YouTube TV subscribers will now get access to eight Discovery network brands, with OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network to come. Read More → Apps What's new for Apple TV, April 11th, 2019. Published on April 11th, 2019 by Kirk Hiner. Follow the Stanley Cup playoff action, learn your fish, and get drunk with the help of Apple TV apps. Editor's note: Apple relased its fourth-generation Apple TV in October 2015, but that doesn't mean owners of older Apple TV models are out of luck—there are still loads of channels and apps. Some users reported the Rev A drawing less power than the original 3rd generation Apple TV. By October 2016, Apple had phased out the Apple TV third generation, with Apple Store employees instructed to pull all units and demo units from store shelves. Amazon Video was added with Software 7.2.2 released on December 6, 2017. Image Credit: Apple (original) Let's compare the Apple TV 4th generation with the 3rd generation model. Apple TVs Compared Video. The new Apple TV supports H.264-coded video at 1080p and 60. Apple had to push apps to the Gen 2/3 ATV. For the most part, they stopped adding to it about 2 years ago when Gen 4 was released. Surprisingly, the Starz app appeared on older devices about 6-8 months ago, but I wouldn't hold out for any other additions. Particularly not a 2nd generation DTVN app with DVR and other advanced features.
Spectrum today has officially released its new Apple TV application after rolling out support for Zero sign-on last month. What is the best media converter software. The new Spectrum TV app allows subscribers to watch Spectrum content – live and on-demand – via their Apple TV.
The Spectrum TV app was originally slated to launch sometime towards the end of 2018, but that ultimately ended up not being the case due to a series of delays. The Spectrum TV app works when you are connected to your Spectrum internet, allowing you to watch content on your Apple TV with ease and without sign-in.
Spectrum touts that the app allows you to access 'hundreds of channels in Live TV' and 'thousands of On Demand shows and movies' as well. You can also create your own personalized guide by picking your favorite channels and then filtering the guide by favorites.
Here is how Spectrum describes the app:
Now you can bring your Spectrum TV experience to your Apple TV! Enjoy hundreds of live channels and thousands of On Demand titles when you're connected to your Spectrum Internet service. Available programming is based on your Spectrum TV subscription package.
To get started, launch the app while connected to your Spectrum Internet service to sign in automatically.
What you need to use this app:
– A Spectrum TV and Internet subscription
– Apple TV (4th generation) and Apple TV 4K support Spectrum TV
The Spectrum TV app has been long-awaited by Spectrum TV subscribers. While it doesn't do you any good if you don't already pay for Spectrum cable subscription, the app represents another way for Spectrum subscribers to access content.
To download the Spectrum TV app for Apple TV, head to the App Store on your device.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links.More.
Apple TV Q&A - Updated September 22, 2017
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What are all the differences between the Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen (Siri) models? Which is best for me?
There are twodifferent Apple TV 3rd Gen models and a single Apple TV 4th Gen model. These look similar, but have many differences in terms of hardware and software alike.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple TV 4th Gen)
External & Connectivity Differences
Externally, the Apple TV 3rd Gen (below) and Apple TV 4th Gen models (above) would be easy to confuse for one another, and they have the same footprint, but the later model is roughly half an inch taller and a third of a pound heavier than its predecessor.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple TV 3rd Gen)
The Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen have significantly different connectivity. Depending on your perspective, the newer model may be better or worse in this regard.
Both models have a power connector and a 10/100Base-T Ethernet port, but otherwise vary.
The Apple TV 3rd Gen models have an HDMI port, an optical audio out port, and a Micro-USB port that formally is for 'diagnostic use only' as well as support for 802.11a/b/g/n wireless. It also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound via pass-through.
The Apple TV 4th Gen models, on the other hand, have an HDMI 1.4 port and a USB-C port formally 'for service and support.' It also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO capability, but it does not have an optical audio out port. It supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1.
Remote Differences
Both the Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen support remotes, but the subsequent model is much more advanced.
The Apple TV 3rd Gen includes a silver colored aluminum 'Apple Remote' with a dedicated directional key button, Menu, and Play/Pause buttons.
The Apple TV 4th Gen, on the other hand, has a black colored aluminum 'Siri Remote' with an advanced 'Glass Touch' surface for directional control, an internal accelerometer and gyroscope for additional control options (particularly for games as pioneered by the Nintendo Wii), and dedicated buttons for the Menu, Home, Up/Down, Play/Pause, and Siri. Siri Voice Command support doesn't always work well, but it's neat when it works as intended.
However, although the 'Siri Remote' is more advanced, it also is worth noting that it is quite fragile and does not have a replaceable battery like the simpler 'Apple Remote.'
The Apple TV 4th Gen also supports third-party controllers, which should open up additional gaming and maybe even productivity possibilities.
Identification Differences
The Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen are easy to differentiate when they're next to one another. However, as there are two Apple TV 3rd Gen models and the Apple TV 2nd Gen model also looks identical to the Apple TV 3rd Gen, visual identification is not a good method.
