apple tv just flashing after update?

Same here, and clever me just kicked off my second unit to do the upgrade. Looks dead to me.

ATV3 to iTunes? I dont get it, its ethernet, HDMI and power, how to connect to Mac?

Same thing here. You need a micro USB to connect your appletv to iTunes. iTunes will then restore and update the ATV and you'll be good to go.

Though Apple was no help at all, I was able to get a MICRO USB to USB cable at Walmart ($10). Best Buy said they had one for $5, but Walmart was much easier to get to tonight. Hooked the ATV to my iMac with iTunes on. (You can move the ATV and power cord to your computer.) iTunes immediately recognized the ATV and asked if I wanted to restore it. I did, it took about 15 minutes to do it's thing which included the new problem child update. Afterwards it was exactly the same as a brand new ATV .. EVERYTHING had to be redone. Very frustrating due to the time wasted, hassle of getting the cable, having to pay for a cable I wouldn't have otherwise needed, having to re-invent the wheel regarding all of our settings in the ATV, but it's finally working properly. That said, Apple owes me 3 hours of my life back.

Ha right, didnt even notice the micro USB socket... Done and sorted. 1 out of 2 failed...

Is there a way to restore the Apple Tv if you don't have a computer? I just have an iPad. I fear a trip to the Apple Store may be in order.

Mine bricked as well. Does the Apple store sell this micro USB cable?

The micro USB cable is fairly common, often used for things like PC's, camera, Andriod devices, phones etc. But you know just not Apple stuff in general. Hopefully you know someone with another brand of phone and they probably charge their phone with it.

Fixed it within minutes though. 700MB download to iTunes.

/slowclap

The update bricked my ATV too. Luckily I did have a suitable USB cable to hand so it only took 15-20 minutes to get it up and running again. Not sure how this update got out of the door though. So much for the post-PC era.

Same here. Cool thing was the reset with my iPhone. Just set it on top of the ATV and it all synched up (after retoring from iTunes, that is).

Still...****** that the update didn't work in the first place.

Oh OK I thought you were supposed to try to connect to the ATV through Bluetooth. Didnt realize you just turn on BT and "literally" touch it to the ATV. Will come in handy for next disaster 😀

I have the same problem with AppleTV2 and even trying to connect to USB doesn't work. Apple response: out of warranty, so pay for service. Obviously this was precipitated by update, so Apple should be responsible.

Here are some steps and notes to try:

MANY people are reporting they've had to try multiple micro USB cables to find one that works. I got one that worked from a neighbor.

For clarification, this needs to be a "micro" USB, not a "mini" USB

Some people have also reported they've had to try the Restore process more than once.

1. Unplug Apple TV and move it to your computer running latest version of iTunes.

2. Quit iTunes if running.

3. Plug micro USB cable to the back of the Apple TV.

4. Power the Apple TV using the AC cable.

5. iTunes shoud either launch itself (a good indication that the micro USB cable you're using is compatible), or launch iTunes.

6. Click Restore. Software will download and install (big file).

I've been through this stupid saga too, costing me 4 hours and 12 bucks for a cable and ultimately ending up where Î started, no update. Took me a hour just to figure out the meaning of the mysterious ATV to iTunes symbol, which meant I had to move my iMac from another room just so I can plug it in to the ATV. iTunes then provides the relevant button to RESTORE your unit, forcing you to re-enter all you configuration and account details again.

How about an iTunes credit to compensate all the ATV users who've been through this pointless and costly exercise Apple?

same here and Have not been succcessfull very very disapointing. going to try another micro usb cable which Apple should pay for! Apple please help us, iKnow the update has been removed nowbut what next ? toss thw thing ?

I have had the same problem. Bought my ATV on wednesday and had to restore it 4 times! once I get it going it's great....but after it goes to sleep and I go to turn it back on....black screen....this is horrible!! This is the first Apple product that I'm seriously considering taking back and exchanging for another name brand. Something needs to be done about this.