apple tv 1st generation not showing in devices

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apple tv 1st generation not showing in devices

I have a 2011 MacBook Pro with the latest version of itunes installed on it and two Apple TV 1st generations. For some unknown reason the ATV is suddenly no longer appearing in my devices. Neither one of them will sync with my MacBook. I have unplugged everything, waited the designated one minute, restored both to factory settings, turned my computer off, reconnected to the wireless router, turned off my firewall, and just about every other thing that the internet advises me to do to resolve this. Can anyone PLEASE give me any advice on what I should do at this point?

Posted on Feb 7, 2013 4:26 AM

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Answer 1

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 7, 2013 4:27 AM in response to Tracy76

I should also add that the itunes library on my Dell connects to both ATV with no problem!

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Answer 2

Feb 7, 2013 4:47 AM in response to Tracy76

I assume you have tried setting it up again after the restore.

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Answer 3

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 7, 2013 5:16 AM in response to Winston Churchill

yes i did. I diconnected everything from the internet connections to the computers and also the power sources. I gave it about 10 minutes and still nothing. It very frustrating!!!

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Answer 4

Feb 7, 2013 5:40 AM in response to Tracy76

Sorry to confront you with such basic questions, but sometimes it can simply be the obvious that has been missed.

Where exactly are you looking for the pass code in iTunes, have you enabled the sidebar in order to see the devices list.

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Answer 5

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 7, 2013 4:11 PM in response to Tracy76

After updating my iTunes it would show up when I went to my library across the top (if that makes sense). It was there up until two days ago and now it disappeared. I find the pass code in my Apple TV after I choose the "add computer" option. I disconnected it since it wasn't showing up as a last resort thinking that might kick start it into showing up. It didn't ;). Thank you for your help!!

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Answer 6

Feb 7, 2013 4:18 PM in response to Tracy76

You should be trying to connect to an iTunes library rather than adding a computer.

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Answer 7

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 7, 2013 9:21 PM in response to Tracy76

That is what I'm attempting to do. The ATV is connected with my iTunes account/library (as is the MacBook) but it is the add shared computer/library that is giving me problems. My MacBook wont even recognize it as a device to allow me to type in the five digit code that the ATV gives you. I have no idea why it is suddenly doing this. Thank you again for helping me!

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Answer 8

Feb 8, 2013 3:35 AM in response to Tracy76

I can't be sure this has anything to do with your problem, but it's not "Add shared iTunes Library' that you need to be choosing, it's 'connect to iTunes library', the one at the top of the list.

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Answer 9

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 8, 2013 3:48 AM in response to Tracy76

I'm attempting the "connect to iTunes library" right now and it still isn't working 😟. My husband's macbook is connecting with no issue and I have gone through his security settings , itunes settings, sharing, etc to see if there is anything different and it all looks the same.

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Answer 10

Feb 8, 2013 4:48 AM in response to Tracy76

OK, it's helpful to know that the problem can be narrowed down to your computer. In iTunes preferences > Apple TV, check if the Apple TV is listed there and if so remove it.

Do you have any security software installed or any other file sharing software. Have you also tried restarting the router.

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Answer 11

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 8, 2013 4:58 AM in response to Tracy76

Guess what just randomly started working again after three days. I didn't do anything to it other than continuing to click the "connect to itunes library" button and it just popped up suddenly. Thank you for all of your help!!!

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Answer 12

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 8, 2013 9:35 PM in response to Tracy76

and it just stopped working AGAIN.

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Answer 13

Tracy76 Author

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Feb 8, 2013 10:24 PM in response to Winston Churchill

I removed the Apple TV from my iTunes preferences and now it doesn't even show a tab for it anymore. Any ideas? I just restarted the router and I haven't added anything different to my computer lately (other than the software updates for my MacBook. Thank you again!

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Answer 14

Feb 9, 2013 5:39 AM in response to Tracy76

Intermittent problems are often a result of interference. Interference can be caused by other networks in the neighbourhood or from household electrical items.

You can download and install iStumbler (NetStumbler for windows users) to help you see which channels are used by neighbouring networks so that you can avoid them, but iStumbler will not see household items.

Refer to your router manual for instructions on changing your wifi channel or adjusting your multicast rate.

There are other types of problems that can affect networks, but this is by far the most common, hence worth mentioning first. Networks that have inherent issues can be seen to work differently with different versions of the same software. You might also try moving the Apple TV away from other electrical equipment.

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