Lock insert that works with HE but does not change lock aesthetics?:

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Continuing the discussion from Lock insert that works with HE but does not change lock aesthetics?:

Thanks. I'm not at all familiar with Apple products, but since I finally got the Level Bolt working with bolt hardware that has met the HAF, the Level Bolt can remain installed. So now I'm incented to solve for a Matter over Thread controller ASAP. I started looking for an "Apple TV4" on ebay.

  • Do I need an Apple TV 4k, or an Apple TV 4th gen?
  • Will any of the type I need work, or are there other specs also required of the Apple TV to get the Level Bolt connected to Hubitat?
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You will need an Apple TV model that has Thread support, so it can pair with the Level lock using Matter over Thread.

I am tagging @ogiewon as he knows more about which models support Thread than I do.

I have the Apple TV 4K (2nd generation). It definitely supports Thread. I also know that the Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) comes in two models: the first has both ethernet and WiFi, and it supports Thread. The second is WiFi only, and it does not support Thread.

While I'm not endorsing any particular eBay seller, here are a few links to models that I know support Thread. Also, the prices for the 2nd gen ones are about $20 higher than I paid a few months ago.

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Here is the official list of Apple devices that can act as an always-on Thread Border Router (TBR).

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image1638Ă—1433 220 KB

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4th gen will not cut it, neither will the Apple TV 4k 1st gen. Per Apple it has to be a Apple TV 4K (2nd generation) or Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Ethernet

The Apple TV 4K (3rd generation) Wi-Fi only does not have a thread radio. So any old Apple TV 4k may not work. You have to be specific to guarantee success.

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Thank you. Seems like Apple reduced functionality in the 4th Gen.

If I buy one of these Apple TV 4k 2nd or 3rd gens will it also still be able to function as an Apple TV with Netflix, etc, or is it too old for that?
If it will function, what is the benefit of the newer ones for people that don't need a thread border router? Isn't 4k the highest resolution?

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Thank you. Very helpful.

Based on the linked article, I understand Apple started over with their 1st/2nd/3rd/4th gen when they released the 4k versions of Apple TV, and the newest Apple TV is a 4k 3rd gen.

So I buy one of the two newest Apple TV's for a thread border router, either
a. the current model = 4k 3rd gen, but only the wifi + ethernet version ($140 at Costco)
or
b. the previous model = 4k 2nd gen

Thank you. I think I get it now.

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Just so you are aware rumors have been flying about a new Apple TV. First thoughts were October, but that obviously didn’t happen. Now reports Apple is telling workers at Apple stores they need to stay to work on store changes after hours on the 11th. So now rumors are this might be it and also release of new Apple mini pod. Also rumors are of a sub $100 price. So may be worth it to sit tight for the 4 days.

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Thanks!