Did my 1st gen. AppleTV finally die?

Question

Level 1

8 points

Did my 1st gen. AppleTV finally die?

Until recently my 1st generation AppleTV has continued to do sterling service. Only now it suddenly refuses to connect to my wireless network. As far as I am aware nothing has changed since it last did connect properly. So I have tried all the solutions I have found or can think of:

- power off/power on

- AppleTV reset

- AppleTV factory reset

- restart network routers

- change TimeCapsule radio mode

- change TimeCapsule channel

- switch off TimeCapsule 5GHz band

- physically move AppleTV location in case of interference

- select wireless network from list and retype password

- type in wireless network name and password

- try a different wireless network

but it refuses to connect (error code 3 or 6) - and to add insult to injury the AppleTV diagnostics say it is working fine!!

Anyone got any last (helpfull) suggestions before it goes in the bin?

Thanks.

Apple TV, 1st generation

Posted on Apr 22, 2013 4:10 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Apr 22, 2013 8:52 AM in response to iPlodderToo

I wouldn't give in yet. sure sounds like the hardware is still functioning.

I think Rudegar has a good idea - try that first.

Can you connect to anything: The store? your Computer via Home Share?

When you unplugged the power, did you also unplug connection to TV (esp. HDMI). Did you wait a minute or two?

Reply

Answer 2

iPlodderToo Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 23, 2013 7:47 AM in response to iPlodderToo

OK. Success!

Everything went fine using ethernet. Unplugged that. Tried to connect wirelessly. Same problem I had before (except now error code 0) 😟 But then I went to 'Configure TCP/IP' and selected 'Using DHCP' - which it should have been all along as I have never set it to 'Manual' - and Bingo! instant connection to my wireless network.😁

So, my question has been answered: No, my 1st gen. AppleTV did not die!

Brilliant! Don't ask me why it went wrong in the first place but for now it seems solved. (Just have to put my room back as it was now..)

Thanks, Rudegar

Reply

Answer 3

iPlodderToo Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 23, 2013 6:25 AM in response to Alix Leigh

Trying out Rudegar's ethernet tip - showing promise.

The AppleTV dropped off the iTunes devices list so, no, couldn't connect at all. (I guess the factory reset did that.)

Didn't originally unplug TV connection but did wait a day powered off out of sheer frustration.. Eventually disconnected the TV when I tried moving the entire setup. But to no avail.

Thanks.

Reply

Answer 4

iPlodderToo Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 23, 2013 6:32 AM in response to Rudegar

Rudegar, Thanks man!

I won't say just yet that it has solved my wireless issue but yes, I can connect once more using ethernet - had to rebuild the living room to do it but yeah...

So, after that earlier factory reset, have now updated the software back to the latest version for the 1st gen.ATV, can connect once more via iTunes (also to the store) and am currently restoring content. Once that is complete I will unplug the ethernet and try the wireless again. Will let you know the result in due course.

Thanks for the tip. Genius!

Reply

Answer 5

iPlodderToo Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 24, 2013 6:51 AM in response to iPlodderToo

Spoke too soon, of course.

After a few minutes the wireless connection drops again. AppleTV disappears from the iTunes Devices list.

Plug the ethernet cable back in and all reconnects... **sigh**

Rinse and repeat.

Reply

Answer 6

Apr 24, 2013 9:40 AM in response to iPlodderToo

Well at least you've isolated it to a network problem.

Also to help troubleshoot:

If you have DHCP set to on try turning off then on.

Check Firewall settings in Sys Prefs. Disable temporarily if its on.

Assume you've done some serious searching of Apple KB documents. Occassionally it's the tried and true that works.

Describe your network, someone else here may be enlightened. (whatever you do ATV MUST be on same network as iTunes)

AS ALWAYS: what else changed lately

(did you upgrade apple TV?)

did you do a system update on your computer?

did you update Airport Utility (it may be worth looking about in iNet or this utility)

AND the worst... Did your internet provider update it's software.

IF all else fails Don't drive yourself crazy, consider running an ethernet cable from your router. My ATV 1 is still going strong despite tons of use., and although I also have and ATV 2, I like the ability to at least playback items on disk. without messing with iTunes, alt devices etc.

Reply

Answer 7

Rudegar

Level 10

180,732 points

Apr 22, 2013 7:47 AM in response to iPlodderToo

does it work if connected by ethernet ?

Reply

Answer 8

iPlodderToo Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 27, 2013 9:38 PM in response to Alix Leigh

15m of visible ethernet cable in the room has worked around the spontaneous wireless problem the latter technology is supposed to replace...

Reply