Do I need the Apple TV 4k hardware box if I have a LG CX TV?

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Level 1

18 points

Do I need the Apple TV 4k hardware box if I have a LG CX TV?

The LG CX OLED TV has Airplay 2, AppleTV app and Homekit support.

When screen sharing (using Airplay 2) from my MacBook, I can see my MacBook screen on the CX when I play a video on my MacBook. However, I don't get audio through the TV/receiver. Is that possible to do?

My hope is that I can avoid buying an AppleTV4K set-top box to playback media from my MacBook. I don't need (for now) the apps and gaming that comes w AppleTV4K .. just screen sharing and media playback from Apple devices.

In other words, do I need the Apple TV 4k hardware box if I have a LG CX TV?

Posted on Jun 29, 2021 4:51 AM

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Answer 1

Aloke Author

Level 1

18 points

Jun 29, 2021 7:02 PM in response to Aloke

Mostly web sites (like YouTube) with streaming contents, in Chrome running on a MacBook.

I have basically concluded that screen sharing is exactly just that: duplicating the Mac screen on the TV or extending the desktop by making the TV be like a second monitor. No sound is piped to the TV.

As for Airplay 2, it depends on the Mac app to support video and/or audio sharing on the TV. In that regard, even though its blasphemy here, it is similar to casting content to Chromecast devices: the apps have to support it and the receiving device can be built-in to the smart TV or be the Chromecast dongle (or AppleTV 4K in case of Airplay).

All apps I have tried on the iPhone and iPad seem to support video and audio sharing to the TV's Airplay 2.

Aloke

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Answer 2

Urquhart1244

Level 10

150,522 points

Jun 29, 2021 8:08 AM in response to Aloke

You should get audio from AirPlay, if the audio is in a compatible format.

To compare the Apple TV box and the Apple TV app:

Apple TV app vs. Apple TV box - Apple Community

but AirPlay is separate from the Apple TV app.

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Answer 3

Jun 29, 2021 8:12 AM in response to Aloke

What media are you trying to play exactly? From what app or apps?

Not all apps support video playback over Airplay and will show a black screen instead of the video.

If the media comes from common apps, like Netflix or Amazon Prime, you may be better served to simply get the relevant Apps for your LG TV from its own App Store.

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

149,350 points

Jun 29, 2021 7:50 AM in response to Aloke

Please decide for yourself by carefully looking over https://www.apple.com/tv/ There is a LOT more to an Apple TV 4K than just the Apple TV app and Airplay 2. Only you can decide though.

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Do I need the Apple TV 4k hardware box if I have a LG CX TV?

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