Apple TV 4K Setup with A/V Receiver for Supporting 4K Video

Is the content being watched must be transmitted in 4K. So are you wataching 4K content? For example, if you have Netflix, have you subscribed to their 4K content, the Apple TV is not an upscaling device that will make 1080P content 4K.

Pioneer SC-1523-K

No HDMI 2.0 means no HDCP 2.2, which means no commercial content (streaming services or BD) in 4K. All the 4K gimmicks this AV receiver claims to support, does not include what matters most: movies.

Consider connecting the Apple TV to the TV, and have the TV pass through the audio to the receiver (HDMI-ARC).

I could not find a specific reference to HDMI 2.0 in the specs - just HDMI - but it does state that it supports HDCP. Perhaps not at the level required to support 4K content via Apple TV? Is that what your statement means?

Thanks for your reaction. Indeed, not at the level required to support 4K content.

Just HDMI usually means HDMI 1.4 or earlier. Just HDCP usually means HDCP 1.x. Equipment with HDMI 2.0 ports with HDCP 2.2 support should and will usually mention that detail in the documentation, as it is mandatory for 4K (and HDR) content that triggers HDCP.

If HDCP 2.2 is not available when requested, then a lower/previous standard will be used instead, which will reduce the available resolution for content.

Pioneer had introduced its first home theater receivers with HDMI 2.0 connectivity (not HDCP 2.2-compliant though) with its VSX line in 2014. Your model predates that (2013).

This is not specific to Apple TV. Any other 4K capable set-top box (for commercial content) would want HDMI 2.0 ports with HDCP 2.2 support on a receiver as well.

Yes, it's time for a receiver upgrade. When I switched to Apple TV 4K and bought a new 4K TV I also got a new receiver. My old receiver was pretty ancient and did not even have HDMI inputs. What I ended up with was an Onkyo TX-NR686. So far it has been a great receiver. There are many to choose from and you can usually find a nice one less than $400.

There are some advantages to having all the set-top boxes connected to an AV receiver. Usually more HDMI ports, more audio bandwidth, no need for ARC (for those devices), and one remote control to select the input device. A mix of devices connected to the AV receiver and to the TV would make the operation quite awkward.

I am starting to think that the best long term solution to this may be to just sell the amplifier I have now and replace it with a new one that has all the right support for 4K content as this is probably going to be an inevitability and most likely the least problematic for both the short and long hauls...

I think that would be a good decision and the best user experience.

The one I bought was upgraded, I think the replacement is TX-NR 696. However all the major manufactures make good receivers, I have owned Denon, Yamaha and Onkyo receivers and have never had issue with any of them. Just look for one that best suits your needs.