Can't update software

Question

Level 1

28 points

Can't update software

Have an Apple TV unit that recently became unable to connect to the internet. No cause I can think of, other than upgrading the firmware to the Time Capsule recently.

I want to update the software for the Apple TV, but so far this has proved impossible.

The nearest TV is too far to use Ethernet & HDMI cables.

Can't find any way to update software via USB or Ethernet thus far.

Any insight appreciated. My apple TV is the larger white box - not sure what generation this is or how to see that information.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Jun 1, 2013 4:40 PM

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Answer 1

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 1, 2013 4:56 PM in response to inte_moto

That would be the 1st generation, there have been no updates for that model in quite some time.

In terms of internet connectivity, what have you tried so far..ethernet and rebooting (device, router) would be a good place to start.

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Answer 2

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Jun 1, 2013 4:56 PM in response to vazandrew

I've never updated it since purchase, thus if there was ever an update, I don't have it.

Can this be done with a Mac via Ethernet or USB?

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Answer 3

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 1, 2013 4:59 PM in response to inte_moto

What is it running now? You should be able to go into the settings to check.

The new models allow for a connection in order to restore, I will check to see about the 1st gen.

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Answer 4

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Jun 1, 2013 5:03 PM in response to vazandrew

How to check settings/how to upgrade all falls into the same question - is there any way at all to interface this thing with a computer?

I can plug it into an HDMI equipped TV, but then it's too far from the router to be connected via Ethernet.

Wanted to see if there's a way to simply connect it to a computer and verify settings, upgrade firmware, etc... before having to move furniture for a software upgrade.

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Answer 5

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 1, 2013 5:12 PM in response to inte_moto

You can check the settings on the device, that wouldn't need internet connection or computer.

As I said I will look into it, it's been awhile since i've dealt with the 1st gens, they became discontinued a few years ago and the new ones work differently.

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Answer 6

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 1, 2013 5:30 PM in response to vazandrew

Not looking likely so you may have to do that, verify the current software it's running before just in case.

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Answer 7

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Jun 2, 2013 5:33 PM in response to vazandrew

Set another TV up near the Airport so I could cable everything up...

Software Version: 3.0.2

Software update indicates it's up to date, though I've never updated it (myself, perhaps occurred without my knowing).

Everything seems to work fine when Apple TV is connected directly to Airport via Ethernet, just no wireless.

Not sure why the wireless connection suddenly stopped working. Any way to recover?

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Answer 8

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 2, 2013 5:38 PM in response to inte_moto

Have you tried a reboot (device, router) and checked settings on TC? Worst case would be to restore the ATV

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Answer 9

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Jun 2, 2013 5:47 PM in response to vazandrew

Airport yes - recently updated the firmware, which may be the reason the wireless on the Apple TV no longer works...?

No reboot feature on Apple TV I can see. Only "reset settings", or "factory restore".

Tried reset settings - no luck. Haven't done factory restore yet as I'm not certain my purchases will be restored given the other recent grief with the wireless connection...

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Answer 10

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 2, 2013 6:17 PM in response to inte_moto

I would check the settings on Airport as sometimes things can happen after an update.

It should be setup to sync with iTunes, as all content should reside on the computer (and then has the ability to be backed up). Check that and once you've ensured that you can be ready in case a restore is needed

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Answer 11

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Jun 2, 2013 6:49 PM in response to vazandrew

What settings are these?

Opened Airport Utility and see the five tabs (Base Station, Internet, Wireless, Network, Disks)

Nothing specific to iTunes or any other application.

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Answer 12

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 2, 2013 6:59 PM in response to inte_moto

Go through the tabs and make sure everything is still setup properly. Are other wifi devices having problems?

You should have setup the ATV to sync with iTunes when you first got it as that is recommended

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Answer 13

inte_moto Author

Level 1

28 points

Jun 2, 2013 7:05 PM in response to vazandrew

Everything appears fine with the Airport/Time Capsule unit, although I'm not aware of any settings in there associated with iTunes. Are there iTunes settings in the Airport Utility software?

All other devices connected to it appear to work fine (three Macbooks, iPhone, iMac), Time Capsule backup works properly as well.

Up to the present, all purchases did indeed update to my computer. Recently wireless went dead, and purchases seems to no longer sync as well. After plugging directly into Ethernet, made two movie purchases, and neither have shown up in my iTunes library thus far.

Not sure what settings affect this or where to find them.

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Answer 14

vazandrew

Level 8

40,906 points

Jun 2, 2013 8:21 PM in response to inte_moto

The Airport settings and iTunes were two separate things. Wanted to ensure the network settings were still ok. Just to ensure interference isn't playing a role you may want to visit istumbler.net and run the program (it will tell you how to use on the site). It may not be an issue but best to check and rule it out.

Beyond that, it could be a hardware issue with the wifi card or maybe just something that's gone wrong in the software. The options then would be to take it in or try the restore.

For syncing

http://support.apple.com/kb/ta38571

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1453

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