Apple TV 4K setup
Expensive but capable. Here's what Apple TV actually does well, what it won't do, and how to get the most from it.
Let's be honest
Apple TV 4K is a strange device. It's one of the most capable pieces of streaming hardware you can buy. The Plex app on Apple TV is genuinely the best Plex app on any platform. Dolby Vision support is excellent. Updates are reliable. Interface is clean. And it costs £149, which is more than twice what you'd pay for a device that does 90% of the same things. So we put it at the bottom of the rankings - because the price locks out most people and the closed app store kills the IPTV use case.
If you already own one, here's how to get the most from it.
What Apple TV is genuinely great at
- Plex - the native tvOS Plex app is the best implementation anywhere. Responsive, reliable, handles 4K HDR direct play cleanly.
- Emby and Jellyfin - both have solid native tvOS apps.
- Dolby Vision - best support of any streaming box, including Profile 5 for streaming services.
- AirPlay - send anything from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac directly to the TV.
- Software updates - Apple maintains tvOS well. Your 2022 Apple TV 4K will still get updates in 2028.
- No ads. Seriously. The home screen is your app grid. No banner ads, no pre-roll, no sponsored tiles.
What you can't do
- No sideloading. Ever. If an app isn't in the tvOS App Store, you cannot install it.
- No TiviMate. The developer has repeatedly said they won't build a tvOS version.
- No IPTV Smarters Pro on tvOS (iOS version exists but doesn't run here).
- No XCIPTV, no GSE IPTV, no most IPTV player apps.
- No Stremio - does not exist for tvOS.
Important
If IPTV is your primary use case, do not buy an Apple TV. You will be frustrated. Spend a quarter of the money on an Onn 4K or a Fire TV Stick (pre-Vega) and get the apps you actually need.
Getting the best picture
- 1Settings > Video and Audio > Format: set to "4K Dolby Vision" (or "4K HDR" if your TV doesn't do DV).
- 2Settings > Video and Audio > Match Content: enable both "Match Dynamic Range" AND "Match Frame Rate". This is essential for correct playback of mixed HDR/SDR and 24p content.
- 3Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Format: set to "Auto" to allow passthrough to your receiver.
- 4If you have a Dolby Atmos receiver: Settings > Audio > Dolby Atmos > ensure it's enabled.
Tip
The "Match Frame Rate" setting is the single most important tweak. Without it, 24p films play at 60Hz and judder badly. This isn't on by default - enable it.
The Siri remote
The Siri Remote (2nd gen onwards, with the clickpad and the touch ring) is controversial. Some people love it, some people hate it.
- The touch ring is great for scrubbing through video.
- The clickpad directional buttons are precise.
- The remote is easy to lose - it's slim and light.
- You can use any Bluetooth controller or a universal remote via HDMI-CEC if the Siri Remote isn't for you.
- Apple offers "Find My" for AirTag-style tracking of the newer Siri Remotes.
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