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PBS won't activate -- anyone else having this problem?

I've tried several times to activate PBS at pbs.org/activate. At first I couldn't even get an activation code -- it kept timing out before.


Then the first time I was able to get the code and log into pbs.org/activate it gave me several options to sign in with -- facebook, g+, etc., and I chose facebook.


I entered the code I was given on my Apple TV but I got back an invalid code error. So I tried it again but each time I attempt it, I enter the new code number at the pbs.org/activate prompt but on the next page it doesn't give me any options with which I can log in to pbs. It says it will, but doesn't actually provide the options of facebook, g+, etc.,


Anyone else getting their PBS activated?

Apple TV, PBS station

Posted on Nov 22, 2013 12:37 PM

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Nov 30, 2013 11:17 AM in response to Ruth Fannin

I'm having difficulty as well ---- when I go to pbs.org/activate I get a message that reads "

Whoops! We are unable to locate the page you've requested."



Have an activation code on my appletv screen....just not place to put it in on website given this error message.

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Dec 26, 2013 2:37 AM in response to Ruth Fannin

Activation only seems to work when using your iPad (probably iPhone, but I didn't try it, or iPod touch) app, not via either Apple desktop or laptop (I tried both).


Apple, or PBS, need to fix this, as you sould be able to activate this using your computer.

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Dec 26, 2013 2:47 PM in response to Braizyn

Have had problem on both iPad and iPhone. Both using Safari. After entering activation code displayed on apple tv on iDevice get page that says:


"Complete activation to start enjoying your favorite PBS programs. Watch now in high definition or save your favorites for later.


Create a new PBS account or sign in with one of the following"


This is second day of trying. I can view the clips on the inactivated Apple TV.

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Jan 18, 2014 12:53 PM in response to Ruth Fannin

Not working for me either. I'm getting stuck at the point where you are supposed to select your local PBS station in the web browser. I selected my local station, and it just brings me back to the same page over and over again. Same thing if I select a station from a nearby city. Tried this on iPad and a laptop PC using both Chrome and Internet Explorer browsers. All get stuck on the "select your local station" page. It's broken.

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Jan 21, 2014 10:27 AM in response to MarkJLove

I think we need to be more precise about what works and what does not. Specifically, after reading through this thread, I tried the activation process using my wife's iPad and was successful, where previously using my Mac did not work. So here is the specific configurations:

Macbook Pro mid-2012 model, 2.4GHz i5 core duo processor running OS X 10.9.1 and Safari 7.0.1-unsuccessful

iPad 3rd generation running iOS 7.0.2 and Safari (I'm not really an iPad user and can't seem to find the version number but suspect it also is 7.0.1. If someone will tell me where to access the information I'll supply it)

Apple TV 2nd generation (MD199LL/A ) with software version 6.0.2.


The posts have not included this type of information and therefore it is not possible to isolate the problem. Clearly it is not Safari related as some of us are successful using that browser. While Chrome seems to work, again there are no specifics of version numbers or even what platform the browser is on.


So all that appears to be true is that the activation does NOT work using Safari 7 on a Macbook Pro running OS X 10.1

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Jan 21, 2014 12:10 PM in response to tessmar

I think that this is more of a PBS.org issue than anything Apple makes. Why? Because, after unsuccessfully getting my Two Apple TVs to Active for PBS.org, I gave up, and walked away.


Two hours later BOTH were ACTIVE.


See what I mean??


The process is supposed to be interactive, in other words, when PBS.org says "Your device is Activated, please press the Menu button to proceed," or something the like, the PBS.org app is supposed bring up the main window with all the content. And it didn't for a period of time too long to sit in front of and continuing to stare.

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Jan 21, 2014 12:50 PM in response to Gerry Simmons

Interesting, Gerry

Perhaps there are multiple factors involved...may be related to timing issues anyplace in the path from the initiating device all the way to the PBS server and back to the Apple TV. And perhaps exacerbated by the particular initiating device, Apple TV device, and/or various software components and versions. But your experience certainly does seem like the PBS server/process is suspect, though that does not seem to explain the success rate for an iPad.


I guess for those with an iPad I would say use it for the activation. For the rest of us I guess the only thing to try is either using Chrome if you have it or contacting PBS (though be ready for them to possibly pass the buck to Apple). If anyone contacts either Apple or PBS it would be nice to get their response posted here. These posts did enable me to get activated, thanks to those of you who successfullly used an iPad.

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Jan 21, 2014 12:53 PM in response to Robert Myers8

Robert

Did you ever get activated? You seem to be the ony one in the thread who was unsuccessful using an iPad. Would you mind sharing details about that device (model, software version, browser and version) or letting us know if you did get this done later and with what device/browser?

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Jan 21, 2014 2:52 PM in response to tessmar

Tessmar,


I too am having this problem. Had iTV for 5 months and PBS has always worked. Activation screen showed up on the morning of the 19th. Tried my iPhone 5s, iPad Air and Macbook for activation. I tried Safari, Google and PBS online and nothing has worked. Reset Apple TV 4 or 5 times too. I also tried the PBS iPad App aproach to no avail. Now all I have on my screen is 'unable to connect to PBS, try again later".


Very frusterated with Apple TV - it is by far their weakest product.

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PBS won't activate -- anyone else having this problem?

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