Apple TV 4

[bodohboy]

Not many good options actually if you have higher requirements like the lag or frame rate.

Other than Mio Stadium, the cheapest is SingTel Cast here in Singapore.

Then there are those gray IPTV package which I believe will be even worse than SingTel Cast.

The other method is to use VPN and overseas streaming platforms, I highly doubt they will be better than SingTel Cast. Still here are some options.

1) UK VPN with UK streaming services

2) Astro Go with Malaysia VPN

3) If you do not mind Chinese comments the CCTV5/5+ have some live events. China live TV Apps are free. No VPN is needed.

4) If you do not mind Chinese comments, PP Sports Soccer VIP plus China VPN can be used. Pretty cheap but I think China VPNs like Transocks are not that good for this purpose.
https://vip.pptv.com/sports

All included 足球通 VIP price is about RMB518 per year but often got offer. EPL only VIP is about RMB258 per year but often got offer.

Thanks bro for the options and help! Have been following your guides since I bought a MiBox S at the start of the year.

I think it’s not considered a “high requirement” to want a smooth stream without frame rates drops or blurry content when watching live sports. Especially when you’re paying a premium of $49.90 per month, really expected decent quality from Singtel Cast.

I have tried a popular “grey area” paid IPTV on Shopee called “DragonTV” and watching PL games through astro supersport but the streams are too unreliable with frequent stops during games. But their other entertainment channels are fine.

Was in China for 8 months a couple of years ago and watched popular matches on CCTV 5/5+ and MangoTV but I think from young watch English commentary abit not used to it and not much feel haha.

If Singtel offers 4K live streaming (I think this one must wait long long, although US’ Fubo TV last year already started streaming 4K games) then I will find their $69.90 worth it.

 

[*adiBOY]

When I recontracted last year they gave me 3 months free HomeHub Plus with a set of Google home mini. I was offered when I went down to sign a Sim-only data plan for my dad, signed both plans in a hurry without checking other telco now need wait till 2020...

All telcos are almost similar bro. You want TV only StarHub and Singtel offer TV. You want BPL only Singtel offered BPL and StarHub with cross carriage support so there’s nothing much you can choose from.

From the look of things, if you need TV services, StarHub is the cheapest and also with more channels.

I’ve been with StarHub for more than 10 years already and after switching to fibre internet, it has always been problem free.

 

[galliano]

I have tried a popular “grey area” paid IPTV on Shopee called “DragonTV” and watching PL games through astro supersport but the streams are too unreliable with frequent stops during games. But their other entertainment channels are fine.

1. I think the biggest problem is that many of paid "grey" IPTV such as DragonTV is not supported on TVOS/IOS.

I can only find one which is IPTVSmarters, although the interface on the Android version is much better than the TVOS/IOS ver.

Any other suggestions?

2. Question: Does the new remote functions as a universal remote? I can turn on the tv and audio receiver at same time? I'm guessing with HDMI-CEC function turn-on ... all devices will power up as long as the Apple TV itself is turned on.

 

[xiaofan]

1. I think the biggest problem is that many of paid "grey" IPTV such as DragonTV is not supported on TVOS/IOS.

I can only find one which is IPTVSmarters, although the interface on the Android version is much better than the TVOS/IOS ver.

Any other suggestions?

Why not just have two boxes, Apple TV 4K and buy one Mi Box S for your other needs.

I myself have SingTel TV, Chromecast 1st gen, Apple TV 3rd gen, connected to a dumb TV.

Then I have Mi Box S and other Android TV boxes connected to a 24inch monitor.

 

[bodohboy]

1. I think the biggest problem is that many of paid "grey" IPTV such as DragonTV is not supported on TVOS/IOS.

I can only find one which is IPTVSmarters, although the interface on the Android version is much better than the TVOS/IOS ver.

Any other suggestions?

2. Question: Does the new remote functions as a universal remote? I can turn on the tv and audio receiver at same time? I'm guessing with HDMI-CEC function turn-on ... all devices will power up as long as the Apple TV itself is turned on.

1. You can try finding some free m3u8 links online and purchase an “IPTV player” on tvOS. One popular one is iPlayTV. If you want to skip the trouble of finding stable m3u8 links(require some time to test individual links and organising them), you can Google for some sellers who are selling it.

2. Can’t help you with this hey bro, my Apple TV 4K haven’t delivered yet.

 

[bodohboy]

Why not just have two boxes, Apple TV 4K and buy one Mi Box S for your other needs.

I myself have SingTel TV, Chromecast 1st gen, Apple TV 3rd gen, connected to a dumb TV.

Then I have Mi Box S and other Android TV boxes connected to a 24inch monitor.

