Long-time ATV user, and have just upgraded my TV to a new Samsung, so grabbed an ATV 4k.
A lot’s changed in 10 years. Samsung is now full of apps - covering pretty much everything I use ATV for - Apple TV+, Plex, BBC, Netflix, C4. BBC Iplayer also supports UHD on Samsung, but not ATV :(
TV also supports Airplay. To be honest, I’m now questioning what I need ATV for. I don’t use Siri, and things like fitness+ I can mirror from my iPad.
What killer apps am I missing out on? Can you convince me not to regret my new ATV?
(edit - I’m in the UK, although prob obvious :)
My last two tellys are high-end Samsungs and the updating for apps is pretty flaky….there is also that point where they stop supporting Netflix etc as they stop codec support for that model. Personally I used the Samsung apps for years, but have not looked back since I decided to get two HomePods and the latest Apple TV to use them (I have had various ATVs over the years). Biggest things for me are the access to my films etc purchased for the ATV (and the extras / special versions that you cannot play on the Samsung app), the ‘stuff you might be interested in’ for BBC, ITV etc (and up next), the super quick interface (Samsung struggles sometimes) and the superior picture (and sound using Atmos) than the samsung
I just got a new TV and Plex transcodes 4K when running it on the tv vs. direct stream using my ATV 4K.
TVs are just too underpowered usually compared to external options.
Agree. I have a Samsung TV in a bedroom where the built-in apps stopped updating due to the Samsung’s limited memory. It affected my ability to control the Samsung’s settings. Fix required a call to support. I don’t have time for that. Afterwards, I removed all the apps I had installed on the Samsung and got an ATV.
Native, fluid experience! That’s all. Also look at SideLoading (e.g. appdb.to) and find Steamer!
Infuse… i find it so much better than Plex even it only does movies and shows
This is the way
I’ve used infuse for a long time (5-8 years I think) and it’s always played everything I’ve thrown at it.
This! I was a Plex user for many years but finally gave up and tried Infuse Pro, WAY better!
When I first booted up infuse after pointing to my media folders on my PC and seeing it fetch meta data to produce album art, group into seasons, download trailers, descriptions, and subtitles all on its own. I was like… this app is black magic. Incredible app easily worth it for the pro sub
Speed Test is handy for troubleshooting
Strangely, the speed test on Apple TV+ is the only one I can run in my network that consistently fully saturates the lan connection (1gbit on my 1.5gbit fibre internet).
TV Launcher - this is like a EPG for terrestrial TV. It’s got a great interface and you can easily customise it for the channels you want/need. It’ll open up the correct app too. Really like it for the Now and Next and TV guide features.
Other apps I use: Infuse (I’m a heavy Plex user, this is essential for me), twitch, just watch.
My friend also picked up a high end Samsung TV the other day. Honestly, the OS already lagged when setting it up. I was not impressed. I even owned a Samsung TV and the OS was not easy to navigate. You’re making the right choice with using the Apple TV on it.
Seconded on infuse - it’s become essential for viewing content from my network media centre
You don’t need it ATM…take it back, save your money
I am also a long time user and can’t imagine switching to anything else.
Apps aside do you buy movies from apples digital store? If so then you’d be missing out on the iTunes Extras that come with most movies.
Samsung’s OS is garbage and choppy in my experience. AppleTV is one of the most powerful streaming boxes in the market in pretty much every way.
I find ATV to run faster, smoother, better than any app built in to the smart TV.
Moviebox pro. It’s basically all the streaming services for $3 a month
Thanks for the tip! Do you have an invitation code perhaps?
I’ve been looking for a code as well. Let me know if you find one.
Infuse!
Are their advertisements on the Samsung OS?
Sadly yes
This is why you don’t connect your TV to the Internet (and use a separate box instead)
I find AirPlay much more robust on my ATV than it is on my LG C1. The general experience is simply better too.