AppleTV 4K. Fastest processor, reliable hardware, no ads on the Home Screen, more privacy conscious.
The audio codec issue you refer to is that the AppleTV doesn’t output bitstream. It internally decodes everything and outputs multichannel PCM. This means that Bluray files don’t play back as atmos, but as lossless 7.1. This isn’t relevant for a 5.1 audio setup though.
It won’t act as a PLEX server. But it can connect to media servers using the official Plex app, or use the Infuse app.
Thank you, this is helpful information. I've recently learned that I can downgrade my shield to an earlier android version and remove a bunch of bloat ware so I might give that a try before spending more money. One thing I do like about the shield (other than the Plex server) is smart tube so it would be great if I could get the shield to work like it used to.
Anyway thanks for taking your time to comment.
Does apple TV need other apple devices or can it work stand alone? (In other words, do you need to be on whole apple ecosystem without which a bunch of features are missing)
Cool. Got some conflicting information that you need iOS to accept terms and conditions and also need itunes for downloading apps for initial setup. Good to know it's not needed.
You will need to make an apple account, but that's about it. You also can use that account for an appletv subscription though. Also depending on which apple tv box you get it might have a remote that has a lightning connector, in which case you would need a cable to charge it. I think the newer ones have usb-c remotes though.
It’s all about the use case what device you need. The shield (2019) is still one of the best devices out there. Even when the device is released in 2019. If you want a better experience it’s hard/impossible to find. There are a few devices you can check out. Apple TV is one of the best. But still it vendor lock is hard to bypass. For example, I use Kodi all the time. You can sideload Kodi on an Apple TV, but still not as handy. Also check out Dune HD. A really nice and good player.
I actually like my Series X for streaming. The different apps are always kept up to date, and they run far smoother than any of the ones built into TVs. In my experience, they run the worst of them all.
Never had any issues with my Roku Ultra. It just keeps streaming and streaming and streaming... My cat also enjoys the fish tank screen saver.
Apple TV 4K (the one with Ethernet port) + Infuse PRO app
Nvidia Shield Pro 2019
AppleTV 4K. Fastest processor, reliable hardware, no ads on the Home Screen, more privacy conscious. The audio codec issue you refer to is that the AppleTV doesn’t output bitstream. It internally decodes everything and outputs multichannel PCM. This means that Bluray files don’t play back as atmos, but as lossless 7.1. This isn’t relevant for a 5.1 audio setup though. It won’t act as a PLEX server. But it can connect to media servers using the official Plex app, or use the Infuse app.
Thank you, this is helpful information. I've recently learned that I can downgrade my shield to an earlier android version and remove a bunch of bloat ware so I might give that a try before spending more money. One thing I do like about the shield (other than the Plex server) is smart tube so it would be great if I could get the shield to work like it used to. Anyway thanks for taking your time to comment.
Does apple TV need other apple devices or can it work stand alone? (In other words, do you need to be on whole apple ecosystem without which a bunch of features are missing)
Works completely stand-alone - can be the only Apple device you own.
Cool. Got some conflicting information that you need iOS to accept terms and conditions and also need itunes for downloading apps for initial setup. Good to know it's not needed.
You will need to make an apple account, but that's about it. You also can use that account for an appletv subscription though. Also depending on which apple tv box you get it might have a remote that has a lightning connector, in which case you would need a cable to charge it. I think the newer ones have usb-c remotes though.
You might need an AppleID for setup (I can’t recall) but it works stand alone.
Just note that you need infuse ($10 per year) to playback lossless audio.
Best? Kaleidescape. Although that’s probably not what you’re looking for… As some others have said- Apple TV 4K takes the cake for me. I love mine.
It’s all about the use case what device you need. The shield (2019) is still one of the best devices out there. Even when the device is released in 2019. If you want a better experience it’s hard/impossible to find. There are a few devices you can check out. Apple TV is one of the best. But still it vendor lock is hard to bypass. For example, I use Kodi all the time. You can sideload Kodi on an Apple TV, but still not as handy. Also check out Dune HD. A really nice and good player.
Top end AppleTV if you have Apple products, top end Roku if you don't.
Use the Shield for stuff an Apple TV can’t do great. Like Plex or apps that let you 🏴☠️ stuff. Nice having both options.
Just wondering what everyone thinks of Xbox series x
I actually like my Series X for streaming. The different apps are always kept up to date, and they run far smoother than any of the ones built into TVs. In my experience, they run the worst of them all.
Your tv has all those apps on it already.