I am planning to have this setup too. Was waiting since June for Apple to release a new version of the Apple TV 4K but no news during September Event and October/November when they released the MBP 16” and AirPods Pro. I thought for sure they were gonna release one with the upcoming subscriptions for Apple TV+

Bo bian hoot one from Courts during Black Friday sale for S$201. US side also not much discounts from their retailers like Amazon, B&H and Best Buy.

 

[xiaofan]

1. You can try finding some free m3u8 links online and purchase an “IPTV player” on tvOS. One popular one is iPlayTV. If you want to skip the trouble of finding stable m3u8 links(require some time to test individual links and organising them), you can Google for some sellers who are selling it.

2. Can’t help you with this hey bro, my Apple TV 4K haven’t delivered yet.

Good to know that tvOS has an IPTV player, then you can actually find lots of m3u links using Google.

Tip: search m3u in github. For example, just Google "github m3u".

BTW, I always use my iPhone remote app to control my Apple TV 3rd gen and not use the original Apple remote.

 

[galliano]

Good to know that tvOS has an IPTV player, then you can actually find lots of m3u links using Google.

Tip: search m3u in github. For example, just Google "github m3u".

BTW, I always use my iPhone remote app to control my Apple TV 3rd gen and not use the original Apple remote.

Too many m3u links until its bit confusing. I actually only want the Asia channels .. especially the common ones like AXN, FOX, HDTV.

I kinda like the paid "grey" versions cos its kinda curated (or at least I think they are).

 

[xiaofan]

Too many m3u links until its bit confusing. I actually only want the Asia channels .. especially the common ones like AXN, FOX, HDTV.

I kinda like the paid "grey" versions cos its kinda curated (or at least I think they are).

Buy a Mi Box S to complement your Apple TV 4k then.

Forget about those gray IPTV services on Apple TV or even iOS. Apple will not allow the apps to be listed in the app store. And the vendor also dare not to submit.

Google is a bit less stringent so you still see some apps on the Play Store but eventually they will be gone. But then you can side load the apks easily under Android OS (mobile or Android TV).

 

[galliano]

Buy a Mi Box S to complement your Apple TV 4k then.

Forget about those gray IPTV services on Apple TV or even iOS. Apple will not allow the apps to be listed in the app store. And the vendor also dare not to submit.

Google is a bit less stringent so you still see some apps on the Play Store but eventually they will be gone. But then you can side load the apks easily under Android OS (mobile or Android TV).

Thanks. I do have the Mibox S, FireTV stick & Apple TV HD.
I kinda prefer using only 1 device and it’s remote as universal to keep things simple. In the end, I’m going with my 5yr old Apple TV.

Primarily cos (compared to the Android base devices)
1. Native Toggle support
2. Very fast Airplay & mirroring function
3. IPTVSmarters does work ‘decently’ for my LIVE TV streams.


Cons:
1. Very limited IPTV and practically non-existent ‘grey’ VOD apps.
2. Obviously it’s more expensive than the other 2 devices, if I upgrade my Apple TV to the new 4k ver.

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks. I do have the Mibox S, FireTV stick & Apple TV HD.
...
Cons:
1. Very limited IPTV and practically non-existent ‘grey’ VOD apps.
2. Obviously it’s more expensive than the other 2 devices, if I upgrade my Apple TV to the new 4k ver.

Simple solution, use your mobile phone (iPhone and Android) and cast to your TV.

You can use the Mi Box S as a Chromecast (up to 4K) and it will be kind of invisible. Toggle works well this way. YouTube, SingTel TV Go, Singtel Cast, Starhub Go, HBO Go, etc, all work well.

Same for your Apple TV HD, use it just for Airplay, no need to upgrade to Apple TV 4k if your TV already have Netflix 4K and YouTube 4k capability. Typically local live TV and VOD apps are mainly HD/1080p.

Install the VODs and live TV apps on your mobile phones.

My Chromecast 1st gen and Apple TV 3rd generation still serve me well. They are connected to my 40inch dumb TV along with my SingTel TV box. I am not into 4k though.

 

[bodohboy]

Thanks. I do have the Mibox S, FireTV stick & Apple TV HD.
I kinda prefer using only 1 device and it’s remote as universal to keep things simple. In the end, I’m going with my 5yr old Apple TV.

Primarily cos (compared to the Android base devices)
1. Native Toggle support
2. Very fast Airplay & mirroring function
3. IPTVSmarters does work ‘decently’ for my LIVE TV streams.


Cons:
1. Very limited IPTV and practically non-existent ‘grey’ VOD apps.
2. Obviously it’s more expensive than the other 2 devices, if I upgrade my Apple TV to the new 4k ver.

Simple solution, use your mobile phone (iPhone and Android) and cast to your TV.

