Apple TV with 4K UHD, 10-bit HDR and Dolby Vision revealed by HomePod firmware
Apple's own firmware for the upcoming HomePod speaker has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving for enthusiasts, this time revealing that a next-generation Apple TV will boast support for 4K video, as well as high dynamic range in both 10-bit and Dolby Vision formats.
Developer Guilherme Rambo once again dove deep into the HomePod firmware to find reference to a "4kHDR" display mode. Digging even further, he found references to display modes for "HDR10" and "Dolby."
In addition, AppleInsider reader Marc Bach also pointed out on Twitter that HLG, also known as Hybrid Log-Gamma, is another supported HDR mode. The royalty-free HDR standard was developed by the BBC and NHK.
The references would seem to confirm that the next-generation Apple TV will not only include support for ultra-high-definition 4K content, but also three popular HDR modes for better contrast and colors.
The HomePod firmware leak comes just a few weeks after Apple also seemingly accidentally confirmed 4K and HDR plans on the iTunes Store. Users found that some new releases listed availability in 4K resolution and high dynamic range -- going well beyond the 1080p high-definition content that currently populates the iTunes Store.
Apple's planned support for 4K content on iTunes isn't a surprise, as films and other programs are now becoming available in UHD resolution to support new high-end 4K TVs. Netflix, for example, streams its new original series in 4K, and the Xbox One S is capable of reading 4K Blu-rays.
But the Apple TV remains lagging behind the competition in that respect, maxing out at 1080p resolution and not offering any HDR support. Hardware limitations within the current Apple TV with Siri Remote prevent it from supporting 4K resolutions with a software update, meaning a new set-top box is necessary.
Given the information found in the HomePod firmware, it would seem that a new 4K and HDR capable Apple TV is on tap for this fall. That falls in line with rumors from earlier this year, which claimed that a hardware refresh known as "J105" will support 4K and HDR, though not much else new is expected.
Apple does already have products in its lineup capable of displaying proper 4K content: the 21.5-inch iMac boasts a Retina 4K display, and the 27-inch iMac has a Retina 5K display.
Notably, Apple's recent iPhone models dating back to the iPhone 6s also shoot 4K resolution video. But that content has its quality reduced to 1080p when played back on an Apple TV.
Developer Guilherme Rambo once again dove deep into the HomePod firmware to find reference to a "4kHDR" display mode. Digging even further, he found references to display modes for "HDR10" and "Dolby."
In addition, AppleInsider reader Marc Bach also pointed out on Twitter that HLG, also known as Hybrid Log-Gamma, is another supported HDR mode. The royalty-free HDR standard was developed by the BBC and NHK.
The references would seem to confirm that the next-generation Apple TV will not only include support for ultra-high-definition 4K content, but also three popular HDR modes for better contrast and colors.
The HomePod firmware leak comes just a few weeks after Apple also seemingly accidentally confirmed 4K and HDR plans on the iTunes Store. Users found that some new releases listed availability in 4K resolution and high dynamic range -- going well beyond the 1080p high-definition content that currently populates the iTunes Store.
Apple's planned support for 4K content on iTunes isn't a surprise, as films and other programs are now becoming available in UHD resolution to support new high-end 4K TVs. Netflix, for example, streams its new original series in 4K, and the Xbox One S is capable of reading 4K Blu-rays.
But the Apple TV remains lagging behind the competition in that respect, maxing out at 1080p resolution and not offering any HDR support. Hardware limitations within the current Apple TV with Siri Remote prevent it from supporting 4K resolutions with a software update, meaning a new set-top box is necessary.
Given the information found in the HomePod firmware, it would seem that a new 4K and HDR capable Apple TV is on tap for this fall. That falls in line with rumors from earlier this year, which claimed that a hardware refresh known as "J105" will support 4K and HDR, though not much else new is expected.
Apple does already have products in its lineup capable of displaying proper 4K content: the 21.5-inch iMac boasts a Retina 4K display, and the 27-inch iMac has a Retina 5K display.
Notably, Apple's recent iPhone models dating back to the iPhone 6s also shoot 4K resolution video. But that content has its quality reduced to 1080p when played back on an Apple TV.
Comments
With that being said, besides the actual leak iPhone 4 lost/stolen prototype, this is the biggest internal leak from Apple in recent memory, correct? Wonder what must be going through Tim and the gang's head at this point? Wonder if they'll make a joke about it during the iPhone keynote like Jobs did during the iPhone 4 unveil.
I can't wait to replace all my fourth generation Apple TVs. I hope that it has both Dolby Vision and HDR10 options. At least it looks like it will from that code.
Thank you Home Pod!!! I'll buy you too my pretty!!
PS: A lot of people like to say this is planned but what's the upside for Apple here? All this does is make it harder to "WOW!" us when they're finally ready to announce the demo the products.
Side note, doesn't USB C support display port? maybe the new Apple TV will use that to make it compatible with new monitors? They could also have it USB C powered, but that's less likely.
If the leaked info was lukewarm, it would be a lot worse for Apple. This info, on the contrary is pretty exciting.
I think if they do update the current generation Apple TV, it will be to show current SD and HD content in HEVC. I don't think they'd update it to run 4K, let alone HDR, due to the HDMI Port if nothing else.
All that being said I'm sitting here wondering if the new Apple TV will be tied into HomePod in some manner, maybe even a variant of HomePod.
That said, I'm not holding my breath because all this seems pretty simple to do and Apple has chosen not to go down that road this whole time.