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

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 pleased that I personal one. A primary-gen Apple TV 4K sits in my lounge as my important streaming system, and whereas its age is beginning to present a bit, it is nonetheless an excellent system that I plan to make use of till it merely stops working.

An enormous 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 by means of my audio system. Sadly, the Apple TV 4K nonetheless has that challenge, and although Apple retains on pushing updates, the issue continues to persist. At this level, I’ve to marvel if Apple is enjoying 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

Associated

Apple TV+’s small library is definitely its greatest asset

Apple TV+’s restricted, extremely curated library of unique programming is why it is the perfect streamer.

Apple TV 4K will get lossless audio… for AirPods

The group goes gentle

Pocket-line / Apple

Apple’s tvOS 18.4 replace provides lossless audio for AirPods Max customers, which is sweet for individuals who hear with earbuds. I am unable to say I watch TV like that ever, so it is an replace that does not do lots for me. As a substitute, I might wish to see Apple concentrate on audio for folks with house theaters. The good factor about having a receiver is that it is in a position to deal with all sorts of audio codecs, starting from Dolby Digital, Atmos, DTS: X, and so forth. It doesn’t matter what I am enjoying, I do know my receiver can deal with it.

I am unable to say the identical factor in regards to the Apple TV 4K as, in accordance 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 challenge is larger than that. I’ve a receiver to cowl all my bases, so the actual fact the Apple TV 4K cannot try this for me is not nice. It would not be a problem if the Apple TV 4K supported audio passthrough over HDMI, so my receiver might choose up the slack, however that is not the world we stay 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. Thankfully, this is not an issue for most individuals as they possible cannot inform the distinction, and it’d not be definitely worth the hype for a lot of.

My drawback with that is the Apple TV 4K is already the costliest streaming system available on the market. The cheaper Roku Extremely helps audio passthrough over HDMI, so there’s not an excellent cause 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 newest instance. I want Apple would lastly add this replace and be carried out 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, perhaps it is nonetheless within the pipeline.

Associated

The rumored 4th-gen Apple TV 4K is coming on the good time

The 4th-gen Apple TV 4K is the best improve on the proper time.

A brand new mannequin can repair a whole lot of these issues

Perhaps 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 system. I’ve tried out the Roku Extremely and an Amazon Hearth TV Stick Max, however neither of them might substitute my Apple TV as my important system. I do not suppose 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 numerous extra issues I need 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, however it’s been absent from Apple TV. Having a method to get higher film suggestions is an enormous factor for me, and if I can try 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 expertise ages, so it looks like there are some {hardware} limitations for lots of the updates being rolled out.

There are various rumors a couple of 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 available on the market, 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 could be extra aggressive within the budget-friendly tier. The Roku Extremely comes with an Ethernet port at no additional cost, whereas you should shell out $150 to get an Apple TV geared up with one. It is a part of the explanation why Apple TV opponents might need extra worth for some folks.

A part of the explanation these cheaper options provide these options might be to stay aggressive, and I am unable to 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 suggest it except they’re on the lookout for the perfect of the perfect. For lots of people, a Roku Extremely or perhaps a streaming stick will get the job carried out. 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.

Associated

Change these TV settings ASAP in case you have an Apple TV 4K

Be sure you get probably the most out of your Apple TV 4K.