New Apple TV (2nd Gen) - NOW €99 delivered (NO Tech Talk / Troubleshooting!) [Amazon]

Basq

There is an Apple Media Devices forum to discuss the finer details of the device with regards to jailbreaking etc. Please use it!

This is not a Tech forum!

---

Just over €20 cheaper than buying from Apple directly..

Just over €15 cheaper than buying from Apple directly..


Buy it @ Amazon

Design. Apple TV, streamlined
Our most entertaining design yet
The sleek new Apple TV has been completely retuned for your entertainment. It's 80 per cent smaller than the previous generation - even with a built-in power supply. Which makes it perfect for sitting neatly on a widescreen TV stand or squeezing into a crowded media cabinet. Not only does the new Apple TV have an amazingly small footprint, it's also incredibly energy efficient. It stays cool without a fan, so it's never noisy. And when it's not filling your living room with drama, romance and comedy, it uses less power than a night light.

All streaming. No hassle
Everything you want to watch - films, TV programmes, photos and more - streams wirelessly to Apple TV. That way you don’t have to worry about managing storage or syncing to your iTunes library. HD film rentals play over the Internet to your widescreen TV, while music and photos stream from your computer. Either way, all you have to do is click and play. Since Apple TV features a powerful A4 processor, it streams everything effortlessly, without frozen screens or stutters. Video looks crisp and clear. And just like watching a DVD, you can fast-forward through opening credits, pause for a popcorn break or replay a hilarious scene until you memorise every line.

Get connected with Apple TV
Setting up Apple TV is about as simple as it gets. Just plug the power lead into the wall and connect Apple TV to your widescreen TV using an HDMI cable (sold separately). Since everything streams wirelessly to Apple TV, that’s all you need. Well, that and a comfy sofa.

HD Films. Instant film rentals--It puts the cinema in home cinema

No more waiting for DVDs or watching stale blockbusters on cable. With Apple TV, you get instant access to the hottest Hollywood titles and new releases. Popular films are never out of stock and you can rent as many as you want. That's perfect for those spontaneous film nights (or afternoons or mornings). Search by top films, title or genre. Read a quick film review and watch the trailer. Once you find what you're looking for, simply press Play, and in seconds, you're watching the opening credits with cinema-like Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.* SD rentals start from just £2.49, and HD rentals from £3.49. You have 30 days to start watching, and once you begin, you can watch as many times as you want in 48 hours. (*Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound is not available with all HD rentals.)

YouTube, MobileMe and Flickr. Tune in to web favourites

Click here for a larger image
YouTube, MobileMe and Flickr. Tune in to web favourites--The Internet's most wanted. Now on your HDTV

Put down your mouse and grab a remote. In addition to films and TV programmes, Apple TV gives you access to some of your favourite Internet content - and makes it even more entertaining by giving it the film-star treatment on your HDTV. Browse and play YouTube videos, watch your favourite HD podcasts and listen to Internet radio through your home entertainment speakers. Apple TV even lets you access Flickr photos and MobileMe galleries. From the biggest screen in the house.
Photos, music and videos. Be VIP of your TV
Turn your TV into an HD photo album

With Apple TV, every megapixel of every photo looks amazing. Big, bold and in glorious HD: it's the treatment your digital life deserves. So instead of huddling around a computer screen, you and your friends can relive memories from a comfy spot in your living room. Or add some life to the party with a photo slideshow. Select an album, pick a slideshow theme and finish it off with a soundtrack featuring music from your iTunes library.

