Apple TV - will new Apple TV+ promotion get you to bite?

[jaymacfla]

Apple is notorious for offering little to no discounts on their products during the Black Friday "Season". This year, they are offering (right now) a free year of Apple TV + if you purchase any of their capable devices which includes all of the apple TV variants, currently three. The normal monthly cost for their flagship service will be $5, saving you $60 per the year of purchase. This seems to be a boon for a company who can potentially gain millions of customers overnight. Prices vary on models but to get 4K and Dolbyvison you still have to fork out at least $179 to get one of the best streamers out there. Right out of the gate, they seem to be hitting a triple and a modest price reduction would make it a grand slam. What are your thoughts and where do you see this as a benefit to your shopping season?

[len_mullen]

Not an Apple fan, though I own a couple ATVs (hate the remote, prefer a grid guide).  Having read the program descriptions and watched the trailers, I don't thing I would sample ATV+ for free...

 

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/09/apple-tv-launches-november-1-featuring-originals-from-the-worlds-greatest-storytellers/

 

Right now, I am enjoying OTA and Pluto via the Recast.  Complete free, the 4k FTV sticks are $25, and everything is delivered in a grid style guide.

 

No Apple plans this holiday season.  We are in the second year with our iPhones and my iBoy just bought himself a new Apple laptop.

[jaymacfla]

Not an Apple fan, though I own a couple ATVs (hate the remote, prefer a grid guide).  Having read the program descriptions and watched the trailers, I don't thing I would sample ATV+ for free...

 

https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2019/09/apple-tv-launches-november-1-featuring-originals-from-the-worlds-greatest-storytellers/

 

Right now, I am enjoying OTA and Pluto via the Recast.  Complete free, the 4k FTV sticks are $25, and everything is delivered in a grid style guide.

 

No Apple plans this holiday season.  We are in the second year with our iPhones and my iBoy just bought himself a new Apple laptop.

Pluto is getting better all of the time. There are other apps available like Stirr and XUMO which offer free content as well. Are they available on your device?

[len_mullen]

Pluto is getting better all of the time. There are other apps available like Stirr and XUMO which offer free content as well. Are they available on your device?

 

I like Pluto, but mostly watch broadcast television.  In fact, I probably have my television tuned to Heroes & Icons or LAFF about 2/3 of the time it is powered on.

 

I own five TiVo Roamios and they are my primary way to watch television.  Very limited streaming.  I added a Recast so I could watch television on my seven Echo Shows and have put a FTV 4K stick on each set just because.  XUMO and Stirr are both available on the Fire TV sticks.  I'll check them out.  There are a lot of free tv/movie apps out there.  The Amazon ecosystem appeals to me becuse the Recast EPG integrates OTA, streaming services, and premium streaming services plus Prime Channels for short money.  No one ever uses Apple and Short Money in the same sentence.

Edited October 10, 2019 by len_mullen

[Kanyon71]

Does it still have that horrible touch remote?

 

If so NOPE.

 

I hated that remote made me stop using ours and went back to FireTV Stick.

[jaymacfla]

Does it still have that horrible touch remote?

 

If so NOPE.

 

I hated that remote made me stop using ours and went back to FireTV Stick.

I would suppose so. It is a rather simple remote and not everyone will like it. I will probably bite on a second Apple TV and then share the account with F&F. You get 5 shares.

I like Pluto, but mostly watch broadcast television.  In fact, I probably have my television tuned to Heroes & Icons or LAFF about 2/3 of the time it is powered on.

 

I own five TiVo Roamios and they are my primary way to watch television.  Very limited streaming.  I added a Recast so I could watch television on my seven Echo Shows and have put a FTV 4K stick on each set just because.  XUMO and Stirr are both available on the Fire TV sticks.  I'll check them out.  There are a lot of free tv/movie apps out there.  The Amazon ecosystem appeals to me becuse the Recast EPG integrates OTA, streaming services, and premium streaming services plus Prime Channels for short money.  No one ever uses Apple and Short Money in the same sentence.

I have many Roku devices (favorite) and three FTV 4K devices, and just one Apple TV 4K. I do own a HD Homerun Quattro and operate a Plex server. Needless to say, the family is spoiled.

[len_mullen]

^^^=== Hobbyist! xoxo! ===^^^

[Kanyon71]

I would suppose so. It is a rather simple remote and not everyone will like it. I will probably bite on a second Apple TV and then share the account with F&F. You get 5 shares.

I have many Roku devices (favorite) and three FTV 4K devices, and just one Apple TV 4K. I do own a HD Homerun Quattro and operate a Plex server. Needless to say, the family is spoiled.

See I love apple products, I have an iPhone so does wife, daughter uses an iPad, i've migrated all of us to MacBooks but I hated that new touch remote. It was too hard to deal with, just give me the ring and a push button then the other needed buttons. Sometimes simple is too much.

[wittenlover]

I'm keenly interested in this discussion, as I am looking to get a streaming device for my TV now that I've cut my cable cord. I'm finding I really am not missing my TV nearly as much as I thought I might (proof of how it WAS just "background noise" for the most part). I'm considering all 3 major players (Roku, Amazon Fire stick, Apple TV), as I have heard good things about each one for various aspects. Good to know about Apple TV remote. I will definitely keep that in mind as I work through the decision making process. 

Edited October 14, 2019 by wittenlover

[len_mullen]

I am looking to get a streaming device for my TV now that I've cut my cable cord.

 

I think you need to start by determining what you want.  Start by compiling a list of programs you like to watch.  Do you want a DVR?  For time-shifting or archiving?

