Ask S&V

Should I Connect My Apple TV to the TV or Receiver?

John Sciacca  |  Jun 21, 2023

Got a tech question for Sound & Vision? Email us at AskSandV@gmail.com

Q I have been a big fan of S&V for many years and it was the first place I checked to find out the best way to set up my new Apple TV 4K (third generation). Unfortunately, it seems some of the information is dated or conflicting and related to earlier generations of Apple TV. I have a Denon AVR-S750H surround receiver and an LG OLED77CX 4K TV. I am assuming the best way is to connect the ATV directly to an available HDMI port on the receiver, but older S&V discussions, along with some other sites, recommend connecting it directly to the TV. Please help! —Barry Neulen

A With a modern display and receiver where both support eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) such as your Denon AVR and LG OLED TV, there is no difference (in theory) between connecting sources like your Apple TV directly to the TV or to the receiver. Of course, you’ll need a quality high-speed eARC-capable HDMI cable between the two of them.

Using eARC, you would get all the advantages of lossless, immersive audio like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X sent back to your receiver, whether it is from the connected source or the display’s internal streaming. However, in practice, it almost always makes more sense to connect all sources directly to the receiver. Usually, the longest HDMI run in the system would be between the receiver and the display, so connecting all sources to the receiver would allow you to use shorter (and typically more reliable and cheaper) HDMI cables.

I also find that receivers are faster and more stable switching between sources/inputs than televisions. And the back of the receiver is generally more accessible than the back of the TV, which makes it easier to troubleshoot if necessary, as well as simplifying adding new sources.

Of course, there could be instances where this wouldn’t be the best approach — say if you had an older receiver that wasn’t capable of passing a 4K video signal or supporting Dolby Vision, in which case running the video directly to the TV would result in a better picture. Also, if you don’t have a universal remote and are using HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), connecting the source to the TV often lets you use the TV’s remote for some basic control.

COMMENTS
Annarose's picture
Submitted by Annarose on July 24, 2023 - 9:50pm

This is a really helpful post. Thank you very much for sharing it for me and everyone to know. Play game Waffle wordleonline.

Movie Leather Jackets's picture
Submitted by Movie Leather J... on August 11, 2023 - 12:42am

The article was very helpful. I followed the instructions mentioned here and it worked like a charm. Now I can finally see my favorite rapper in Eminem super bowl jacket that he wears usually.

jabirsheikh's picture
Submitted by jabirsheikh on October 9, 2023 - 4:36am

Choosing whether to connect your apple TV to the TV or a receiver depends on your audio and video setup preference much like making the right choice in your career journey. Just as you want to optimize your home entertainment experience, you also want to optimize you professional opportunities by having a top CV Services.

SarahZain's picture
Submitted by SarahZain on October 21, 2023 - 12:37am

Deciding between connecting your Apple TV to your TV or a receiver is akin to making strategic choices in your career path. Just as you seek to enhance your home entertainment, optimizing your professional opportunities is equally vital. Explore top CV services to unlock your career's full potential.

Jackson143's picture
Submitted by Jackson143 on October 22, 2023 - 10:36pm

Of course, you’ll need a quality high-speed eARC-capable HDMI cable between the two of them. | https://www.commercialconstructioncleaning.com/

Optmc's picture
Submitted by Optmc on January 30, 2024 - 9:55pm

I extend my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional content you have graciously shared with us. It has been a truly enriching experience to immerse myself in your insightful blog posts each day. For those seeking comprehensive knowledge on the subject matter, both aspiring writers and avid readers are encouraged to explore our writing for further enlightenment. The dedication to providing valuable information mirrors the high standards set by your own work. In particular, I wish to express gratitude for your recent piece, emphasizing the indispensable role of Resume making services in Dubai . The meticulous approach to crafting CVs and the emphasis on enhancing visibility aptly address the distinctive challenges posed by the local job market. My commendations to you, the author, for shedding light on this pivotal aspect of career development. Thank you once again for your dedication to delivering quality content, and I eagerly anticipate further enriching insights from your future writings.

jameslavine's picture
Submitted by jameslavine on March 7, 2024 - 8:01am

In your specific case, with a Denon AVR-S750H receiver and LG OLED77CX TV, connecting your Apple TV directly to the receiver is generally the recommended approach for several reasons: Modern features, Centralized control, Signal quality..

Women's leather gilets

X