You can use the Mi Box S as a Chromecast (up to 4K) and it will be kind of invisible. Toggle works well this way. YouTube, SingTel TV Go, Singtel Cast, Starhub Go, HBO Go, etc, all work well.

Same for your Apple TV HD, use it just for Airplay, no need to upgrade to Apple TV 4k if your TV already have Netflix 4K and YouTube 4k capability. Typically local live TV and VOD apps are mainly HD/1080p.

Install the VODs and live TV apps on your mobile phones.

My Chromecast 1st gen and Apple TV 3rd generation still serve me well. They are connected to my 40inch dumb TV along with my SingTel TV box. I am not into 4k though.

Yeah I also wish to run everything I have under one system and I feel the tvOS interface is really smooth as compared to Mi Box S. The only reason why I am still keeping my Mi Box is that I still have half a year of DragonTV subscription left and AndriodTV are able to have VPN apps. Still struggling to find out how to run a VPN router to my AppleTV.

 

[xiaofan]

Yeah I also wish to run everything I have under one system and I feel the tvOS interface is really smooth as compared to Mi Box S. The only reason why I am still keeping my Mi Box is that I still have half a year of DragonTV subscription left and AndriodTV are able to have VPN apps. Still struggling to find out how to run a VPN router to my AppleTV.

AppleTV has Ethernet connection. In your current configuration where Asus AC2600 is a secondary for VPN, just connect Apple TV to your AC2600 using Ethernet (recommended for better streaming stability). Or through wireless.

If you get Asus RT-AC86U and run Merlin FW, as per the other post, you can control which device connect through VPN. In that case you can just use the RT-AC86U as the single main router.

 

[bodohboy]

AppleTV has Ethernet connection. In your current configuration where Asus AC2600 is a secondary for VPN, just connect Apple TV to your AC2600 using Ethernet (recommended for better streaming stability). Or through wireless.

If you get Asus RT-AC86U and run Merlin FW, as per the other post, you can control which device connect through VPN. In that case you can just use the RT-AC86U as the single main router.

Yes it’s just that the AC2600 has poor hardware to support the VPN’s OpenVPN server. Running at less than 10mbps for both download and upload. Looks like the solution is to get a much better router...

 

[galliano]

Considering the Apple TV 4K has been out since 2017, not sure if it’s worth the upgrade now. Saw people selling new 32Gb sets on Carousell for $235.

Also, any benefits of getting the 64Gb ver? Can the Apple TV be a network HDD? As in, can I transfer movie/audio files to the Apple TV?

 

[petetherock]

Considering the Apple TV 4K has been out since 2017, not sure if it’s worth the upgrade now. Saw people selling new 32Gb sets on Carousell for $235.

Also, any benefits of getting the 64Gb ver? Can the Apple TV be a network HDD? As in, can I transfer movie/audio files to the Apple TV?

It does not store any files. Just apps and some buffering. The 32gb is fine for most users.

 

[PetPet]

I would recommend against buying it at this time of the year, even if it’s from Carousell. The technology is nearly 2 years old and Apple TV doesn’t support YouTube at 4K.

Considering their upgrade cycle, I think the Apple TV is due for refresh very soon, in about 3-6 months time.

If you think you really have a need for it, then disregard my comment.

Of course I could be wrong about the upgrade. But there are some rumours floating around that a new Apple TV is on the horizon.

 

[*adiBOY]

I would recommend against buying it at this time of the year, even if it’s from Carousell. The technology is nearly 2 years old and Apple TV doesn’t support YouTube at 4K.

Considering their upgrade cycle, I think the Apple TV is due for refresh very soon, in about 3-6 months time.

If you think you really have a need for it, then disregard my comment.

Of course I could be wrong about the upgrade. But there are some rumours floating around that a new Apple TV is on the horizon.

A new model is definitely coming out in first quarter next year. 4K YouTube is not supported on any Apple developed applications (e.g. Safari) until there is resolution with YouTube over format war.

 

[bodohboy]

A new model is definitely coming out in first quarter next year. 4K YouTube is not supported on any Apple developed applications (e.g. Safari) until there is resolution with YouTube over format war.

Other than the Siri remote, I can’t seemed to think of what other hardware upgrades can be done to the Apple TV 4K...

 

[bodohboy]

Considering the Apple TV 4K has been out since 2017, not sure if it’s worth the upgrade now. Saw people selling new 32Gb sets on Carousell for $235.

Also, any benefits of getting the 64Gb ver? Can the Apple TV be a network HDD? As in, can I transfer movie/audio files to the Apple TV?

Not worth it if you have the Apple TV HD and if more than 80% of your viewing entertainment is not in 4K...