Your music. Your speakers. The perfect duet

You've got tons of music on your computer. But the best speakers in the house are part of your home cinema system. Apple TV connects them without missing a beat. Your iTunes music library streams directly to Apple TV. So you can sit back, choose a tune and enjoy the music.
Give your digital collection some airtime

Those films and TV programmes you bought on iTunes don't have to stay on your computer. For maximum entertainment, stream your digital collection over the air to your Apple TV. Just don’t forget to get the best place on the sofa.

iPhone, iPad, iPod touch. The perfect companions to Apple TV

Channel surf, tap and flick with the Remote app

Control Apple TV using your iPhone or iPod touch. Download the Remote app free from the App Store. And with a flick of your finger, you can rent new films and browse your media collection. Remote uses the same easy-to-use interface you already use to browse music and video on your Multi-Touch device. So straightaway, you know how to navigate. If you want to find something specific, use your device's QWERTY keyboard to quickly tap out the title instead of clicking letters on the Apple TV screen. Then keep tapping to play, fast-forward, rewind and pause to your finger's content.
If it's on iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, it's on Apple TV**

You can already stream music and video from your computer to Apple TV. With AirPlay, you can stream music and video from your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch too. So if you feel like watching a film you have on one of your devices, you don't need to rent or buy it again. Just tap to start playing content on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, then tap again to instantly stream whatever you're watching - or listening to - directly to Apple TV. (**AirPlay is coming soon and will be available on all iOS 4 devices.)

How it works:
Start watching a film or TV programme on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
Tap the AirPlay icon and choose Apple TV.
Whatever you’re watching will instantly begin streaming to your widescreen TV.

Box Contains
Apple TV
Aluminium Apple Remote
Power cable
Documentation"

(from HUKD.ie)

maygitchell

I can has jailbreak with this model?

Basq

maygitchell wrote: »

I can has jailbreak with this model?

It's pretty damn unlikely they're coming with iOS5 pre-installed installed so yeah, you can jailbreak.

To be honest, the ATV's are a piece of s*it out of the box.

XBMC / Icefilms (etc.) is the way to go.

besty

HDMI cable sold separately is a bit of a pain, isn't it?

Basq

besty wrote: »

HDMI cable sold separately is a bit of a pain, isn't it?

Pick one up in your local Argos for €7.. you'll be grand!

Don't think I've seen a media player come with a HDMI cable.. some come with composite cables (etc) but rarely HDMI.

Is there a guide to jailbreaking it and sticking XBMC on there?

Basq

Deleted User wrote: »

Is there a guide to jailbreaking it and sticking XBMC on there?

Tis a piece of piss, but should be one on iClarified.. lemme look!

2 methods to JB 4.3.0 FW on Mac (no method if you've a PC though).

Lord Derpington

If you are on PC just use Seas0npass

Another jailbreak using seas0npass here

Badgermonkey

Walkthrough over on lifehacker:

http://lifehacker.com/5733077/

How to Jailbreak Your 2G Apple TV
Mac OS X: The 2G Apple TV was jailbroken shortly after its release, but until now there hasn't been a simple jailbreaking method. That's all changed with Seas0nPass.

Seas0nPass is a jailbreaking app for your 2G Apple TV that's similar in functionality to Pwnage Tool (the simple jailbreaking tool for other iOS devices). Seas0nPass has two functions: it can create a jailbroken IPSW file that you can use to "restore" your 2G Apple TV or it can boot your jailbroken device. Really, the interface is that simple:

If you want to proceed, the remaining steps are simple and Seas0nPass will walk you through each one. Just like any other iOS device, you put it into DFU mode (in the case of the Apple TV, this is done by holding the MENU and PLAY/PAUSE buttons down for seven seconds) and restore the device and restore using the created IPSW. What's especially nice about Seas0nPass, however, is that it will pretty much automate most of this process for you. It'll even download the latest IPSW it needs to patch so you don't have to find it yourself or worry about grabbing the wrong version.

Once you've successfully completed the jailbreak, you just need boot back up and you're done! So what can you do with a jailbroken Apple TV? You can install Plex or install XBMC and incomplete-but-functional versions of Last.fm and a web browser called Couch Surfer.

Have fun!

Dman001

Bit off-topic, but can you switch between XBMC and iOS once you jailbreak it. AirPlay would still be nice to have.

Basq

Dman001 wrote: »

Bit off-topic, but can you switch between XBMC and iOS once you jailbreak it. AirPlay would still be nice to have.

