Apple TV Death after update?

I'm glad to see this story is starting to gain traction. I purchased a new Apple TV version 3 this past Saturday, with 5.1 software pre-installed. I then spent the entire weekend troubleshooting internet access and configuration issues. I have since downgraded to the 5.0.2 software. A couple of sites are now reporting on this issue. I think it is significant that Apple is knowingly selling this device retail to consumers with this significant flaw.

I too am the experiencing the 5.1 upgrade blues but oddly it took 2 months for it to surface.

I bought my ATV-3 2 at the end of September (about the time this thread started) and upgraded to 5.1 right away. No issues until yesterday when AirPlay quit working during an iPad streaming session. Suddenly I had all the problems outlined here … can't see any wifi networks, blank screen with flashing LED with ethernet cable, endless loop when asking for my language during setup. Downgraded to 5.0.2 via iTunes (thanks for the tip) and that brought my ATV back to life but still no wifi.

The guy I talked to at Apple Care must have heard this before because he immediately suggested I go to an Apple Store for an exchange and gave me a case number. I'm going to insist that the replacement is flashed to 5.1 and can connect to wifi in the store before taking it home. But then, I had that before, so who knows ...

Looks Engadget is hijacking this story but maybe that is what it takes to get Apple's attention:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/20/apple-tv-5-1-update-issue-problem/

Also this:

http://www.highdefdigest.com/news/show/Apple_TV/Apple_TVs_51_Update_Causing_Prob lems__Customers_Downgrading_to_Solve/10592

vagabonder wrote:

I too am the experiencing the 5.1 upgrade blues but oddly it took 2 months for it to surface.

I bought my ATV-3 2 at the end of September (about the time this thread started) and upgraded to 5.1 right away. No issues until yesterday when AirPlay quit working during an iPad streaming session.......

Exactly the same here. 5.1 worked for a few weeks before the WiFi stopped working. I think the 5.1 software has slowly killed the WiFi hardware overtime. The replacement Apple gave me was on still 5.0.2, and I was scared to upgrade it to 5.1, fearing that the 5.1 will slowly damage the WiFi hardware over time again. IMO, it's not worth the risk to use 5.1, and there is simply no benefit to 5.1 at all.

vagabonder wrote:

Looks Engadget is hijacking this story but maybe that is what it takes to get Apple's attention:

http://www.engadget.com/2012/11/20/apple-tv-5-1-update-issue-problem/

Now I hope now Apple is embarrassed enough to do something about it.

dchao99 wrote:

Very interesting. Similar experience to mine. The 5.1 update did irreversible damage to the hardware.

On my ATV3, the update killed my WiFi hardware. So, even downgrading back to 5.0.2, the WiFi was still dead. I ended up having my ATV replaced under warranty.

I have had just the same experience as you, my originally purchased ATV3 with 5.0.2 worked fine, after upgrading to 5.1 it quit working. I restored it back down to 5.0.2 and the hardware just couldn't obtain a wireless connection anymore. I will go and pick up my replaced ATV3, hope that it is an original 5.0.2 version and let you all know if it works.

After the wife updated (grrrr!), our ATV2 stopped working. Have just downgraded to 5.0.2, and now we can only get it working with WIFI - ethernet connection no longer works. The port we use to connect our ATV2 to our home ethernet is definitely working - we've checked it out with another computer.

Has anyone else experienced WIFI working but not ethernet as a result of this Apple "upgrade" fiasco?

mikest14 - Thank you for your note on unplugging the power cable! I was just about to bail on this, now 3-day, cluster and move to a competitors box. I unplugged the cable, and the restore worked! You would think that Apple would document a fix like this. Thank you apple community!

i dont understand what you mean by the option key i cant findit anywhere please help.

It's the one that says 'alt' on it. Older Apple keyboards said 'Option' on that key too.

I should have mentioned that when I called Apple Care and said my ATV-3 wifi quit working after 5.1 upgrade he offered to send me a new ATV in exchange but I opted for an appointment at the local Genius Bar instead. Today, at the Genious Bar, I used those same words and got a knowing nod and immediate exchange. Clearly, Apple is aware of this problem and I was told it is not widespread but affects only certain models with a particular wifi radio brand. My replacement has 5.1 installed and is working flawlessly.

If you are suffering from the 5.1 upgrade blues then contact Apple and keep it simple (no need to outline the details) just say wifi quit working after 5.1 upgrade. Expect immediate no-hassle exchange.

Hey Guys I am sooooo mad with apple at the moment!! I ran the update about a month ago and it totally removed all of my icons( youtube,Netflix,Vimeo etc...) Leaving me with only home sharing and Settings... I did the restore process successfully but still dont have any of my icons except fot Home sharing ans settings!

Does anyone know how I can get my other Icons back?????

Please help

If you only have two icons left on the screen, you probably have lost the Internet connection on your ATV. If you ATV can't dial home, then that is what you'll get.

Was the "setting date and time" message displayed for a long time as well? Also you can go to the Computer Settings screen, under Network, you can perform a network testing.

If you are using WiFi right now, try the Ethernet cable instead. The 5.1 update did damaged my WiFi module in my ATV. And I ended up getting a new replacement from Apple.

Hi thanks for the reply..I am using an airport express and thus am using wifi.Tried the network setting procedure but still nothing as it said that it sends information to apple first.

Tried the ethernet cable and still nothing...Did you experience the same problem? Im so angry as my ATV2 is now useless..

Should i try contact someone from apple and try get a replacement or what other process could i go through to get it to show my icons and actually start working again? It is so dificult be cause the ATV was baught in England but I am currently living in South Korea and they dont stock Apple Tvs here...

Can anyone shed some light on th matter???

@Barry,

Did you restore back down to 5.0.2?

Maybe 5.1 is blocking IP's from Korea?