Apple Quietly Discontinues the $69 ATV3 with optical output

[wgscott]

Arse Technica article

 

The ATV3 was the last one that has an optical toslink output. So if you want to stream music using an ATV, you will need an HDMI-equipped receiver or DAC and a more expensive generation 4 ATV.

[realhifi]

Arse Technica article

 

The ATV3 was the last one that has an optical toslink output. So if you want to stream music using an ATV, you will need an HDMI-equipped receiver or DAC and a more expensive generation 4 ATV.

 

With so many options now available to stream music this feels anticlimactic and with HDMI so ubiquitous (except in some Hi-Fi circles) seems like a pretty safe move on Apples part.

[livelistenlearn]

'Arse Technica'?

 

But, anyway, thanks for the reminder about that little black box that one has not switched on for quite sometime

[Superdad]

Arse Technica article

 

The ATV3 was the last one that has an optical toslink output. So if you want to stream music using an ATV, you will need an HDMI-equipped receiver or DAC and a more expensive generation 4 ATV.

 

Thankfully the Airport Express still has a TOSLINK output--but of course no video.

 

And I won't get started on just how badly Apple blew it by crippling Airplay rates and making major restrictions on 3rd party s/w & h/w for it (along with usurious licensing fees).