Q: 4.3 Flicker Problem

The trick to restoring the ATV2 to an earlier iOS using a PC involves two extra steps that's not included in the MAC instructions.

First, your PC browser probably renamed the file you downloaded to a zip file. So, rename the extension to .ipsw.

Second, when you click Restore, hold the shift key. You will be asked to locate the .ipsw file you downloaded and/or renamed.

When the process is over, you may receive an alert saying your restore was not sucessfull. Ignore that, it should be ok.

It worked for me!

Message was edited by: jimmer111

Message was edited by: jimmer111

Here's why I think Apple will release a fix for this problem:

1. When the Apple TV 2 was first released, many of us had a similar issue (wobbly picture) that appeared to affect the same set of televisions (ie: older TVs and those using HDMI to DVI convertors). Apple fixed it with the next update.

2. Apple has contacted a number of posters to this forum, asking them for more specific details about this problem (TV model, setup, etc). They also asked for video demonstrating the problem.

3. An Apple representative (Matt_H.) posted to this very thread, and stated that "Apple is aware of this issue and working on a fix."

4. It's in their best interest -- the more TVs it works with, the better.

Hi,
When trying to use this firmware I receive an error indicating that the firmware file is not compatible. Any ideas?
Thanks!

How do you restore the AppleTV to the previous release on a Mac? When I try to restore from iTunes, it does not give me the option to go to previous release, just the one that has the flickering image issues.

I tried holding down the shift key as suggested in one post for PC users, but that didn't yield any option to select a different download.

aliassupp wrote:
Hi,
When trying to use this firmware I receive an error indicating that the firmware file is not compatible. Any ideas?
Thanks!

Assuming you are trying to downgrade to the ealier version...are you using a mac or pc? If you're using a pc, did you change the .zip extention to .ispw?

poodlehead@covad.net wrote:
How do you restore the AppleTV to the previous release on a Mac? When I try to restore from iTunes, it does not give me the option to go to previous release, just the one that has the flickering image issues.

I tried holding down the shift key as suggested in one post for PC users, but that didn't yield any option to select a different download.

I believe you have to hold the 'option' key on a mac.

tgibbs wrote:
In other words, there is no such law. Certainly, if you could substantiate that a salesman misinformed you about the requirements of the product, you could probably require the retailer to accept a return without charging a restocking fee (although I don't think Apple charges restocking fees at their stores anyway). But if you want to make a case that failing to maintain compatibility with hardware that was never claimed to be compatible, and that did not meet the stated hardware requirements, somehow constitutes "planned obsolescence," you need to cite actual law or court precedent.

I could but then I would reveal some information that is not for public use about a couple companies I have worked with.

The fact is I am not a lawyer, but I know how Consumer Protection Agencies fall on these issues.

To be blunt I think Apple will fix the issue to avoid the bad publicity and what ever people might stir up. I will leave it at that.

And no, there are laws that do exist, but I leave that to the lawyers to quote. I don't have the time to go searching for it. I work 2 jobs and this is not a concern. I just hate to see people being taken advantage of either intentionally or not.

jimmer111 wrote:

Assuming you are trying to downgrade to the ealier version...are you using a mac > or pc? If you're using a pc, did you change the .zip extention to .ispw?

I think it only works on Mac. I couldn't make it work on PC even though the extension was .ispw.

jimmer111 wrote:
The trick to restoring the ATV2 to an earlier iOS using a PC involves two extra steps that's not included in the MAC instructions.

First, your PC browser probably renamed the file you downloaded to a zip file. So, rename the extension to .ipsw.

Second, when you click Restore, hold the shift key. You will be asked to locate the .ipsw file you downloaded and/or renamed.

When the process is over, you may receive an alert saying your restore was not sucessfull. Ignore that, it should be ok.

It worked for me!

Message was edited by: jimmer111

Message was edited by: jimmer111

BINGO That was the part I was missing. It worked my ATV is working again!

Now I understand there is another patch you can download that keeps you from being prompted to install the update? Do you know what this is called?

BradGarbus wrote:

jimmer111 wrote:
The trick to restoring the ATV2 to an earlier iOS using a PC involves two extra steps that's not included in the MAC instructions.

First, your PC browser probably renamed the file you downloaded to a zip file. So, rename the extension to .ipsw.

Second, when you click Restore, hold the shift key. You will be asked to locate the .ipsw file you downloaded and/or renamed.

When the process is over, you may receive an alert saying your restore was not sucessfull. Ignore that, it should be ok.

It worked for me!

Message was edited by: jimmer111

Message was edited by: jimmer111

BINGO That was the part I was missing. It worked my ATV is working again!

Now I understand there is another patch you can download that keeps you from being prompted to install the update? Do you know what this is called?

I'm pretty sure that's only for jailbroken devices. I haven't seen such patches otherwise.

To restore to earlier version using a Macintosh, jimmer111 has it right in his post above:

1. Download the old firmware from his link
2. Disconnect all cables from the AppleTV
3. Connect the AppleTV using microUSB to your Macintosh computer so iTunes can access the AppleTV
4. AppleTV will show up in the iTunes list with an option to restore the device
5. Hold down the option key while clicking Restore
6. It will open a dialog box so you can find the old firmware file you downloaded
7. After it restores and verifies the downdate, you disconnect from the Mac and connect back to your TV
8. You will have to restore all your initial settings

I just completed it and am able to watch again with no issues...works as good as it did the day I bought it.

Note that while I was resetting it, AppleTV said it had a new software update...for some reason, I decided to decline the opportunity

Forgot to add something very important:

A very sincere THANK YOU jimmer111

You made my day!!

To recap the process to restore to an earlier version using a PC

1. Download the old firmware here: http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/061-9978.20101214.gmabr/AppleTV2,14.2.1_8C154Restore.ipsw
2. Your browser will download it as a zip file, so rename the .zip extention to .ipsw
3. Disconnect all cables from the ATV2
4. Open iTunes and connect the ATV2 to PC using micro USB (iTunes should automatically discover the device and open the upgrade/restore options)
5. Hold down the shift key while clicking Restore
6. In the resulting menu, locate and open the .ipsw file you downloaded/renamed
7. Click 'restore' in the resulting box
8. After restoring, you may receive a notice that says the update was unsucessful...ignore that!
9. Reconnect ATV2 to TV and re-enter initial settings

That should do it! (And like poodlehead said...resist the impulse to agree to update, at least until a fix is available...and you're very welcome! But thanks also goes to several other posters who set us on the right path)

Message was edited by: jimmer111

Message was edited by: jimmer111

The only difference is that the phone reps have access to an internal support database. This knowledge base likely doesn't contain explicit wording on what is or is not supported. They just read the box like all of us and try to interpret what it means.

My kids and I THANK YOU...I no longer have $99 brick sitting next to my TV!

Works perfectly. Sony 60WE610->Belkin HDMI to DVI->DVI Cable->TV