Q: 4.3 Flicker Problem

Upgraded to latest software on appleTV 2, results :-
Sony 60", hdmi to dvi + sound cable, screen flicker, no sound' corrupt menu's
Vizio 37" led, hdmi to hdmi, everything works fine

Just as a positive data point, I upgraded to the same firmware just now and everything works fine. No flickering in movies or menus.

I have a Samsung 3D TV with direct HDMI cables (via an AV receiver).

I was nervous to update, too, but everything worked out fine. Samsung TV, HDMI to HDMI if that helps.

FYI...

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20041710-263.html

For those affected, there are a couple of things you can try:

1.

Reset the Apple TV

Resetting the Apple TV can be done by pressing and holding the Menu and Down buttons on the Apple TV remote until you see the Apple TV LED light flash. If this does not fix the issue then unplug the Apple TV from its power and let it stay off for a few minutes before plugging it back in.

You might also try resetting the Apple TV when it is both connected and not connected to your television (or when using the DVI-to-HDMI adapter). This may force it to change its output configurations and might allow it to properly set the output modes.
2.

Change HDMI output settings

In the new Apple TV software, go to the settings and to the "Audio and Video" section. Then go to the settings for the HDMI output and try different ones for your TV. The default setting is to automatically select the best option, but it may not be doing this properly. A number of people have found the system is stuck on the Auto setting, but if you can change it then this may help.
3.

Change your TV's resolution

Try a different display mode if your TV supports it. This problem seems to be affecting folks who are running at 1080i resolutions, so try changing the TV to 720i or 720p if you can. This may at least prevent the flickering while we wait for Apple to address this problem.

Has anyone tried the above steps? I will try this weekend, and if successful, will report back.

I am having the same issue and called Apple.
They essentially said "too bad, so sad."
I now have a $100 paper weight unless I want to buy a new TV.
I talked to Level 1 support, Level 2 support and Customer Relations.
All gave the same response.
Apple doesn't appear to care that this new firmware release has expelled a few customers.

I had a lot of respect for apple until this.

At very least they should make the software update optional and allow us to roll-back to the previous version so the product is still operational.

I am not happy at all. This was my only source of entertainment, it worked so well that we got rid of cable... Now we have NOTHING.

stephgo wrote:
Honestly, I don't think apple will be too keen on fixing this one. All the problems are due to older televisions and non-HDCP compliant hdmi and/or dvi inputs. I checked my Sony tv manual... It doesn't say it's hcdp compliant. I did buy it 5 years ago and technology has changed.

I don't expect apple to address this unfortunately since we're probably a minority and it's not profitable for them to fix this. ***** for us though.

FTR my set is 7 years old and states HDCP compliance as one of its specs in the manual. So does yours http://www.docs.sony.com/release/KF42WE620.pdf (page 11). This isn't an issue of systems with specs mismatched to Apple TV's requirements, it's a fatal bug in Apple's unit.

Same flicker problem here...

TV Model: Sony Grand WEGA KF-50WE620 (55in) Using DVI-HDTV connection.
(User Manual at: www.docs.sony.com/release/KF50WE620.pdf )

I am so not happy right now. Their mandatory update made my device inoperable. Thats just not right. At least allow us to roll back to the previous version and block new updates. Some of us can't afford a new TV right now Apple!

We purchased Apple because we trusted the name brand. Yet we still get screwed.?!

My equipment:
TV Model: Sony Grand WEGA KF-50WE620 (55in) Using DVI-HDTV connection.
(User Manual at: www.docs.sony.com/release/KF50WE620.pdf )

Was just told by Apple support that they were "sincerely sorry" but they could do nothing for me...

I really want to pack up all the apple equipment I have in a box and ship it all back to them! I would if I werent still paying for some of it...

Darn you Apple!

I certainly hope they find a fix and VERY soon. I rely solely on my Apple TV for all my entertainment and right now its not worth a penny. I paid good money for this product, they can't make it obsolete in less then a year!

I am very disappointed they didn't fully test this update before they forced it out to us... They had to know there were a lot of us with this configuration.

If I recall it is illegal in several states for a manufacturer to force a mandatory update to a product that effectively disables the product without allowing the update to be reversed or giving the ability to not accept the update.

This is at very least UNETHICAL if not ILLEGAL.

This is ridiculous!

Although some products, such as game consoles, have forced updates, all AppleTV updates to date have been voluntary. It is entirely your choice whether you want to keep your older version of iOS, take the risk of being an early adopter of a new update, or hang back and wait to hear how well the update is working for others with similar equipment to yours.

I just spoke with Apple Support and they informed me that this Update for pushed to or will be pushed to everyone.

My first question to the Customer Relations person was, can I have the update rolled back and they informed me that as soon as I connected it to the internet that it would again update.

So your statement is not correct, entirely.

BradGarbus wrote:
I just spoke with Apple Support and they informed me that this Update for pushed to or will be pushed to everyone.

it's not forcibly installed though. you get the option to not install it.

My first question to the Customer Relations person was, can I have the update rolled back and they informed me that as soon as I connected it to the internet that it would again update.

no. it will prompt you again, but you can choose not to install it.

So your statement is not correct, entirely.

it is correct, entirely.

Okay, then Apple Support Level 1, Level 2 and Customer Relations just misinformed me!

Any suggestions...?

BradGarbus wrote:
I am very disappointed they didn't fully test this update before they forced it out to us... They had to know there were a lot of us with this configuration.

Actually, the update has been in beta testing for weeks. In fact, on another thread, you will find multiple complaints that the update, which fixes problems with some TV models, was so long in testing before being generally released.