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Apple TV Death after update?

Seen quite a few people with this problem. After the update the light just blinks. After unplugging ethernet, it can't find router. Some people reset the router and said that worked. Others restored by plugging into iTunes and got it working. I did all of the above multiple times, still death. Going to have to take it into the Apple Store tomorrow I guess. Unless another update comes that fixes this.


Also the weird part, I know it's under warranty since it isn't even a year old, but I went to check the serial number and Apple said the serial number wasn't found.

Posted on Sep 25, 2012 12:29 AM

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Posted on Sep 25, 2012 1:40 AM

Had the same issues. Since resetting didn't work for me, I downloaded an old version of 5.0.2 software and restored that via iTunes (hold the option key when pressing the Restore button, this allows to point to a downloaded .ipsw file).


The old version still works fine, so it can't be a hardware thing. Waiting for a 5.1.1 update now

367 replies

Oct 5, 2012 1:04 PM in response to Mr N

I agree an explanation is in order. However this problem is bigger than just the apple TV. Apparently other Apple products like the new IPhone are having major issues. I read a post where people are having issues with the IPad upgrade. It looks like they have a lot on their hands. Since Apple TV is probably the smallest customer base, I wouldn’t hold your breath for too long on a reply. Although as paying customers we deserve at least an acknowledgment.


Welcome to the new Apple???

Oct 5, 2012 1:25 PM in response to APPLETVROCKS

Completely agree.


But I think our perspective is far too, frankly, sympathetic.


Yes Apple is a technology company, and technology has to evolve, be tried and test, before it's perfect.


But that really isn't our problem as consumers; it's something that should be established before a product hits the shelf. That's what the figure on that shelf ticket is all about. And let's face it, it's not cheap with Apple. We're talking upper end of the market.


Apple need to pull their collective finger out if they want to keep that share price up. P*ss the customer off, and you'll end up p*ssing the shareholders off too. And at the moment, there are a lot of p*ssed-off customers.


In a nutshell, I'd be happy with the odd glitch. But what I do expect is a bit of humanity - a page on the Apple site saying something like "We're away of problems with the Apple TV update. We're sorry about that, but please be assured we're working on it. We'll let you know how we're doing on <date>". That would make me feel like I was being looked after as a customer. It would make me feel like Apple was a brand worth sticking with.


Am I being unreasonable?

Oct 5, 2012 1:53 PM in response to Mr N

You're right of course.


What has happened in this instance is that some of us recently purchased and had been using a device that was working well, then we are told to press a button to update, then we are left with a non-working device.


They should not only be shipping us a free working replacement device without us having to drive hours to an apple store, but also be giving apple store credit of some type.


What if a flat screen tv manufacturer made you update your tv after 2 weeks of use and then you were left with a non-working TV for a week or more?

Oct 5, 2012 2:03 PM in response to Doctord83

This is so frustrating.

I didnt even want to upgrade my appletv but pressed the go button on the remote before I had switched the tv across to the input so didnt see what I was selecting.

Oh well I thought apple tv updates always work.....now I have upgraded ....then downgraded.....then upgraded.....then downgraded again...still wifi doesnt work.

I am a 20+ year network engineer and I cant make this work.

I'd put up with this from a linux do it yourself distro but Apples market is one-button consumers....how would they ever navigate through this? why should they need itunes on a PC/Mac to fix it?


As one poster has said this needs a clear annoucement from apple - 'we are aware of it and we are fixing it'....and a 5.1.1 update out within days......of course anyone without a wired connection/itunes/usb cable would have to take it to a store anyway (ie mum and dad consumers that this thing is aimed at)


what a stuff up.


al (australia)

Oct 6, 2012 12:46 AM in response to scubaal

further update - just dragged a 20ft ethernet cable along the corridor between my office and the living room so I could plug the appletv3 in via ethernet - and it works.

So the **** thing functions fine over ethernet with the 5.1 software....but cannot see any wireless networks....which is pretty frustrating for me as I dont have ethernet in the living room 😟 and cant have everyone tripping over the stupid cable.

Pretty clear that 5.1 has killed the wifi component of the atv3.

Hope there is a fix iminent?

Oct 6, 2012 5:17 PM in response to RandomVillain

Hi there,

Just thought I'd add my case to the list here and update with some new info.

I too have experienced the issues after updating to the latest 5.1 software, and like others the issues only appear when the ethernet cable connection is active, no issues at all via wifi.


Issues that occur: Cannot connect to WSJ, MLB, NHL, or PhotoStream. I don't use iTunes Match so not sure if that works. Connecting via wifi works perfectly.


Resolutions attempted: Restore via device itself over ethernet, no joy. Restore via device itself over wifi, no joy. Restore device via USB through iTunes on iMac, still no joy. Restore the previous software 5.0.2 and everything works perfectly!


Called Apple, did another update and restore and not working. I was told to go to Genius Bar at the Apple store and probably exchange after they tested. I did that, they were able to duplicate in the store and therefore exchanged with a new unit.


I brought the new unit home, and exactly same problem. Works fine on 5.0.2 but as soon as 5.1 is installed the ethernet does not work on the above applications. Oddly iTunes and Netflix and the other "channels" work fine, just those ones seem to be affected for some reason.


So CLEARLY there is an issue with the 5.1 software. I have downgraded the new unit back to 5.0.2 as a work around for now since I need ethernet connection and wifi is not good enough where it is installed.


I REALLY hope Apple fixes this soon. The shared PhotoStreams is a great feature that I would like to use!


To everyone out there: its a software problem and exchanging with a new unit does NOT resolve the issue. The new software works great but on WIFI only. What a disappointing experience this has been with Apple for me. I would expect this lack of testing and carelessness from Microsoft, but not Apple.


...sadly disappointed,

D.

Apple TV Death after update?

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