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Level 1

110 points

404 Error Message

This morning downloads were a little slow, so I ran the test downloads function on the Apple TV. I get an error message "test cannot be downloaded Error 404" Go to the Check for downloads area and try again.
In the check for downloads area the File "test" is sitting there and if you click download, it fails again with that same 404 error message.
I can view trailers, and you Tube stuff, and the sync seems to connect so the Apple TV seems to be working.
Does anyone know what the 404 Error means?
Since the "test" file is an apple generated/maintained file, is that the problem, in that it's unavailable for some reason?

Steve

Message was edited by: Steve Morris

PowerMac G5 2.3G Dual / MBP 2.53G Late 2008, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Apr 18, 2009 6:48 AM

25 replies

Apr 19, 2009 5:33 AM in response to whitby

Would this be the same cause of the errors I've been getting trying to watch a movie I just purchased through the AppleTV? It actually comes up for all my library items... music, tv shows. They are all listed, but cannot be played. YouTube works.

"The selected video could not be played. The format was not recognized."

Apr 19, 2009 6:13 AM in response to Winnterpeg

UPDATE:

After finding a reading another thread here in forum, it seems this error is due to AppleTV not able to properly use the library. So I checked under preferences and sure enough for some reason, my library was changed from my NAS back to the original location on my PC's hard drive. I reset the location in iTune, my AppletTV automatically reset and re-booted. and Viola... my files are now recognized again.

Steve Morris Author

Level 1

110 points

Apr 19, 2009 9:12 AM in response to Winnterpeg

This would not be my problem. Just having the ATV on by itself and trying to test the network fails, that download of the test file and it's associated functionality is essential to the successful purchase or rental direct from the iTunes store.

I'm a little relieved in that I'm not alone in this mess. Since we can still go through the computer for rentals and purchases at least it's not a dead box, but when you see the "This movie is also available in HD on Apple TV" you cannot do that.

Steve

JRV360

Level 1

0 points

Apr 19, 2009 10:32 AM in response to Steve Morris

I've been getting the same problems as the rest of you...it was working fine last weekend...and I didn't make any changes to my network in the interim. I reset to factory settings and it seems to be allowing me to rent movies again and the test download is working. I think I might hold off on updating the Apple TV software...see if it makes a difference. Otherwise I am running iTunes 8.1 (on a MBP C2D) and a Airport Extreme 802.11n network updated to the latest firmware.

JCorl

Level 1

0 points

Apr 19, 2009 12:52 PM in response to Steve Morris

Here is an update on my issues.....I reset my AppleTV to factory settings. Updated software and tried to download a 'rented' movie. After about 30 mins of a very SLOW download, I received a 'Download Error' - 'Download Error (-3150).

My Internet is working fine through all my computers (all Apple) and my Airport Extreme is green lights all the way. No issues with cable as well.

Here is an interesting note, I tried to find my network with 'Factory Settings' but the AppleTV had a hard time finding it and connecting. Once updated my AppleTV software, it found my Airport Extreme network find and connected with no problem (first try).

Steve Morris Author

Level 1

110 points

Apr 20, 2009 11:59 AM in response to JCorl

My Problem is solved from a Rental/Purchasing point of view. While on the phone the rep said that the purchase that didn't work Saturday was probably a brief problem with the iTunes store.

We tested everything and the only thing that didn't work was the network test download. This test sends a small file to Apple with information on slow networks and we both agreed this was not an important problem. It will probably be remedied today.

Steve

JCorl

Level 1

0 points

Apr 20, 2009 10:20 PM in response to Steve Morris

good to hear. but I still find this version of itunes reliability more erratic than usual when compared to pre-upgrade version. I am willing to bet there are no a number of bugs within this version.

Apr 21, 2009 4:17 PM in response to Steve Morris

I have had the "error 404" issue since Saturday - I was able to view a movie trailer on my Apple TV but could not download the movie - and still can't - once I had rented it. I had the same problem with a music video I purchased. As of this evening (Tuesday) I still cannot download these items.

Can anyone who has successfully got this problem resolved please let me know how to go about fixing it (including any helpline number I should call)?

Many thanks.

David

Apr 21, 2009 5:35 PM in response to David A LAVERY

Have you tried rebooting your Apple TV using the diagnostics "restart" option (see Article: HT1560 for instruction on starting diagnostics)?

I was experiencing the same issues after attempting to use the "network test" feature, which appears to me to place the Apple TV into an unusable mode for new downloads (ie, rental, purchase, etc.). Once I rebooted, all of my queued purchases and rentals then downloaded successfully.

So, I'm going to stay away from the "network test" from now on.

I hope this helps.

Apr 23, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Retired CN

Many thanks for this suggestion Omaha. I have just tried a Restart from Diagnostics and Downloading has recommenced - for the first time in almost a week!

404 Error Message