R.Crooke
Level 1 (4 points)
Apple TV

Q: apple tv (2nd gen)   hbo now

I have a 2nd gen apple tv (6.2.1) and I'm having problems viewing TV programs on HBONOW.

I can view movies without problem but attempting to view TV shows causes the HBONOW app to crash. (sometimes it appears to loop; e.g. spinning wheel)

I've contacted HBONOW support and went thru all of their troubleshooting procedures. I've been told by them that the problem is with the apple tv (6.2.1) software.

My questions are: 1. Is what HBONOW support states as the problem actually true?;

2. Is Apple aware of and working on this issue?;

3. Is there a way to regress away from (6.2.1);

4. is anyone else having a similar experience?

 

 

FYI, I have no problems viewing HBONOW from my MBP 2010 running 10.11.6; but it does not support airplay.

 

Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks

rlc

Posted on Aug 11, 2016 1:13 PM

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R.Crooke

Q: apple tv (2nd gen)   hbo now

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  • Helpful answers

  • by JimmyCMPIT,Helpful

    JimmyCMPIT JimmyCMPIT Aug 11, 2016 1:57 PM in response to R.Crooke
    Level 5 (6,933 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 11, 2016 1:57 PM in response to R.Crooke

    HBO now for OS X is a not an app, it's dependent on a web page

    HBO now for ATV is dependent on the app, developed either by or for HBO under their influence.

    apple tv OS 6.2.1 was the last update from Apple for ATV 2 and Apple discontinued support for the device soon after.

    so :

    1) it's possibly true, HBO is decent with troubleshooting.

     

    2) Apple has discontinued support therefor the issue is and always will be with HBO. Even if Apple suddenly begins to support ATV 2 its still an HBO problem as far as Apple is concerned and has outlined in their EULA for the device. HBO is the party who needs to fix their App to conform to the compatiblity framework of OS 6.2.1

     

    3) Short of a system restore Restore your Apple TV to its factory settings - Apple Support to reset the device with its current OS there is no way I personally know to downgrade Apple TV.

     

    4) I personally have not had an issue with HBO now but I have ATV3

  • by R.Crooke,

    R.Crooke R.Crooke Aug 11, 2016 2:01 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 11, 2016 2:01 PM in response to JimmyCMPIT

    Many thanks.

    Your response to #2 is what I was wondering and worried about.

    Like it or not, I suppose it's time to upgrade the hardware.

     

     

    Thanks again.

  • by MyNameIsNotImportant,

    MyNameIsNotImportant MyNameIsNotImportant Aug 28, 2016 4:53 PM in response to R.Crooke
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 28, 2016 4:53 PM in response to R.Crooke

    I'm having same problems.

     

    I contacted HBO support and here's what they said to me:

     

    "I've been told that the issue is because Apple is no longer providing updates to the 2nd Gen. iOS Version 6.2.1. This is causing several side effects with HBO NOW. Currently, we are collecting as much information that we can for research and resolution purposes.

     

    Are you willing to provide a screen shot of your Apple TV's system information?"

     

    I've sent that along but, if it's true then, unless Apple fixes 6.2.1 then I'm stuck and will have to upgrade (probably to a Roku).

     

     

    R.Crooke wrote:

     

    I have a 2nd gen apple tv (6.2.1) and I'm having problems viewing TV programs on HBONOW.

    I can view movies without problem but attempting to view TV shows causes the HBONOW app to crash. (sometimes it appears to loop; e.g. spinning wheel)

    I've contacted HBONOW support and went thru all of their troubleshooting procedures. I've been told by them that the problem is with the apple tv (6.2.1) software.

  • by R.Crooke,

    R.Crooke R.Crooke Aug 28, 2016 5:37 PM in response to MyNameIsNotImportant
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Apple TV
    Aug 28, 2016 5:37 PM in response to MyNameIsNotImportant

    MyName....

    Just FYI, I upgraded to an Apple TV 4th gen and everything is working as expected.

     

    It does appear that the ATV 2nd gen is no longer supported by Apple; it will not receive further software upgrades.

    I suppose this is an example of "planned obsolescence". Hardware no longer supported, so use at your own risk.

    Not actually forced to upgrade, but ...

    It would be nice if they (Apple) notified you that your hardware is off support - e.g. a note indicating that x.x.x is the last software upgrade for this device. You'd at least be aware of your situation.

     

    On a positive note, I sold my ATV 2nd gen on eBay ($35); the buyer will likely jailbreak the thing - good luck to him.

     

    Good luck to you!

     

     

  • by MyNameIsNotImportant,

    MyNameIsNotImportant MyNameIsNotImportant Aug 28, 2016 8:05 PM in response to R.Crooke
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Aug 28, 2016 8:05 PM in response to R.Crooke

    Planned obsolescence indeed!

     

    In summary:

    1) Apple won't update the 2nd Gen Apple TV and/or

    2) HBO won't fix the problem with the HBO Nov app for 2nd Gen Apple TV

     

    ... Yet HBO still list it as being supported! (see https://order.hbonow.com/devices)