Apple TV

mel123

Any experts out there that have an apple tv I would appreciate if you could let me know how I can get the most out of it (feel free to private message if discussion on some aspects is not allowed). At the moment all I fing it useful for - if even - is watching Netflix (European version which isn't great) and renting the odd movie from iTunes so reallyI don't think a whole lot about it and a bit of a waste of 120 euro. Any tips much appreciated.

ene

hi, i would be wondering the exact same... i barely use mine!

120_Minutes

[snip]

you can also jailbreak it (as long as your software version is not 5.0) and install xbmc which can playback almost any file format streamed to it. you can also do other things with xbmc which cant be discussed here.

Deep Thought

120_Minutes wrote: »

you can also jailbreak it (as long as your software version is not 5.0) and install xbmc which can playback almost any file format streamed to it. you can also do other things with xbmc which cant be discussed here.

What he said...:D...make sure its not 5.0 for JB

120_Minutes

There's more, if have an iOS device you can control the ATV via the remote app, you can also AirPlay videos and music to it, and mirror your iPhone 4s or iPad 2 or higher's display to your tv (tv FaceTime calls anyone?) or stream any iTunes compatible media from your computer to your ATV.

munchkin_utd

indeed
the airplay function from the ipad is useful even without mirroring which for me isnt a runner with an ipad1.

you can beam any video (pretty much) from the ipad/ iphone/ ipod touch onto the tv at pretty decent quality.

the media playing capabilites are also possibly useful as you can play your tunes from the comfort of your couch without needing to plug the computer into anything (hifi or tv)

Ur[s]uS

120_Minutes wrote: »

There's more, if have an iOS device you can control the ATV via the remote app, you can also AirPlay videos and music to it, and mirror your iPhone 4s or iPad 2 or higher's display to your tv (tv FaceTime calls anyone?) or stream any iTunes compatible media from your computer to your ATV.

Playback with mirroring has been frustrating for me; with dropped frames every 30 seconds (or more). I have this problem with BBC iPlayer (Global) and Blinkbox (cannot find Danish version of The Killing TV series anywhere else!).

These are pumping mere standard definition video over wifi-n, to ATV3. Same problem whether ATV3 is wired or wireless. I just use HDMI adapter instead.

For me, it's all about waiting for seas0npass or similar to let me get XBMC on the hockey puck.

aidan_walsh

Folks, I'm going to remind you again that we no longer allow discussion on how to circumvent geo-blocking. Thank Sean Sherlock.

massy086

i dont see the point in having apple tv and not hacking it for xbmc .i use mine every day and love it best money i ever spent tbh:D:D

mattek

There's also one more way of extending capabilities of ATV. Get an iTunes gift card for US version of the store (on ebay for example) and create an account there to claim it. The selection of shows and movies is much better. The only thing to be careful about is not to fall for "incredible offers" on ebay such as a $50 gift card sold half price. These are usually obtained using stolen credit cards. There are plenty of legit sellers though, just look at the feedback.

bigpoppa

can it handle 720p mkv (stored on a network) streamed to it?

carrotcake

Since a jailbreak for the ATV3 hasn't been found yet, the answer would be no.

However, I had no problems streaming 720p mkv files to my old ATV2.

crosstownk

I've an ATV2. I got it as a present so it didn't cost me the €119.

I find it great. I can rent a movie when I feel like it at any time. No going to the video library and no need to return it (or rewind the tape ).

Yes, I could probably do more with it but I don't feel the need. I rent about 2 or 3 HD movies per month so it doesn't burst my Eircom download limit. Picture and sound quality is quite good.

I find AirPlay quite good especially as I use my iPhone as a remote to my iTunes library.

ucd.1985

To get the most you need to geo unlock it.

Due to that rat Minister Sherlock we can't tell you how on here.

A quick google search should do the trick.

mdfire

bigpoppa wrote: »

can it handle 720p mkv (stored on a network) streamed to it?

If you install Firecores aTv flash on it and the file is not too large then yes you can. Firecore is a one off payment (€30 i thimk) but it is well worth it for the media player alone. Im streaming mkv from a NAS. Large files it cant handle but im hoping that when (if) ATV3 is jailbroken the better processor and extra ram will make this possible.

Played around with the eden version of XBMC last night and it is very stable and excellent. This also does it and is off course free