Apple issues Apple TV update to resolve resolution, download issues
Apple on Tuesday released Apple TV software update 4.1.1 for the second-generation Apple TV, fixing some issues with TVs displaying the incorrect resolution and a downloading problem where movies or TV shows are re-downloaded.
Apple TV software update 4.1.1 comes just weeks after software update 4.1, which added AirPlay support and fixed some performance and connectivity issues.
According to Apple's support documents, the 4.1.1 update addresses "an issue that causes some high-definition TVs to incorrectly display at 480p" and "an issue that may cause a movie or TV show to be re-downloaded."
One AppleInsider reader found that installing the update resolved a flickering issue on his TV. "My TV (Fujitsu) 42" (2004 model) only has a DVI port (no HDMI)," the reader wrote. "I use a HDMI to DVI cable to watch the Apple TV content. Previously, the TV flickered on the top and on the right. After the update, the flickering was gone. The system works perfectly fine now."
Other users, however, have found that the update doesn't resolve their issues. Earlier this month, AppleInsider reported that users were experiencing HDMI "handshaking" issues and abnormally long download times.
On the Apple support forum thread detailing the HDMI connection issue, several users assert that installing the 4.1.1 software update failed to resolve their HDMI handshake issues, which cause inverted colors or solid color images.
The newly redesigned $99 Apple TV has moved from one of Apple's "hobbies" to a more prominent role among Apple's products. In October, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced that the set top box had sold 250,000 units since its September launch. Jobs noted that the company was "thrilled" with the figures.
Last week, Time magazine named the new Apple TV the No. 7 gadget of 2010.
Apple TV software update 4.1.1 comes just weeks after software update 4.1, which added AirPlay support and fixed some performance and connectivity issues.
According to Apple's support documents, the 4.1.1 update addresses "an issue that causes some high-definition TVs to incorrectly display at 480p" and "an issue that may cause a movie or TV show to be re-downloaded."
One AppleInsider reader found that installing the update resolved a flickering issue on his TV. "My TV (Fujitsu) 42" (2004 model) only has a DVI port (no HDMI)," the reader wrote. "I use a HDMI to DVI cable to watch the Apple TV content. Previously, the TV flickered on the top and on the right. After the update, the flickering was gone. The system works perfectly fine now."
Other users, however, have found that the update doesn't resolve their issues. Earlier this month, AppleInsider reported that users were experiencing HDMI "handshaking" issues and abnormally long download times.
On the Apple support forum thread detailing the HDMI connection issue, several users assert that installing the 4.1.1 software update failed to resolve their HDMI handshake issues, which cause inverted colors or solid color images.
The newly redesigned $99 Apple TV has moved from one of Apple's "hobbies" to a more prominent role among Apple's products. In October, Apple CEO Steve Jobs announced that the set top box had sold 250,000 units since its September launch. Jobs noted that the company was "thrilled" with the figures.
Last week, Time magazine named the new Apple TV the No. 7 gadget of 2010.
Comments
What about streaming music from iTunes and being on the internet at the same time, without the former dropping or the later disconnecting?
Same problem here but I don't think there's anything to do about it. Remember the overload SJ had when he demoed the iPad -I think its the same thing on a smaller scale. Overload.
I was in the middle of a 3 hour download of Inception in HD when I heard of this new update today. I stopped the download and reset my settings with the new update. Instead of 3 hours it only took 2 hours. What's the point of "on demand" HD when you have to wait 2 hours? I didn't mind waiting 10 min like my old ATV, but two hours?! I think it has something to do with Apple's servers.
No problems with streaming Netflix.
If if the HDMI handshaking issues still aren't resolved, i am REALLY DISAPPOINTED!!
Try buying new high quality cables / switch box etc, you may have a fault there somewhere. My system is flawless and the HDMI hand over on my HDMI switch is instant to the ATV whereas other devices take a few seconds.
I am just the opposite. my HD Movie or tV rentals start in no more than 10-15 seconds. on the other hand netflix is soooooooo slow, and their video and sound quality SUXXXXX. Gonna get rid of netflix soon, too lame, and selection is old and busted
On FiOS 30/30 here and ATV movies start before I can blink.
On the original it was possible to set the resolution yourself, not anymore. I've reset and restored but neither of those options yielded any results.
Does anyone have any ideas on how to fix this?
Thanks,
I think it's also a little sneaky on Apple's part that you have to go into the settings and turn off HD just so you can rent SD movies.
Hmmm that explains why i couldn't see SD titles. Thanks for the heads up
I am just the opposite. my HD Movie or tV rentals start in no more than 10-15 seconds. on the other hand netflix is soooooooo slow, and their video and sound quality SUXXXXX. Gonna get rid of netflix soon, too lame, and selection is old and busted
Yes i posted on a similar article that my new ATV ran faultlessly, then last week i was watching "How To Train Your Dragon" with the kids and three quarters of the way though the film just froze. I tried to refresh and it said the film will resume in 52 minutes. I just rebooted it and it was fine after that.
Still, this is the Apple trend of getting software out there so we can whinge and they fix it.
Well, the only issue I have ever had is streaming my Media HD over my network. It was starting to slow down or even stop with ATV2. After the update, I'm happy to report that streaming is now much faster.