[wittenlover]

I think you need to start by determining what you want.  Start by compiling a list of programs you like to watch.  Do you want a DVR?  For time-shifting or archiving?

 

No need for DVR. I've never had one before and don't watch enough, really, to make it worth investing in one now. Mostly just want to be able to once again have NASCAR on my big screen TV now that I've cut cable. 

 

As far as shows I like to watch, the only one I actually watch with any sort of intention (NASCAR races aside) is Deadliest Catch. I'm otherwise a sucker for marathons (binges?) of things like Law & Order/Criminal Minds/etc. but can truly take or leave them. I have iPhone and iPad already "in residence", so to speak, which is why the Apple TV is on my radar along with the others, in spite of its higher price point. 

[jaymacfla]

Apple made a major move. They added the service to the Roku and the fire stick will follow. I am testing the app right now. So far the only limitation is the lack of Dolby-vision capability. It is possible to go the HDR route though. 

[jgm8]

We cut the cord several months ago, but I am not sure how much I like it. We have Netflix, Hulu, Sling, Prime, CBS (Gotta have Star Trek) via Firestick 4K. We have iPhones, iPads and Macbook Airs, an Echo Plus and Echo Dots.... and, I signed up for Disney+   We had the Apple TV  as well, but it was an older version and it didn't have the apps for the services we used. I am curious about the service as there is one or two shows that look promising.

 

The issue I am having, is that I can't see everything we watch in one place. I had to start a list of what show was on what service  I guess I am just getting old lol. 

[DeanH]

The Apple TV+ streaming service is also being offered free for a year for people who are currently purchasing a new iphone....and not just the current iphone 11s. 

 

As for streaming, we cut the cord last spring.  Using a combination of Samsung smart TVs and Roku devices.  Tried Firesticks at first, but found the Roku devices were just less advert intrusive.  Have three and the worst is the streaming Stick.  Slow compared to our other two Rokus.....Stick+ and Ultra.  The Stick is in a drawer.

 

I like football so we wanted local channels and RedZone.  Alas, no service has both.  YouTube TV was closest as it had most all the channels we watched, outside NFL Network/RedZone.  So also streaming Sling for football season.  It'll get cut off after reg. season is over.

 

Ran Sling and almost would try to keep it, but missing two of four broadcast network channels hurt its chances we'd keep it (OTA is almost a non-starter for us as three of the majors are ~60+ miles away).....and then add in no ability to pause live TV was the straw that broke Sling's back for us.  And only 50 hrs. of DVR space that costs extra.  And frankly, the picture Sling provides is many times noticeable worse than our other services, esp. when comparing the same channel, like ESPN, AMC, etc. to YouTube TV, for instance.

 

YouTube TV.....pauses live TV for however long you want, unlimited DVR space at no extra cost, all the major broadcast networks.  No, it's not quite as broad in its content as something like DirecTV, but it's about 1/4 the total cost (once you factor in box rentals, taxes and fees that seemingly increase every few months).  Been quite happy with YouTube TV.

 

We also have Netflix, HBO (about to drop it unless a miracle happens.....like it turns free), and Prime.  See no need to return to cable.  So we know have a free year of Apple TV.  I'll drop it when it comes time to renew if it pans out like I think it will.  Shall be investigating Disney TV, though.  May take HBO's place.

[Kanyon71]

The Apple TV+ streaming service is also being offered free for a year for people who are currently purchasing a new iphone....and not just the current iphone 11s. 

 

As for streaming, we cut the cord last spring.  Using a combination of Samsung smart TVs and Roku devices.  Tried Firesticks at first, but found the Roku devices were just less advert intrusive.  Have three and the worst is the streaming Stick.  Slow compared to our other two Rokus.....Stick+ and Ultra.  The Stick is in a drawer.

 

I like football so we wanted local channels and RedZone.  Alas, no service has both.  YouTube TV was closest as it had most all the channels we watched, outside NFL Network/RedZone.  So also streaming Sling for football season.  It'll get cut off after reg. season is over.

 

Ran Sling and almost would try to keep it, but missing two of four broadcast network channels hurt its chances we'd keep it (OTA is almost a non-starter for us as three of the majors are ~60+ miles away).....and then add in no ability to pause live TV was the straw that broke Sling's back for us.  And only 50 hrs. of DVR space that costs extra.  And frankly, the picture Sling provides is many times noticeable worse than our other services, esp. when comparing the same channel, like ESPN, AMC, etc. to YouTube TV, for instance.

 

YouTube TV.....pauses live TV for however long you want, unlimited DVR space at no extra cost, all the major broadcast networks.  No, it's not quite as broad in its content as something like DirecTV, but it's about 1/4 the total cost (once you factor in box rentals, taxes and fees that seemingly increase every few months).  Been quite happy with YouTube TV.

 

We also have Netflix, HBO (about to drop it unless a miracle happens.....like it turns free), and Prime.  See no need to return to cable.  So we know have a free year of Apple TV.  I'll drop it when it comes time to renew if it pans out like I think it will.  Shall be investigating Disney TV, though.  May take HBO's place.

Did you look at DirecTV Streaming? We had it when it first came out and were pretty happy with it. I don't think any of them are perfect and at some point I hope someone comes out with something that makes it so I don't have to load 4-5 different apps to see what I want. Just give me a combined view and I'm good.

[wittenlover]

Since seemingly everyone has deals on Roku/Amazon sticks for BF, I think I may pick up both to try. Not seeing many deals on Apple TV devices (no surprise, really) so I may pass on that for now.