Apple love makes no sense

Playground Hardware
#1

It seems that the developers are really into Apple TV, and it's a free country -- but why exactly is a system that limits to one remote and is not very good at controlling a system a paragon of virtue? I'm a Shield user, and have tried Apple TV twice thinking I must be missing something if the developers favor it. But both times I was left greatly disappointed.

Our house has a long room that is a living room at one end, with a drop-down projection screen over the fireplace, and a dining area at the far end. It lends itself to 4 remotes, one on the coffee table in front of the couch, another on the end table next to the recliner, and two more at either end of the dining room table. No matter where you sit you are withing arm's reach of a remote. Shield handles that, Apple cannot.

The System is a ceiling-mounted projector plus an AV Receiver. The Shield can do single-button on/off of the whole system -- Apple cannot. So where is the superiority of the Apple device?

4 Likes
#2

U can have multiple remotes control a Apple TV, just not more than one Bluetooth Remote.

1x Bluetooth Remote (Apple Siri or third-party BT remote)
Unlimited IR remotes
1x HDMI CEC remote (maybe more depending on your tv model)

U can program Apple remote to do multiple things/adjust devices via IR. And HDMI CEC is supported on Apple TV and i have no issues with it controlling my tv on/off.

Or u just get one of those fancy Harmony or SofaBaton universal remotes that does all the things.

#3

Or I can just buy multiple inexpensive Shield remotes that all have the same look and feel, are backlit, and light when moved. And the Apple still won't control my Projector/AV Receiver power, while the Shield will. Apple has gone many generations without addressing these shortcomings, so it appears they don't care to fix it, which rubs against their reputation for innovation. The Apple is a great little box, it's just not the best in all ways. Conversely the Shield seems to be a dead end, as Nvidia has shown no interest in a next version, so I would welcome an improved Apple, but after several generations I'm not holding my breath.

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#4

I have my Apple Siri remote set to control a set of Creative computer speakers i use for audio, power and vol. I have also setup dozens of remotes to control AV receivers or sound bars power and vol via IR or CEC, all is possible via the tvOS menus.

Also, this remote, is great as a replacement for Siri remote. And is backlit.
One For All Apple TV Remote Black URC1110 - Best Buy

I have both the "newest" Shield Pro and Tube model, and have family members that prefer its remote too.
Sadly, the Shield is stagnant for development on Nvidia's side, i read that one person is left to maintain it. It recently got a Hotfix update, but seems to have no active support for updates otherwise.
It still is a decently capable device, but it starts to show its age these days.

It does still have minimal ads and crap on its home screen, compared to the ad and content diarrhea Home Screens, that newer Google TV now has.

What ever is your preference is up to you, but, Channels is best experienced with an Apple TV. That will never change.
If you are die hard Android, or other platforms, then i suggest you consider Home Media Servers such as Plex, Emby/Jellyfin etc.

Last i used Emby, their devs greatly loved Android, and did not care at all to develop their product on Apple ecosystem any more than very basic app experience.

The devs here, prefer Apple, for there own reasons.

1 Like
#5

Thanks for that remote recommendation -- that looks workable. But the Power On/Off problem remains: The Benq projectors can only be CEC'ed in one direction, I've forgotten whether it's on or off -- the other must be by IR direct. The shield easily accommodates this, but the Apple lacks the necessary CEC/IR choices. I'll look at the URC1110 manual to see if it can help.

#6

I believe that particular remote is specific only to control Apple TV. (And thus whatever the ATV can control via CEC) It is not a “universal “remote. (EDIT: Their listing says it supports 3 devices, TV, Apple TV, Audio)
However, they do make other models of remotes. Others also makes remotes that control multi devices and are easy to program.

The point I am making is that there are many remote options. If the Shield has the the codes and ability to control your specific model of projector and Apple does not, then all you can do is submit to Apple the specific model and maybe someday they will add it.
However your issue/main criticism is specific and edge case to that specific model of one model/ brand of non Apple equipment compatibility in your setup.

So, the Shield being more compatible and preferred for your particular setup makes sense. But has nothing to due with Channels DVR and their primary development on Apple devices, which may not be ideal for your specific use case.

Maybe someone here or on Apple's forums has experience with that specific BenQ device and has gotten it working with Apple TV?

Don’t get me wrong though, the Shield is a great device and I very much wish Nvidia would give it some love or even release a newer updated model. But many users prefer Apple TV and it too is a very popular device and huge ecosystem. Even Linus at LTT (and many others) mentions that in his videos about his crazy Home Theater setup.

#8

Despite that, the Android side of Channels has Favorite sync, and also, there is the modded Carbon black theme APK u can sideload.

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#10

from a development perspective android has multiple hardware configurations to worry about. apple is much simpler.

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#12

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image1179Ă—1440 114 KB

There is also a feature chart for platforms.

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#13

I'm not a part of the dev team, but I know that is an issue especially with smaller teams. I'm an android user too. I use pixel phones, 2 shield tvs, and a couple Chromecast. We don't have feature parity across platforms, but if you look at the competition it's really not even that close what app is the best. I think you know that too which is why you're here complaining instead of using a different DVR app. With all that being said I am a little salty personal sections has yet to make it to android lol.

#16

It’s on the page Maddox linked to. The main page for the apps.

#18

The word is "parity". Parody is most online discussions. . .

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#19

You mean “burying the lede," and I'd hardly call this, that, anyway.

Software usually has a web page with a compatibility/or requirements section and it's not always front and center on the home page. Clicking on "Apps," and scrolling down to see "what works with what" seems perfectly intuitive to me.

5 Likes
#21

On desktop/laptop browser, it's one click on the top menu: "Apps."

In a mobile browser on a handheld device with a much smaller screen, the top menu is hidden behind the three dashes.

This has been common UI in web design for decades now.

3 Likes
#22

2 developers responded to you and gave you thier explanation. I doubt they are going to change thier roadmap based on your inability to let this go...

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#24
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#25

It seems this thread has taken its course. Closing.

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#26