In the modern era, when access to information and entertainment has become an integral part of life, Apple TV is steadily winning the hearts of users. It opens access to new services and applications, gives you the opportunity to customize the interface, control your voice with Siri, create the atmosphere of a smart home with HomeKit.
Definition and features of Apple TV set-top box
Apple TV set-top box is a digital media set-top box developed by Apple that allows you to turn your regular TV into a Smart TV. The set-top box can be used as an entertainment center, gaming platform, music service or fitness trainer.
The Apple TV set-top box combines stylish design, high performance and integration with the entire ecosystem of Apple devices.
Set-top box features:
- Design and controls. Apple TV attracts attention with its laconic and stylish design in Apple’s signature style. The compact black body made of aluminum and plastic will easily fit into any modern interior. It is controlled by a handy Siri Remote with voice assistant and motion sensor.
- Operating System. The Apple TV set-top box is based on the proprietary tvOS operating system designed specifically to work with large screens. The intuitive App Store interface makes it easy to find and install the necessary applications for streaming, games and much more.
- Power and sound. A12 Bionic, a powerful processor that provides high performance in games and smooth operation of the system, is hidden beneath the body of the set-top box. The set-top box supports video playback in resolutions up to 4K with extended dynamic range HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Apple TV is the perfect choice for those who want to immerse themselves in a world of premium entertainment with the power of the Apple ecosystem.
Should I buy an Apple TV set-top box: pros and cons
Is it worth buying a set-top box? The answer to this question depends on your needs and budget. We have prepared a list of pros and cons of buying an Apple TV set-top box:
Buying Pros:
- Unrivaled picture quality up to 4K and Dolby Atmos surround sound for total immersion.
- Wide range of online services. Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and, of course, Apple TV+. Movies, series, TV shows, sports, music, games.
- Huge selection of apps and content in the App Store: streaming services, games, educational programs and more.
- Seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem through AirPlay technology: AirPlay, iCloud, Apple Music, App Store, etc.
- High performance thanks to the powerful A12 Bionic processor.
- Stylish and concise Apple-inspired design.
- Convenient voice control with Siri Remote.
- Easy to control. The Siri Remote with touchpad and Siri voice assistant is always at your fingertips.
Do Not Buy – Cons:
- High price compared to competitors.
- Lack of support for some popular multimedia formats.
- Content and applications are available only from the App Store without the ability to install third-party programs.
- Binding exclusively to the Apple ecosystem, which is less convenient for users of other devices.
- No built-in storage for content recording.
So, Apple TV is a premium set-top box with many advantages, but with a number of limitations. If you are fully immersed in the Apple ecosystem and appreciate the highest quality multimedia, the set-top box is a great choice. Otherwise, you can consider more affordable open environment counterparts.
Is it worth buying an Apple TV set-top box without a 4K TV
If you have a Full HD TV, you can buy Apple TV HD and enjoy all the benefits of this set-top box. However, if you plan to upgrade your TV in the future, it’s better to buy Apple TV 4K right away, which will provide you with maximum picture and sound quality.
However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative with extensive features, you should pay attention to the Duna HD TV-102 set-top box, which can be purchased on our website.
Among the key benefits:
- 4K Ultra HD, Full HD 1080p and HD Ready support for stunningly clear pictures.
- A wide range of codecs for playing a variety of multimedia content.
- Intuitive and user-friendly interface for comfortable operation. Ability to connect external storage devices to expand functionality.
- Compact and stylish design that harmoniously fits into any interior.
Given its affordable price, the Duna HD TV-102 set-top box is an excellent choice for fans of high quality digital TV.
Popular models of Apple TV set-top boxes
Apple produces several models of its popular multimedia set-top box, which differ in specifications and features.
The main differences between the set-top boxes are:
- Apple TV 4K (2021) and Apple TV 4K (2017) set-top boxes. These are the two newest and highest performing models with support for Ultra HD resolution and HDR extended dynamic range. The older 2021 version is built on the A12 Bionic chip and gets a new handy Siri Remote with gesture support and improved navigation.
- Apple TV HD set-top box (2015). An outdated model that supports “only” Full HD 1080p resolution. It is based on a weaker A8 processor and lacks support for HDR, Dolby Atmos and the latest video codecs.
- Apple TV set-top box (2012). This older model set-top box, limited to 1080p resolution, has modest multimedia capabilities and consumes more power. It no longer receives software updates.
Thus, if you want to enjoy all the modern streaming features and games on the big screen in maximum quality, it is better to give preference to the latest model of Apple TV 4K (2021) set-top box. Older versions are gradually becoming obsolete and are not able to fully unlock the potential of the latest multimedia formats.