XBMC is just an app installed on it.. so it shouldn't be a problem.

AirPlay Mirroring is iOS5 only though.. and can't be jailbroken yet (although only a matter of time), so might be worth bearing that in mind.

Dman001

Was thinking more in terms for video streaming, which was an iOS4 feature if I'm not mistaken?

Basq

Dman001 wrote: »

Was thinking more in terms for video streaming, which was an iOS4 feature if I'm not mistaken?

Oh yeah, that shouldn't be a problem.

Like I said, XBMC is simply an app you open from the dash.

maygitchell

Damn you Basq your destroying my credit card

Hal Emmerich

Why would someone want this?

Genuine question.

What's it good for?

Basq

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

Why would someone want this?

Genuine question.

What's it good for?

It's a media hard drive (although has no internal memory).. out of the box, you can't a whole lot with it bar listen to music, podcasts, stream from iTunes, purchase movies (although not sure it this is available in Ireland) etc.

But once it's "jailbroken" (opened up to external apps), you can install apps like XBMC and then plugins like IceFilms (watch any movie / TV show you can think of), VODie (watch RTE Player, TV3 Catch-up etc) and loads more besides.

ShaneU

You can rent movies in ireland but you can't watch tv shows without jailbreaking

Hal Emmerich

Basq wrote: »

It's a media hard drive (although has no internal memory).. out of the box, you can't a whole lot with it bar listen to music, podcasts, stream from iTunes, purchase movies (although not sure it this is available in Ireland) etc.

But once it's "jailbroken" (opened up to external apps), you can install apps like XBMC and then plugins like IceFilms (watch any movie / TV show you can think of), VODie (watch RTE Player, TV3 Catch-up etc) and loads more besides.

Is IceFilms free, or how does it work.

Dman001

If you set up an US iTunes account either, there is plenty of content and some great free TV Shows

Basq

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

Is IceFilms free, or how does it work.

It's freely installable but not strictly legal (as it's a repository for hosting copyrighted content).

jive

Basq wrote: »

But once it's "jailbroken" (opened up to external apps), you can install apps like XBMC and then plugins like IceFilms (watch any movie / TV show you can think of), VODie (watch RTE Player, TV3 Catch-up etc) and loads more besides.

Is it streamed wirelessly or? Any experience watching .mkvs on it?

cgarrad

Can you run a type of mengi/tor to get iPlayer?

Dman001

cgarrad wrote: »

Can you run a type of mengi/tor to get iPlayer?

I believe you can set up a VPN on the Apple TV/XBMC, but will require you to purchase a UK VPN to access the iPlayer.

unklerosco

I've one of these, got it in the states last year. Have it jailbroken and running plex.. Tis class, plex for me was much easier to setup than XBMC and there's an app for it on the app store and android. It streams all my movies/tvshows from my media server.. Handles 1080p movies no problem. Airplay works well on it too, that's what I used before I jailbroke it.. streamed movies to it via my iphone.. worked really well too...

elsparko

are these bad boys definitely the Apple TV 2?

unklerosco

Yep..

Raskolnikov

Are there cheaper alternatives out there?

How would it compare to this thing, which is half the price?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seagate-GoFlex-1080P-Media-Player/dp/B003QXNB54/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1318884595&sr=8-7

vibe666

Raskolnikov wrote: »

Are there cheaper alternatives out there?

How would it compare to this thing, which is half the price?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seagate-GoFlex-1080P-Media-Player/dp/B003QXNB54/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1318884595&sr=8-7

some not very favourable reviews of that seagate yoke, wouldn't go near it myself.

if you want cheap and cheerful, but still good then go with the sumvision cyclone 2 and your own usb hdd, but if you want an all singing, all dancing media player with a sh*t hot slick interface that will play anything you can throw at it for less than 100 quid then go for the jailbroken atv2 with xbmc on it and icefilms etc. and you won't be disappointed.

Just curious.....what would be better?...an Acer Revo R3600 with XBMC Live or one of these also running XBMC?