Consequently, these models can be easily identified by Model Number and EMC Number, both of which are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the underside of each device:
Apple TV | Subfamily | Model No. | EMC No. |
2nd Gen | |||
3rd Gen | |||
3rd Gen | |||
4th Gen |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can uniquely identify these devices by their Serial Numbers, and this is another method that can be used to find the precise model.
Internal Differences
The Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen models are completely different under the hood.
The final Apple TV 3rd Gen model (A1469) has a single core 28 nm Apple A5 processor (S5L8947), 512 MB of RAM, and 8 GB of flash storage.
The Apple TV 4th Gen model has a much faster dual core20 nm Apple A8 processor (APL1011), 2 GB of RAM, and 32 GB or 64 GB of flash storage.
However, despite the massive improvement in performance that the Apple TV 4th Gen provides, both devices support 1080p video. Neither supports 4K.
Software Differences
Although they are both based on iOS, the Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen run different operating systems. System viewer software.
Directv Now Apple Tv Deal
The Apple TV 3rd Gen first shipped with Apple TV 5.1 with support for a number of built-in 'channels' and selective 'app-like' functionality whereas the Apple TV 4th Gen runs an all new 'tvOS' with support for an app store and full fledged applications.
Comparison Chart Microsoft office for macbook air lifetime.
The major differences are summarized below:
Apple TV 3rd Gen | Apple TV 4th Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Apple A5 | Apple A8 |
| Processor Cores: | Single | Dual |
| Processor Speed: | 1 GHz (Variable) | 1.4 GHz (Variable) |
| Standard RAM: | 512 MB | 2 GB |
| Storage Options: | 8 GB | 32, 64 GB |
| Current Storage: | Used Only | 32 GB |
| Video Support: | 1080p | 1080p |
| USB Ports: | 1 (Micro-USB) | 1 (USB-C) |
| Display Ports: | HDMI | HDMI 1.4 |
| Audio Ports: | Optical | None |
| Dolby 5.1: | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby 7.1: | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi: | 802.11n | 802.11ac |
| Remote: | Apple Remote | Siri Remote |
| Controllers: | No | Yes |
| App Store: | No | Yes |
| Original OS: | Apple TV 5.1 | tvOS 9.0 |
| Maximum OS: | Apple TV 7.x | Current |
| Apple Order No: | MD199LL/A | MGY52LL/A MLNC2LL/A |
| Apple Model No: | A1427/A1469 | A1625 |
| EMC No: | 2528/2633 | 2907 |
| Original Price: | US$99 | US$149, US$199 |
| Current Price: | Used Only | US$149 |
So, which one of these Apple TV models is best for me?
Apple Tv 3rd Generation Directv Now Tv
Just compared to one another, and igoring the newer Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV 4th Gen is better than the Apple TV 3rd Gen model in nearly every way. It's faster, more capable, and has vastly expanded software support. It is a new platform, though, and feels decidedly incomplete in many respects. No doubt it will become better as the software is refined and third-party apps are released that take full advantage of its capabilities.
Consequently, most users who feel the desire for an Apple TV should purchase the Apple TV 4th Gen. The Apple TV 3rd Gen is well worth consideration for someone who has simpler needs -- mostly to sling 1080p video from a Mac or Apple device and use content within Apple's ecosystem (or who find the optical audio port particularly useful) -- and/or who would like to save some money, as well.
However, keep in mind that software support for the Apple TV 3rd Gen likely will be increasingly limited, so it probably will not be as usable for as long as the Apple TV 4th Gen, which somewhat mitigates the upfront savings when allocated over the life of the device.
Site sponsor Adorama has new Apple TV models with free shipping for all.
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What are all the differences between the Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen (Siri) models? Which is best for me?
There are twodifferent Apple TV 3rd Gen models and a single Apple TV 4th Gen model. These look similar, but have many differences in terms of hardware and software alike.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple TV 4th Gen)
External & Connectivity Differences
Externally, the Apple TV 3rd Gen (below) and Apple TV 4th Gen models (above) would be easy to confuse for one another, and they have the same footprint, but the later model is roughly half an inch taller and a third of a pound heavier than its predecessor.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Apple TV 3rd Gen)
The Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen have significantly different connectivity. Depending on your perspective, the newer model may be better or worse in this regard.
Both models have a power connector and a 10/100Base-T Ethernet port, but otherwise vary.
The Apple TV 3rd Gen models have an HDMI port, an optical audio out port, and a Micro-USB port that formally is for 'diagnostic use only' as well as support for 802.11a/b/g/n wireless. It also supports Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound via pass-through.
The Apple TV 4th Gen models, on the other hand, have an HDMI 1.4 port and a USB-C port formally 'for service and support.' It also has 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO capability, but it does not have an optical audio out port. It supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Digital Plus 7.1.
Remote Differences
Both the Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen support remotes, but the subsequent model is much more advanced.
