Is Apple TV 4K backwards compatible for an HD 1080p TV with older HDMI ports?

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Level 1

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Is Apple TV 4K backwards compatible for an HD 1080p TV with older HDMI ports?

My HD TV at 1080p is currently working properly with a 3rd generation Apple TV and I'd like to upgrade to Apple TV 4K. I know I won't be able to display 4K content but I may in the future if I purchase a new 4K TV.

Can Apple TV 4K display HD 1080p and is it backwards compatible with older HDMI ports? Your website states that Apple TV 4K has an HDMI 2.0a port so I'm concerned about compatibility with my older TV. I have been unable to determine the HDMI version from the manufacturer (Samsung).

Thank you.

Posted on Feb 7, 2021 11:48 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

143,922 points

Feb 7, 2021 12:26 PM in response to CPL623

If your TV has a HDMI input it will work fine with an Apple TV 4model. I did that myself before upgrading my TV to 4K. In fact I just installed a new Apple TV 4 on an old 1080 TV we have yesterday and it worked perfectly.

The 4K model replaced an Apple TV 3 I have sitting next to me now, about a foot away.

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Answer 2

CPL623 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 7, 2021 12:30 PM in response to rkaufmann87

Ok that's great. My TV is a Samsung Smart TV with four HDMI ports. They are numbered 1 to 4 but two of them are also labelled DVI and ARC. Does it make a difference which HDMI port I plug the Apple TV 4K into?

Thanks again. You've been very helpful.

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Answer 3

CPL623 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 7, 2021 12:52 PM in response to vazandrew

I don't know which version to purchase. Does it make more sense to buy the 32GB or 64GB version of Apple TV 4K?

I assume the ram is used for OS as well as apps you might purchase. But are there any other advantages or considerations that would make you recommend the 64 over the 32GB version?

Thank you.

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Answer 4

vazandrew

Level 8

40,480 points

Feb 7, 2021 12:34 PM in response to CPL623

You could use any of them. ARC just means that port would be needed if you were plugging in an audio source, like a soundbar, and the other is backwards compatible for devices that use DVI

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Answer 5

vazandrew

Level 8

40,480 points

Feb 7, 2021 11:52 AM in response to CPL623

Yes, it can be used and will simply limit the output to 1080P

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Answer 6

CPL623 Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 7, 2021 12:23 PM in response to vazandrew

So it will output HD 1080p, but what about the HDMI?

Just to be clear, is Apple TV 4K backwards compatible with older versions of HDMI?

Thank you.

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Answer 7

vazandrew

Level 8

40,480 points

Feb 7, 2021 1:06 PM in response to CPL623

The 32GB is what I recommend for most users, and is also what I use. The 64GB is really only a consideration for those who think they will download a lot of apps, or especially games.

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Is Apple TV 4K backwards compatible for an HD 1080p TV with older HDMI ports?

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