(Part 2) Top products from r/appletv

I have been battling this issue since release day of the Apple TV 4k...I have an LG 55" C7P...encountered screen flicker as well as issues not receiving 5.1 audio from the optical out of the TV to my SONOS 5.1 setup (but when ATV 4k was set to stereo, I would always get audio).

The LG native netflix app worked perfectly for me (audio, 4K, and HDR wise), but there are simply not enough native LG apps (HBO GO, etc).

I was using an amazon basics high speed HDMI cable seen here (as well as others rated as high speed and 4k/60p compatible):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014I8SX4Y/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

no matter what HDMI input - 1/2(ARC)/3/4 - the issue persisted...sometimes I would get audio for a while at 5.1 and then, bam just silence. The Trumotion settings to 0,0 mostly mitigated my flickering issues, but not entirely.

After purchasing Deadpool (4K with HDR and 5.1 audio) on iTunes and being forced to watch in stereo only last night...because 5.1 simply wouldn't take no matter what I did...

I finally called Apple today (11/11/17), and they advised me to take it into the store...long story short, I have a replacement I can pickup next week when it comes in, but left with my unit... The Apple guy suggested that I try a new HDMI cable 'for the Apple TV 4K'. I am very much aware that 'most' modern HDMI cables should be 'good enough'...BUT, this is a new Dolby Vision certified cable made by Belkin out recently:

http://www.belkin.com/us/AV10175-Belkin/p/P-AV10175/

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HLL52ZM/A/belkin-ultra-high-speed-4k-hdmi-cable-2m

defined as Ultra High Speed HDMI, and supports true 4k resolutions up to 4096x2160 and bandwidth of up to 48 Gbps per Apple's site. Previous high speed cables are NOT Dolby Vision certified, and they are rated up to 18Gbps. Now 48Gbps is an enormous amount of data, and that's likely not the reason I am typing this post...BUT:

I am 30 mins in to testing (iTunes content as well as Dolby Vision on Netflix Apple TV 4K app)...and so far, this cable seems to have been the solution...what's frustrating is that the HDMI cable market is not easily navigable...UHD/4K/HDR/HFR, all of this adds to the confusion...IMHO apple should have bundled this cable for an extra 10USD to avoid various threads throughout the world wide web that discuss this issue...it's very much known, and I think everyone that is having the flicker, or stereo only audio problem with 30 USD to spare could save lots of heart burn, headache and time enjoying their TV 4k (instead of scouring forums for solutions) by picking up this cable.

YES - it's quite frustrating to have to drop another 30 dollars for this setup to work properly...but I've easily spent that in time scouring for solutions. [sigh]

I’m a big fan of the Logitech Harmony Companion. Beyond being able to integrate with tons of other smart devices, the remote just feels great.


Logitech Harmony Companion All in One Remote Control for Smart Home and Entertainment Devices, Hub & App, Works With Alexa - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3RFC4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FFgBDb2ECC1AW

Yes! The Griffin case is amazing, cant get better then that case.
I purchased $10-$15 case with a strap and it was ok, but had trim that for some weird reason overlapped the touch screen which did effect use.
But that strap (attached to the case, not remote) was so useful I went out and got the official Apple strap; The Griffin with Apple Strap is amazing i cant put this remote down!!!
By useful I mean when the remote is out of reach that strap lets me not stretch for it lol

The HDHomeRun has come up a few times here this week. I've been looking into it but I can't find a definitive answer on whether the first generation HDHomeRun models will work well with ATV4 and Channels app/the like.

I don't really have a need for internal dual tuners as I only have one antenna and one TV, and I probably won't be using any computer software as a DVR. All I'm really interested in is not having to switch my inputs when I want to watch OTA and having some basic channel guide functionality. I suppose my biggest concern is whether there are limitations on HD streaming over my network with the old version and therefore whether the picture quality will be any good. Anyone knowledgeable about it?

