Why would Apple offer me this update that doesn't work or include the proper cable to apparently hook up to my computer ?

The update does work. However, like with all electronics, sometimes updates fail.

Take the device to your local Apple store and request assistance.

If there is not a local Apple store, ask a friend with a computer if you can restore the device on their computer. It's not that big of a deal and the cable, if you need to buy one, is only a couple of dollars. Most people have a USB cable, they are fairly common.

It does not work for me either. It always shows the picture on the screen to plug the apple tv into itunes. Everytime I do it it says restore factory settings. I do that and when its done it says disconnect from computer and plug back into tv. Then its the same stupid picture and cycle all over again!

Take the device to Apple for evaluation and possible replacement.

diesel vdub - excellent advice

Take the Apple TV to Apple for assistance - a Retail Store will be happy to assist, if you need to go to a Service Provider call Apple and see if you need to do anything before going in.

But how about all those people who do not have a local Apple dealer? I have to take the train for 2 and half hours to get anywhere they sell Apple stuff.

Any advise for us?

Contact Apple and find out what the best solution is, they may offer an option to mail the device to them.

Hi

I just got my Apple TV and have the same problem. Before turning my apple tv on i installed all the cabels etc. it took my rufly 4 hours. Now i have to take it all down again just to connect my Apple TV to my computer in the opposite end of our house. ( and don´t even got the usb cable 😕 )

Are the no possible way of doing this some other way ?

MortensenDK wrote:

Before turning my apple tv on i installed all the cabels etc. it took my rufly 4 hours.

Yeah... 'cause it's really difficult to connect and HDMI cable and a power cable.

MortensenDK wrote:

Now i have to take it all down again just to connect my Apple TV to my computer

Again, it's only two cables. Maybe 3 if using the optical audio cable.

MortensenDK wrote:

Are the no possible way of doing this some other way ?

Use a laptop instead of disconnecting everything... regardless it will require connecting the ATV to a computer running iTunes to restore.