Raskolnikov

vibe666 wrote: »

some not very favourable reviews of that seagate yoke, wouldn't go near it myself.

if you want cheap and cheerful, but still good then go with the sumvision cyclone 2 and your own usb hdd, but if you want an all singing, all dancing media player with a sh*t hot slick interface that will play anything you can throw at it for less than 100 quid then go for the jailbroken atv2 with xbmc on it and icefilms etc. and you won't be disappointed.

It doesn't do 1080p though, or will an update fix that?

Hal Emmerich

besty wrote: »

HDMI cable sold separately is a bit of a pain, isn't it?

It's listed in the accessories though...

Raskolnikov wrote: »

It doesn't do 1080p though, or will an update fix that?

Just noticed that myself.....no USB port (I'm stuck needing one for internet at the minute) so can't connect external HDD either? It has Micro USB but it's for "service and support" so I assume adapter won't work on it...

Raskolnikov

Excuse me for taking over this thread, just doing a little more research. I see that someone has done a youtube video, showing how easy it is to setup XBMC on the Apple TV and getting it to sync with your wireless NAS setup. Would I be right in thinking that the jailbroken Apple TV running XBMC will then be able to handle all the various file formats (Divx, Xvid, 1080p, etc.)? Also, would the AppleTV also be able to somehow play live soccer games that are streamed over the internet using software like Veetle or Sopcast? Also, the Apple tv remote looks kinda crappy, is there any way to hook up a wireless keyboard to take control? Finally, I would like to be able to play games. Is there any emulation support for old C64, PC, SNES, Sega, Playstation 1 games?

would the AppleTV also be able to somehow play live soccer games that are streamed over the internet using software like Veetle or Sopcast?

I've been using the LiveOnlineFooty plugin for XBMC on my XBOX and it's awesome. Can't help with your other questions though mate.

irishproduce

Can one easily stream live tv over one of these? Wife is French and would be handy if so. Thinking of buying one reading all of your posts.

Raskolnikov

irishproduce wrote: »

Can one easily stream live tv over one of these? Wife is French and would be handy if so. Thinking of buying one reading all of your posts.

The answer appears to be kind-of.

http://forum.xbmc.org/archive/index.php/t-100031.html

There seems to be development going on with online streaming software, but support for Apple Tv seems to be patchy.

irishproduce

Thanks Ras. I can install xbmc on PC ya? Think I will install it tomorrow and test it out there befor buyin the apple box.

vibe666

Raskolnikov wrote: »

It doesn't do 1080p though, or will an update fix that?

for now, xbmc on the atv2 WILL play 1080p downscaled to 720p but *apparently* iOS5 enables native 1080p playback, so i guess we'll see what happens there.

irishproduce wrote: »

Thanks Ras. I can install xbmc on PC ya? Think I will install it tomorrow and test it out there befor buyin the apple box.

yep, just installs as a media player app in windows.

rai555

Raskolnikov wrote: »

Excuse me for taking over this thread, just doing a little more research. I see that someone has done a youtube video, showing how easy it is to setup XBMC on the Apple TV and getting it to sync with your wireless NAS setup. Would I be right in thinking that the jailbroken Apple TV running XBMC will then be able to handle all the various file formats (Divx, Xvid, 1080p, etc.)?

I'm not entirely happy how my ApTv2 handles mkv files, it could drop the wifi connection anytime, have to wait for a half a minute or so. Tried dvd rip and it's completely useless, same as plex . I'm sure there's something wrong in my setup and any advise will be welcome

vibe666

rai555 wrote: »

I'm not entirely happy how my ApTv2 handles mkv files, it could drop the wifi connection anytime, have to wait for a half a minute or so. Tried dvd rip and it's completely useless, same as plex . I'm sure there's something wrong in my setup and any advise will be welcome

dropped wifi could very well be nothing at all to do with the atv2 itself.

are you using wireless G or wireless N? have you checked for overlapping wireless signals (with something like inSSIDer) from neighbours wifi that couuld be causing your connection to drop?

