The Apple TV is a device that has always been in the background in the Apple catalog and that with the arrival of AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on several brands of televisions, it has apparently lost its raison d’être. However, the company updated it some time ago with a more powerful processor, revamped remote control and other flashy software features.
It’s a fairly compact product that goes unnoticed in the room due to its small size and black color, but that hasn’t stopped accessory makers from laying eyes on it. It is possible to find cases and stands designed specifically for Apple TVand it’s important to choose a good HDMI cable to get the most out of its picture quality.
Which Apple TV to buy
Apple has two models of Apple TV in its catalog well differentiated by name: Apple TV 4K (2021) and Apple TV HD (2015). Although on the outside they are very similar, on the inside they are very different and it is practical to know which one best suits our needs.
The Apple TV HD (159 dollars) was launched on the market in 2015 and, as its name suggests, Play content in Full HD 1080p quality. It incorporates the Apple A8 processor accompanied by 2 GB of RAM, connection to the television via HDMI 1.4 and Internet access via Wi-Fi 802.11ac or Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps).
For its part, the Apple TV 4K (2021) (from 199 dollars) has been renewed relatively recently and supports up to 4K Ultra HD resolution and Dolby Vision high dynamic range content and Dolby Atmos sound. The processor it uses is the Apple A12 Bionic with 4GB of RAM, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet and Thread compatibility.
Both models have the new Siri remote (although there are alternatives if damaged) with a conventional button panel that leaves behind the touchscreen that so many users have struggled to get used to and the tvOS operating system, but the similarities end there. The Apple TV 4K (2021) is much more powerful and it shows when navigating the UI, opening apps or playing video games from Apple Arcade or the App Store.
The Apple TV 4K (2021) is the most recommended purchase even if it’s priced a little higher than HD and you don’t have a UHD TV; it is a bet for the future, its operation is more fluid and there is less risk that the applications will stop working in the short-medium term.
With which cable accompany the Apple TV 4K
Apple does not include the HDMI cable needed to connect Apple TV to the TV, but is the responsibility of the user. Chances are you have several around the house collecting dust that you could use for the Californians’ media center, but it’s not that simple.
Apple TV 4K requires a High Speed HDMI Cable. to be able to render the content in high resolution and frame rate per second (if the film and our television allow it, of course). Belkin’s super-fast 2-meter 4K cable is recommended on the official website for $20.99.
If we pay attention to its specifications, we see that supports resolution up to 7680 x 4320 (8K) and bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, as well as support for Dolby Vision HDR. These are the features we should keep in mind when looking for a good cable for the Apple TV 4K (2021).
Belkin itself has a “vitamin” cable (45.55 dollars) that supports 4K resolution at 120Hz or 8K at 60Hz, compatible with Dolby Vision HDR 10 and with a transfer rate of 48 Gbps. Due to the news of the new Apple TV 4K (2021), it’s more interesting if you want to get the most out of the device.
Belkin Ultra HD (2018) – High Speed HDMI Cable, 2 Meters, Supports 4K/120Hz and 8K/60Hz, Compatible with Dolby Vision/HDR 10, 48 Gbps Transfers
The price of these proposals may seem a bit high, so we have selected a pair that should meet the same requirements as the most powerful Belkin but at a cheaper price and with good resistance to last as long as possible.
- Two meter Maxonar HDMI 2.1 cable for 17.99 dollars: bandwidth of 48 Gb/s, reaches a resolution of 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz, braided coating for greater durability and compatible with HDCP 2.3.
- KabelDirekt three meter HDMI 2.1 cable for 12.03 dollars: certified to reach 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz resolutions and Dynamic HDR/HDR10+, VRR, ALLM, HFR and eARC functions. It is also designed for use in next-gen video consoles such as PS5 or Xbox Series X.
Accessories for Apple TV and Siri Remote
The Siri Remote is prone to accidents (especially, falls from the couch) and it needs to be protected to prevent it from denting or eventually breaking down over time.
Elago R1 Sling for Siri Remote
A classic from the firm specializing in covers for Apple devices that has been updated for the new Siri remote control (11.99 dollars). It is made with a thick layer of premium silicone that protects the device from drops and other accidents of daily use. It has powerful magnets that allow it to attach to any metal surface so you don’t lose it.
Funda elago Retro R4 for Siri Remote
“Transform” the Siri Remote into a video game controller with the elago R4 box (15.99 dollars). Buttons and controls are not functional, it is nothing more than a protection for the remote control. It offers full access to all functions of the device and the silicone is of quality.
Cover with AirTag compartment elago R5
If you are one of those who are used to losing the Siri Remote, the elago R5 case (14.99 dollars) has a compartment for the Apple AirTag and that can be located from the iPhone itself. All buttons are easily accessible and provide the necessary resistance to withstand shocks.
elago T4 Retro Console Cover for Apple TV
An ideal case to go with the Siri remote case is this elago T4 (25.99 dollars), which simulates a classic retro game console and is made of high quality silicone. It’s a good gift and a good way to avoid scratches and damage to the device.
Rigid carrying case
Apple TV is a very compact device that’s easy to take to a second home on vacation for continuous entertainment and enjoyment. This hard case (17.74 dollars) is compatible with 1st and 2nd generation Apple TV 4K. It has a smooth zipper and a mesh pocket for convenient storage.
Wall mount for Apple TV
In case you want to put it on the wall, this bracket for Apple TV (7.99 dollars) is compatible with the latest generations and is a very neat and clean solution if you do not want tangles of cables and we prefer to hide behind the television.
Wall bracket for elago remote controls
To have all the remote controls located, this wall bracket (21.99 dollars) has two installation methods: adhesive gel pad or screw. It is a very elegant and practical solution.
Teclado Bluetooth Logitech Keys-To-Go
Compatible with Apple TV and with shortcuts, the Logitech Keys-To-Go keyboard (57.87 dollars) is thin and lightfor those times when you want to comfortably browse and type in the media center of the corporate lounge.
Logitech Keys-To-Go Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard for iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Light, Ultraportable, Disposición QWERTY Español, Negro
3rd Generation AirPods
We end up with the AirPods 3 (179 dollars), totally wireless Bluetooth headphones that integrate very well with Apple TV and are a fantastic way to consume audiovisual content on the television without disturbing anyone. offer spatial audio with dynamic head trackingadaptive equalization, sweat resistance and up to 30 hours of battery life with the MagSafe charging case.
New Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
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