11mo ago

What are some benefits of Apple TV over a ChromeCast (Smart TV one)?

What are some of the big upsides for a Apple TV over any Android or other smart TV devices on the market?

12 comments

I have the first gen AppleTV 4K from something like 2017, and it’s still fast. Like, fast fast. Opening apps are still instantaneous or take just a second. It still runs the newest OS. No ads on home screen (or anywhere on the os, really). Also the touchpad remote everyone hates is actually my fave.
Compared to a Chromecast with Google TV that Google gave me for free a couple years ago for some reason (I think because I had a YouTube red sub for so long), it’s so much nicer. The Chromecast is SLOW as dogshit while it tries to load up all the ads and garbage on the main screen. I don’t HATE it, and it gets the job done, but I use it in my bed room and am never like “wow this is great.” As soon as Apple drops a new revision of the AppleTV I’ll probably buy it and move this older one I have in the living room to the bedroom.
- I don’t know why I’m surprised to learn that there are ads on the chromecast, but I guess that’s my AppleTV privilege talking. I too have the OG 4K and it just continues to work and never slow down.
  
  Yeah, it tries to load up some ads and then also some suggestions of what you should watch, and that for some reason takes forever. I have a 1gbps connection, and though it’s over WiFi since there’s no out of the box option to hardwire, it still takes too long. I presume because it’s I guess taxing the chip on that little thing too hard?
- Yeah, I’ve gotten frustrated by increased ads recently, on my tv, Firestick, and Chromecast: they’re just not usable anymore.
  I’ve seen enough descriptions like the above, that I plan on switching for the responsiveness and fewer ads. Currently I’m just waiting a bit longer to see if there will be new hardware this year
  
  I'm hoping to get another AppleTV soon, too, and I'm kind of in the same boat on the waiting part. I feel like the moment I go and get a - now couple year old model - they'll release a brand new one.
- Is there any ad free YouTube app for Apple TV? The only reason I haven’t switched is SmartTubeTV app.
  
  Unfortunate not. The only option (other than paying for YouTube premium) is to airplay from a phone/laptop that has ad blockers.
  
  Technically, yes. Yattee is an app that lets you load piped and invidious instances which allow you to watch YouTube videos privately and allow for accounts for subscriptions.

The biggest advantages:
Speed. The processor is far beyond anything else on the market. It makes everything feel so responsive that it’s hard to go back to anything else after using it.
No ads or bullshit in the operating system. You can opt out if data tracking. The Home Screen is just a grid of apps. Individual apps may have ads in them but the OS itself feels like it respects you.
Reliable frame rate matching. 24fps video content outputs as 24hz signal to remove stutter and frame skips etc. Other devices offer this but are less reliable.
Infuse. Great app for playing back your own files. Connects to Plex, Jellyfin etc and works extremely well. Makes Kodi feel ugly and clunky in comparison.
Good integration with other Apple stuff. Like using your phone as a remote. Turning it on and off using Siri. Etc
The screensavers. They’re seriously great.
Disadvantages:
Price.
Lack of customisation. There’s not much to tinker with under the hood.
Not easy to side load apps
No audio passthrough for playing Bluray atmos rips. Best you’ll get is lossless 7.1 audio.

Does anyone know if it can integrate with video doorbells?
I have a Ring integrated with HomeKit. When the video doorbell detects motion, I see an alert on all my current apple devices and can click in to see live video (except my watch. I only see a snapshot): would I see a notification, or better, have a video pause and immediately display the live video?

12 comments