The Apple TV 3rd Gen includes a silver colored aluminum 'Apple Remote' with a dedicated directional key button, Menu, and Play/Pause buttons.
The Apple TV 4th Gen, on the other hand, has a black colored aluminum 'Siri Remote' with an advanced 'Glass Touch' surface for directional control, an internal accelerometer and gyroscope for additional control options (particularly for games as pioneered by the Nintendo Wii), and dedicated buttons for the Menu, Home, Up/Down, Play/Pause, and Siri. Siri Voice Command support doesn't always work well, but it's neat when it works as intended.
However, although the 'Siri Remote' is more advanced, it also is worth noting that it is quite fragile and does not have a replaceable battery like the simpler 'Apple Remote.'
The Apple TV 4th Gen also supports third-party controllers, which should open up additional gaming and maybe even productivity possibilities.
Identification Differences
The Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen are easy to differentiate when they're next to one another. However, as there are two Apple TV 3rd Gen models and the Apple TV 2nd Gen model also looks identical to the Apple TV 3rd Gen, visual identification is not a good method.
Consequently, these models can be easily identified by Model Number and EMC Number, both of which are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the underside of each device:
Apple TV | Subfamily | Model No. | EMC No. |
2nd Gen | |||
3rd Gen | |||
3rd Gen | |||
4th Gen |
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can uniquely identify these devices by their Serial Numbers, and this is another method that can be used to find the precise model.
Internal Differences
The Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen models are completely different under the hood.
The final Apple TV 3rd Gen model (A1469) has a single core 28 nm Apple A5 processor (S5L8947), 512 MB of RAM, and 8 GB of flash storage.
The Apple TV 4th Gen model has a much faster dual core20 nm Apple A8 processor (APL1011), 2 GB of RAM, and 32 GB or 64 GB of flash storage.
However, despite the massive improvement in performance that the Apple TV 4th Gen provides, both devices support 1080p video. Neither supports 4K.
Software Differences
Although they are both based on iOS, the Apple TV 3rd Gen and Apple TV 4th Gen run different operating systems. System viewer software.
Directv Now Apple Tv Deal
The Apple TV 3rd Gen first shipped with Apple TV 5.1 with support for a number of built-in 'channels' and selective 'app-like' functionality whereas the Apple TV 4th Gen runs an all new 'tvOS' with support for an app store and full fledged applications.
Comparison Chart Microsoft office for macbook air lifetime.
The major differences are summarized below:
Apple TV 3rd Gen | Apple TV 4th Gen | |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Type: | Apple A5 | Apple A8 |
| Processor Cores: | Single | Dual |
| Processor Speed: | 1 GHz (Variable) | 1.4 GHz (Variable) |
| Standard RAM: | 512 MB | 2 GB |
| Storage Options: | 8 GB | 32, 64 GB |
| Current Storage: | Used Only | 32 GB |
| Video Support: | 1080p | 1080p |
| USB Ports: | 1 (Micro-USB) | 1 (USB-C) |
| Display Ports: | HDMI | HDMI 1.4 |
| Audio Ports: | Optical | None |
| Dolby 5.1: | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby 7.1: | No | Yes |
| Wi-Fi: | 802.11n | 802.11ac |
| Remote: | Apple Remote | Siri Remote |
| Controllers: | No | Yes |
| App Store: | No | Yes |
| Original OS: | Apple TV 5.1 | tvOS 9.0 |
| Maximum OS: | Apple TV 7.x | Current |
| Apple Order No: | MD199LL/A | MGY52LL/A MLNC2LL/A |
| Apple Model No: | A1427/A1469 | A1625 |
| EMC No: | 2528/2633 | 2907 |
| Original Price: | US$99 | US$149, US$199 |
| Current Price: | Used Only | US$149 |
So, which one of these Apple TV models is best for me?
Apple Tv 3rd Generation Directv Now Tv
Just compared to one another, and igoring the newer Apple TV 4K, the Apple TV 4th Gen is better than the Apple TV 3rd Gen model in nearly every way. It's faster, more capable, and has vastly expanded software support. It is a new platform, though, and feels decidedly incomplete in many respects. No doubt it will become better as the software is refined and third-party apps are released that take full advantage of its capabilities.
Consequently, most users who feel the desire for an Apple TV should purchase the Apple TV 4th Gen. The Apple TV 3rd Gen is well worth consideration for someone who has simpler needs -- mostly to sling 1080p video from a Mac or Apple device and use content within Apple's ecosystem (or who find the optical audio port particularly useful) -- and/or who would like to save some money, as well.
However, keep in mind that software support for the Apple TV 3rd Gen likely will be increasingly limited, so it probably will not be as usable for as long as the Apple TV 4th Gen, which somewhat mitigates the upfront savings when allocated over the life of the device.
Site sponsor Adorama has new Apple TV models with free shipping for all.
Permalink | E-mail a Friend | Bookmark & Share | Report an Error/Typo
Suggest a New Q&A | Sign Up for Bimonthly Site Update Notices
<< Apple TV Q&A (Main)
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