have you considered other wireless devices that could be causing wireless interference on 2.4Ghz?

the simplest test is to use a wired connection to test the same files and you'll quickly be able to see if its a problem with how the atv2 handles the files, OR (and imho much more likely) some kind of wireless interference causing the connection itself to drop.

rai555

Thank you vibe666 for thoughts
i tried wired connection to UPC router without much difference, i found XBMC coping worse than aTV FLASH player, i might try different ( not nightly ) build of XBMC

vibe666

rai555 wrote: »

Thank you vibe666 for thoughts
i tried wired connection to UPC router without much difference, i found XBMC coping worse than aTV FLASH player, i might try different ( not nightly ) build of XBMC

that's very weird, the atv2 is supposed to be great for this kind of thing and i've seen XBMC running on it and its really smooth, particularly if you think it was designed to run on the original (pre-360) xbox which has a 733mhz celeron cpu and 64mb ram.

i actually still have one in my upstairs bedroom running a current stable build of XBMC and it's still doing grand.

fish fingers

Don't forget to stick navi-x on the Atv2. Not as reliable as ice films but still pretty good

ElNino

I use my Xbox for media streaming to my TV. What can this do that the Xbox can't?

Vertakill

ElNino wrote: »

I use my Xbox for media streaming to my TV. What can this do that the Xbox can't?

Probably everything the XBox can do and more.
You can put apps onto the TV whereas you can't on the XBox.
I found the XBox was quite bad at playing 720p videos... (I used to have to reencode things because it would struggle with standard 720p until I stripped some sound channels from the video).

Also, the Apple TV would be a helluva lot quieter and more energy efficient.

You can't play XBOX games, emulation or DVDs on the ATV though!

Vertakill

Deleted User wrote: »

You can't play XBOX games, emulation or DVDs on the ATV though!

Haha well ok, thought that went without saying!!

Knew someone would pull me up on that :P

I ordered one and it came to €105 from Amazon.

I see other sellers on amazon are a bit cheaper.

Basq's price was correct at the time he posted. Amazon prices fluctuate a lot. It's always better to pay the bit extra for Amazon's service rather than a 3rd party seller if you can.

Log-on

I stream from my netbook / pc to my ps3 besides the app part is there any point in getting this?

Log-on

Log-on wrote: »

I stream from my netbook / pc to my ps3 besides the app part is there any point in getting this?

There are lots of handy plugins for XBMC such as the LiveOnlineFooty one for soccer, IceFilms with loads of Movies and TV Shows available for streaming, iPlayer which can be used with a proxy to watch BBC content, Youtube plugin which sometimes can play 4oD content and VODie which is catchup for RTE and TV3. There are lots of other XBMC plugins.

silvine

XBMC handles and presents your media far better than a console ever can. It designed for media playback whereas the consoles handle media as more of an afterthought.

XBMC scrapes information from various TV, music and movies sites, based on your files, and it provides you with information about your shows, music and movies in the form of pictures, banners, plot summaries, album information and so on.

It can handle 1080p files MKVs and other codecs far better than consoles. The skins look great on a HDTV too and there's loads of them. There's a wealth of plugins (even for usenet and torrents) as well as customisation options for enthusiasts and a vibrant scene to advise newbies. The programme is free and it works great with a NAS. XBMC can be controlled using a Harmony remote, a keyboard and the apple remote or you can download an IOS or Android app. If you want to impress someone or even get an idea of what Sky etc should be like XBMC is worth it.

Don't take my word for it: www.xbmc.org. Download it and take it for a spin on your PC. If you've a Mac, go for www.Plexapp.com

Personally I am not convinced the Apple TV is the best XBMC machine (it has to be jailbroken and it doesn't make the best use of 1080p). I use an Acer Revo 3610 and I've installed www.Openelec.tv (a version of XBMC). It basically works like an appliance. I press the on button and XBMC loads within five seconds. My five year old son can use it.