Last Apple TV Software Update Wreaking Havoc on Some Users

[Michael Essany]

A growing number of Apple TV owners are complaining that their set-top box simply rolled over and has played dead since the last software update (version 5.1.) was issued by Apple.

Incredibly, this issues is just widely coming to light now, although the allegedly flawed software update was issued back in September. But with each passing week, the log of complaints grows longer and longer.

"After the update the light just blinks," one user wrote on Apple Support Communities. "After unplugging Ethernet, it can't find router. Some people reset the router and said that worked. Others restored by plugging into iTunes and got it working. I did all of the above multiple times, still death. Going to have to take it into the Apple Store tomorrow I guess. Unless another update comes that fixes this."

For now, it appears that downgrading the Apple TV software (manually) has been the only consistent fix for many afflicted by this most peculiar situation. As of this writing, it isn't known just how widespread the issue is or if Apple is planning to address the matter with another forthcoming software update.

We will keep you posted as more information comes to light.

Source: Apple Support Communities (via Apple Insider)

[wdpower]

Mine just started freezing after watching about five to ten minutes of video, I noticed this on purchased movies.

[.:saturNine:.]

mine doesn't recognize my computer, but my computer sees it and can stream through it, same with my phones...

[steve-z17]

I haven't had any issues with mine so far! I love having an ATV.

[bisayakid07]

No problem with mine

[iYeow]

I only see Steve Job's face when i turned it on

[Tperry]

And yet another screw up. Mac mini video problems, maps on IOS 6, problems with video on their new laptops, now this. They sure are on a roll.

[onski]

Atv 1 & 2 no problems so far, love icefilms and navi x.

[Cer0]

Had no issues on either of my 2G or 3G

[k1653d]

How do you manually downgrade?

[hoits2000]

Mine just started freezing after watching about five to ten minutes of video, I noticed this on purchased movies.

I've had problems since the update. The system has been really laggy until I unplug it an reset it. And more recently the only icons I'm getting on the screen is computer and settings, no other apps, it says there is a network issue but shows that I am connected fine.

[scroogelives]

Only issue I have has is drops wifi at start of each film then after u go to connect to network and restart the film it's fine till start of next film!

[0055]

No problems yet on my ATV3... I could be lucky for a change!

[thazsar]

Thank goodness I've been too lazy to update my ATVs! Sometimes procrastination 'does' pay off!!! LOL!

[TrueLoyaltyInc]

We need that jailbreak badly... Any updates?

[Googly2moogly]

Kept mine on old iOS and still enjoying XBMC. Whoot-whoot!

[ohthatguyagain]

Had no issues on either of my 2G or 3G

+1

[chriscoyne]

Had the update issue. Plug into computer using USB Mini to USB cord. Do update from iTunes. Re-Connect to TV. You will need to re-enter your Apple ID and Password. Works fine doing it this way. For me anyway. It an Apple 2

[AUZambo]

How do you manually downgrade?

This is a lengthy process, but it worked for me. When I got my ATV2 the firmware shipped was not jailbreakable, so I used this method to downgrade it. If you peruse all the responses you'll eventually see one of mine.

I had a little difficulty getting it to work at first, so I made a few posts to clear up my misunderstandings. I ended up having to tweak the directions very slightly. You'll find my posts (under AUZambo) starting on page 6 of the thread. I'm not sure if this works with ATV3.

**EASY**Downgrade to 4.3 firmware on apple tv 2 | FireCore

[jamesgunaca]

I'm just glad Apple TV 2 can still be downgraded. As of 10 days ago, Apple was still signing the 5.0.2 firmware for Restoring an Apple TV 2. I sold mine for $150 and got an Apple TV 3 because I care more about 1080p than seas0npass.

I say downgrade!