Apple TV Update
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at 8:24PM During the beta testing of iOS 4.3, Apple issued a special build of the Apple TV to allow developers to test AirPlay.
Previous "official" builds of the ATV2 software didn't play nicely with my Sony TV. No matter what I did, I couldn't get a stable image - just ghosting, as the ATV2 output at 60Hz and my TV couldn't cope. There was no way to switch the ATV2 to 50Hz, unlike the original ATV.
My problems were solved, however, with the beta version of the ATV 4.3 software.
Apple duly issued the official iOS 4.3 for iPad, iPhone and ATV2,
The iPad and iPhone didn't need upgrading as the GM seed was the same as the final release. That wasn't the case for the ATV2, so I duly upgraded.
Guess what, it broke the fix and I now can't get a good picture on the Sony TV again.
A kind Twitter follower was able to provide me with the old beta release of the ATV2 software, but Apple won't allow you to install this over the current release. During the restore process, it checks back with Apple HQ and says no!
Bother!
Looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and get a new TV sometime this year, now that I've decided to go with a full Apple ecosystem and encode all my videos for iTunes.
The enhancements to AirPlay make having an Apple TV on my main TV pretty much a necessity.
All for the sake of the Apple TV not having selectable output on the menu.
Reader Comments (9)
fiddlesticks :( Still don't think I will be getting one - thanks for the updates.
Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a new ATV 2 with an iOS older than 4.3 and apply the working beta there?
Come on Don, you spend shed loads of money on new releases from apple all the time, you could easily spend £500 on a new HD TV. You know it makes sense in the long run. 2 years ago I spent £1600 on a really top notch Pannasonic 50" plasma; now,you can get the same spec from for £600. What do you say? Mrs Don would appreciate you showing some attention to the living room.
Keep up the good work, we all appreciate you.
I upgraded my device and I can't quite understand why apple have given me a prominent link to MLB.TV
I'm in the uk, and its frustrating that the most significant thing missing from atv2 is any sort of tv content.
Come on apple. Get it together with iPlayer please.
Ps. Don, I saw on your recent iOS podcast you had netflix ? How come?
Vas: Yes, i know, but I really don't want the installation hassles!
Mark: I may have had the iTunes account set to my US account.
Don,
After a shaky start I now really like the ATV2. The shaky start was caused by initial incompatibilities with my Sony Bravia, which suffered from the colour inversion problem as well as flickering. The colour inversion problem was solved by 4.3, and the flickering has finally gone with 4.3.1. So Apple are definitely working on this sort of thing, even though they seem to ignore any references to it on the forums. You may find your problem is solved now, with a bit of luck.
Dear Don,
I almost followed the same path that you described (plex -> Apple TV).
Apple TV is simply more "family friendly". I'm very happy with it.
The only flaw is: I was unknowing when I encoded all my TV shows and movies.
Mostly I used "passed thru" for the audio channels instead of encoding Dolby 5.1 PLUS stereo.
So... my iPad won't play them when streamed directly from iTunes via wifi.
Well, I am looking for a tool that does not re-encode the video but will add an extra stereo track.
Any hints would be highly appreciated :-)
Take care
Uwe
Uwe, I'm just checking out iVi as an alternative to HandBrake and iFlicks.
Not sure if it will do what you want?
Apple is brand name . Many people wants to use apple product . Apple provide best feature to the user . We can easy to use it. It's very user friendly