Apple TV Death after update?

Question

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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Answer 1

Best reply

theFeverDog

Level 1

19 points

Sep 25, 2012 1:40 AM in response to RandomVillain

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

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Answer 2

Sep 25, 2012 1:41 AM in response to theFeverDog

Could you link me to where I can download the old software? Appreciate it!

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Answer 3

Sep 25, 2012 1:46 AM in response to RandomVillain

Hope these still work, I don't know how long Apple keeps the old updates on the server.

Apple TV 2:

http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4362.20120605.t8i4U/AppleTV2,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

Apple TV 3:

http://appldnld.apple.com/AppleTV/041-4361.20120605.grjot/AppleTV3,1_5.0.2_9B830 _Restore.ipsw

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Answer 4

Sep 25, 2012 1:47 AM in response to theFeverDog

Thanks! Will give this a shot!

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Answer 5

Sep 25, 2012 4:58 AM in response to RandomVillain

Ok, *sigh*, same death by Apple update for my Apple TV 3

Process:

Updated via TV and fixed LAN cable...constant blinking light for hours.
Restored via micro USB.
Stuck on language selection
Unplug LAN cable (which is working on the XBox - tested)
Menu proceeds to choose network (none detected) select wifi.
Hit menu, menu (after not finding Netgear wifi or iPhone personal hotspot)
Now at main settings where all options are available but NO network.
General > About reveals IOS 6 / v5.1
Repeat restore process - same deal.

Will now try downgrade restore.

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Answer 6

Sep 25, 2012 5:02 AM in response to Ace_Ventura

Downgrading worked for me, back to normal. Make sure after you downgrade you unplug the power as well and do a restart. I did the downgrade and just plugged the HDMI and Optical cables in and it gave me the USB cord into the iTunes logo screen. Had to unplug and plug the power back in and it came up. Thanks for the help theFeverDog.

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Answer 7

Sep 25, 2012 12:51 PM in response to RandomVillain

Downgrade back to 5.0.2 worked so the hardware is all fine!

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Answer 8

Roy B

Level 3

570 points

Sep 25, 2012 2:55 PM in response to RandomVillain

Hello all,

I would like to find out some more information about this issue. If you got this issue (black screen and blinking LED while Ethernet is connected, WiFi networks not found) after updating to Apple TV 5.1, can you please email me <royb@apple.com> with the answers to these questions:

1. What does your network look like? For example, what is your router and how is it connected to the Internet? Is your Apple TV getting a DHCP-assigned IP address or is it statically assigned? Do you have any other custom network settings that might be a factor?

2. What is your Apple TV's device diagnostic ID? Get this by highlighting "Send Data to Apple" in Settings > General and pressing the Right button.

Thanks,

Roy

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Answer 9

Sep 26, 2012 4:25 AM in response to Ace_Ventura

downgrade to 5.0.2 works for me only with cable connection

WiFI still won't find any Network.

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Answer 10

Karen P

Level 2

232 points

Sep 26, 2012 5:41 AM in response to theFeverDog

Once I download the update, how do I use it to downgrade my apple tv? I saw the bit about holding down the option key, but I'm not clear about how to connect the apple tv to iTunes on my computer. I have an apple tv 3.

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Answer 11

Sep 26, 2012 5:44 AM in response to Karen P

with an micro usb cable

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Answer 12

Karen P

Level 2

232 points

Sep 26, 2012 9:05 AM in response to diehummel

Thanks. I tried that. Opened iTunes. Connected the micro USB cable to the Apple Tv. Plugged the power cable into the Apple TV. The light on the Apple TV flashes quickly, but doesn't show up in iTunes. Tried two different micro USB cables. Called Apple Support. They want me to take it to a service center. Unfortunately closest one is 50 miles from me.

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Answer 13

Karen P

Level 2

232 points

Sep 26, 2012 9:27 AM in response to Karen P

Sorry to keep posting, wanted to update. Talked to Apple Support again. They told me that microusb cables designed for charging may not support data transfer. Both the cables I tried came with other devices and were for charging, so that's mostly like the problem.

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