not all TV's are "TV's". My front projector is video only and has no need for audio. Therefore, there is no audio input and no audio output. Even through the digital audio is in the HDMI cable used for the video. Which is why an optical output on the Apple TV is needed. All DVD and BR devices have digital output separate from the HDMI. Which works for all surround receivers without HDMI video inputs but digital audio inputs.
This won't affect me as I already have a 4X2 switcher/splitter that allows me to switch the 4 HDMI inputs between my TV and my projector and the video HDMI output to the projector also have a digital coaxial output connection. (I would think most people with projectors has one so they don't have to switch DVD, BR and AppleTV cables between the TV and projector. Plus most projectors don't have more than 1 HDMI input. So the all the HDMI when outputting to the projector have the digital audio sent to my receiver from the switcher/splitter. The output connected to the TV is just HDMI. Which means I have to run an optical out from the TV back into my receiver so that I can also I get my surround sound while watching the TV.
It something like this, but my digital is coax not optical. Pretty sure you can get a similar unit for less than $50 on eBay. If you don't need to switch between a projector and TV or 2 TV's, then it a little cheaper as you only need a switcher without the splitter.
http://www.amazon.com/KanaaN-HDMI-Matrix-4x2-Splitter/dp/B004MYUCF8
should ATV includes VGA port or even RGB? Please.
"I'm not arguing against omitting an old style port"
Seems like he covered that.
I certainly wouldn't want a new Apple TV without an optical out port. And my rack is too crowded the way it is, to add another box just for optical sound. Looks like I'll be bypassing this Apple TV until they fix it with the next model. Shoot.
The 10/100 Ethernet and lack of 4k do surprise me though and this price point.
I also don't want to always have to turn on the stereo to watch TV on the apple TV, or other sources for that matter (since I'd have to rewire everything through my stereo's HDMI switcher, which is pain). Don't most people use the multiple inputs on the back of the TV, anyway? otherwise, you have to always change remotes/inputs, switch the stereo source, flip back to the cable mode, etc. I hate having to switch sources or remotes all the time. I have one audio return from the TV to the stereo, so that whatever video source the TV is showing, the stereo input is "TV". When I listen to music, the stereo input is AUX (apple tv audio).
Am I the only one with this setup?
For all the stupid fulminations and teeth-gnashing here, none of the whiners have brought up the brilliant new software capabilities, new remote, Siri-integration, gaming possibilities, stunning interface, etc. on the new AppleTV.
C'est la vie.
1. Seems a little underwhelming. Gaming reminds me of Nintendo Wii from years ago
1b You can do multiple players but can you do multiple players over the Internet.
2. Just wondering if Siri really is that improved. My initial experiences with it were disappointing so I don't bother with it.
3. How does this Integrate with my Cable TV or enable me to cut the cord? (No apple subscription plan yet)
4. Would have liked to see something with HomeKit integrated Products now.
This just feels 66% done.
Why are we using USB C for power in the MacBook but not using it for power in the ?tv?