You can get one of the super old original HDhomeruns, single or dual tuner from 2006ish. That's what I'm using and it works perfectly, you can find them new and used on ebay or amazon real cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/SiliconDust-HDHomeRun-HDHR-US-Networked-Definition/dp/B0010Y414Q

However, the newer boxes have better tuners and pick up weaker signals, so if you are concerned about that, get the extend or connect.

People complain about the remote so much but for $6.00 you can get a case that:

A. Protects it from drops
B. Allows you to instantly feel if you’re holding it correctly
C. Glows in the dark (at least the green and blue do)
D. Different colors allowing you to know which room it belongs to.
E. Makes the remote much more comfortable in your hand.

www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXI592F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_m3uIDbW8ZF55R

Audio streams are a special case. You can connect and use multiple other devices simultaneously up to a point, but if you have multiple Bluetooth speakers or headphones paired, it will switch the audio stream to whichever one you select and disconnect the previous. In the case of your watch and phone, audio is being sent from one or the other to your AirPods, but while they stay paired, it's only ever playing one audio stream from one iOS device at a time. In any event, that's a different scenario from sending two audio signals to two speakers or pairs of headphones from a single phone/tablet/computer, etc. There are systems that let you get around this with additional hardware (something like this for example but I can't speak to quality personally), but the question was specifically whether you can listen to multiple pairs of AirPods simultaneously connected to the same Apple TV, and the answer is unfortunately not at this time. It would be neat though.

Edit: If you're interested, here is info on a startup that's working to solve this issue. They are still in beta and have been for a while, and their claims have shifted since first I heard of them… not to mention their website has very little info and doesn't seem to have ever been updated. So we'll see if they manage a breakthrough in this area before Apple or someone beats them to it. I'm skeptical because it requires changes to the Bluetooth drivers on your device (basically a hack) and the chips themselves are limited in how fast they can transmit data, so I would expect it to rely on additional compression… Bluetooth audio is already a pretty lossy format so I can't imagine this sounding great, but would work in a pinch for watching TV at night and such, as OP suggested.

If you need significant length or are winding through tight areas you will want to go with the Monoprice SlimRun AV HDR High Speed Cable for HDMI-Enabled Devices models. They are fiber optic and are as good as HDMI cables get according to lab testing. If you have Prime, on Amazon you can find Ruipro Fiber cables that are comparatively excellent

Yes, you need a certain kind to be compatible with 4K and all that, but do you really think this cable is going to give you a better picture than an Amazon Basics cable?

It can be fussy about the HDMI cable causing blank outs, laggy remote, etc. I skipped the drama and got the Belkin 48Gbps cable that is made for it.

The new Spectrum app will blink annoyingly when using the guide if you have Content Matching turned on in the settings (it's off by default).

Two good racing games were broken with the 12.1 update and won't be fixed. Riptide GP2 and AG Drive. Riptide has a sequel that still works fine.

The remote takes some getting used to. After a few weeks I find it's really well done. Light taps can navigate and the voice search and Siri work well. I bought this remote case for mine that makes it easier to know which end is up and adds some grip. Here's another if you prefer smooth.

The latest and greatest in HDMI cable-land


Monoprice DynamicView Ultra 8K HDMI Cable - 3 Feet - Black | High Speed, 48Gbps, Dynamic HDR, eARC

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K7XHM3R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uU3jDbFZV6CAS

Get a 48gbps hdmi cable like linked below. Read the reviews and you’ll find people that had similar issues resolved by it

Belkin Ultra HD High Speed HDMI Cable, Optimal Viewing for Apple TV and Apple TV 4K, 4K/Dolby Vision HDR, 2 m/6.6 ft – Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075N83B9X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qC0yCbV4WHE9A

I use this one for both of my ATV4 remotes. I like that it's both curved and textured.... Yes, it is a remote cover.....

Non-Slip Grip Remote Protective Silicone Cover Case and Secure Gaming Remote Loop, Strap for Apple TV 4 Siri Remote Controller

This thing has saved me more than I'd like to admit.

https://www.amazon.com/Fintie-Protective-Case-Apple-Remote/dp/B01K6OFCU2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1550278149&sr=8-4&keywords=red+apple+tv+remote

Correct me if I'm wrong but this would essentially mean you could control the ATV through Alexa, right? It's the same scenario with different input methods?

If so then no, I haven't seen it accomplished. The closest I've seen is the Harmony Hub (Logitech) or using some sort of !P2IR converter, like this:https://www.amazon.com/Global-Cache-IP2IR-iTach-Wired/dp/B003BFTKUC

If this is the same thing and I'm not mistaken there are some threads in /r/amazonalexa You should look for.

I have two of these, and LOVE them. I lose the remote a LOT less often, maybe 5% of the time. I do fewer accidental clicks, as well.

​

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01K6OFCU2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The Apple TV 4K supports HDMI-CEC, so your Sony TV remote might work. Otherwise I recommend this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZYIFXSM/ref=psdc_3236443011_t2_B00BQ5RYI4

You realize that you can buy a watch battery anywhere that sells batteries, right? CR2032 batteries are super common and can be had for less than $1 if you shop around.

Here is a pack of 5 name-brand batteries for $4.95

MoKo Silicone Case Compatible with Apple TV 4K/4th Gen Remote, Lightweight Shockproof Protective Cover with Non-Slip Silicone Fit Apple TV 4K Siri Remote Controller - Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GXLPTZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8bwMDbADRNDEE

Logitech Harmony solves this. I use this one

As u/themanincyan recommended, the sold-out monoprice 48gbps cable works flawlessly with the Apple TV 4K.

IOGEAR also has a 48gbps HDMI cable that is 6ft long compared to monoprice’s 3ft long cable. It’s a bit pricey but it’s worth it.

Cable Matters recently came out with a 48gbps cable. I haven’t bought and tested it out yet but I imagine it can handle the Apple TV 4K without any hiccups.

Ah that sucks.

On a sidenote, you mentioned that you like having two sets of headphones for the audio.

Would another solution be an Bluetooth audio receiver (like this one from etekcity or from AmazonBasics) with a 3.5mm audio splitter and two headphones/earphones?

I am having trouble finding sound bars with two hdmi ports in my budget, a lot of them have only one but im not sure how id get video to my tv with just one... would something like this work? https://www.amazon.com/iArkPower-Extractor-Splitter-Optical-Supports/dp/B01I9JG70A/ref=sr_1_14?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1538406234&sr=1-14&keywords=hdmi+sound+bar

I picked up this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Harmony-Companion-Home-Control/dp/B00N3RFC4G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466444688&sr=8-1&keywords=logitech+harmony+home+control

Doesn't have native Echo support - but does work via IFTTT or Yonami

This is what I am using
https://www.amazon.com/RUIPRO-Fiber-Cable-Support-Subsampling/dp/B06XGDFCSC
to connect projector to soundbar. Amazon basic high speed 6 feet HDMI cable to connect ATV4k to soundbar HDMI 3 port.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209440

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XDD7GYT/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-Inc-TV/dp/B07XDD7GYT/

Here's your link without the tracking garbage attached:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GXLPTZW

Rental also available on Amazon for $0.99

I got a lime green glow in the dark case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXI592F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9mDFybR7NAHKB

iArkPower HDMI Audio Extractor... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I9JG70A?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I had this issue when I first got my soundbar and I fixed the problem with this High-Speed HDMI cable. The old cable worked fine when plugged in directly to the TV but it started to glitch when connected via HDMI ARC.

This thing rocks.

TaoTronics Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver, Digital Optical TOSLINK and 3.5mm Wireless Audio Adapter for TV / Home Stereo System - aptX Low Latency https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KO1JNCA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OT2OAbCAW97QH

In keeping with Apple's style, I doubt they'd implement that.

You can also use a Bluetooth receiver with 3.5 mm headphone jack output (AmazonBasics, Etek) and a splitter.