What shiny things you have by updating to AppleTV iOS 4.3?

• iTunes TV Shows: Purchase your favorite TV shows directly from the iTunes Store, and watch the shows you already own, in HD.
• Vimeo: Browse and play videos from Vimeo, access your video inbox, and mark videos you want to watch later.
• You’ll need iOS 4.3 is also required to access Movie and TV Show rentals.

What happens to my jailbreak status and settings if I update to 4.3?

Well, you’ll lose all your jailbroken settings and installed goodies. Remember, you can disable the auto-update in the Maintenance->Settings menu.

Is aTV Flash (black) compatible?

But you can then re-run aTV Flash (black, Beta 6) installer after jailbreaking iOS 4.3 and  you’ll be automatically be updated to the latest and “awesomest” version. In addition to that, you can get a new version of Media Player (0.7.1) from our friends at FireCore.

What’s new in Media Player 0.7.1?

• More subtitle types, options and support,
• Folder cover art,
• Improved streaming, DVD playing, buffering,
• Lots of fixes.

You can get this new version from the Maintenance->Manage Extras menu.

You can get the latest version of  Seas0nPass and its ever handy user guides here.

Image courtesy of walknboston, Flickr

The post Update! Seas0nPass Untethered Jailbreak for iOS 4.3 (Rev 8F455) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Similar to PwnageTool, Seas0nPass allows you to jailbreak your atv2 by creating custom Apple TV IPSW files and restoring them in iTunes. The new version of Seas0nPass is Mac only – it adds support for Lion and fixes Mac specific bugs.

Here is the tutorial on how to jailbreak your Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 (Apple TV 4.2.2) or iOS 5 using Seas0nPass 0.7.7:

Pre-launch checklist

1. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iTunes.
2. Download Seas0nPass for Mac [10.6 or later]
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Launch Seas0nPass and select ‘Create IPSW’.

Step 2: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom jailbroken software file.

Step 3: When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected), and hold both the ‘MENU’ and ‘PLAY/PAUSE’ buttons for 7 seven seconds. Apple TV will enter in DFU mode.

Step 4: A message will appear giving you further instructions.

Step 5: Open iTunes and restore your Apple TV (Shift + ‘Restore’ button) from the created custom IPSW file (located in My Documents -> Seas0nPass).

Done!

What to do next?
1. Install nitoTV or aTV Flash (black) to get the access to further enhancements.
2. Instal XBMC to watch Hulu.
3. Check out Remote HD app and atv2 plugin and control your Apple TV 2 with the iPhone/iPad or iPod touch.

The post How to Jailbreak Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 or iOS 5 Beta with Seas0nPass 0.7.7 (untethered) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

What’s new in Beta6?

General

• Added show/hide options for standard Apple TV menus
• Added option to manually install if no Apple TVs are detected
• Improved auto-update disabling
• Improved installation error handling
• Minor UI adjustments

Media Player

• Added new lightweight player
• Added recently played items to ‘Top Shelf’ in main menu
• Added Favorites to main menu
• Added option to manually mark files as watched/unwatched
• Added ‘Test Connection’ option for AFP/SMB shares
• Added support for DVD subtitles
• Added support for multiple DVD audio tracks
• Added basic support for MT2S files
• Improved overall video playback (especially HD video files)
• Improved thumbnail generation when cover art is not available
• Improved FF/RW controls
• Improved DVD menu and video playback
• Improved DVD playback progress reporting
• Improved memory management
• Improved AFP/SMB streaming
• Improved error handling for invalid files
• Resolved most video stuttering issues
• Resolved energy saver mode issue
• Resolved issue that resulted in some DVDs being displayed in (squished) 4×3 mode
• Resolved numerous DVD playback issues
• Resolved flickering when navigating through certain menus
• Resolved additional conflicts with XBMC
• Reduced number of network connections used
• Minor UI and other miscellaneous fixes

Beta5 is available through the Downloads tab in your account. If you’re already running aTV Flash (black) on your AppleTV all the new features can be installed through the Maintenance –> Manage Extras menu.

You may also want to read:
Real Racing 2 HD First to Support Wireless Gaming over AirPlay on Apple TV 2
aTV Flash 4.3 for 1st Generation Apple TV Now Available
AirPlay-Enabled Apps: Web Browser, Camera and Videos for Apple TV, TVOut Genie! (review)

The post aTV Flash (black) Beta6 for Apple TV 2 Now Available appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

What’s new in Beta5?

General

• Added AppleTV 4.2.2 compatibility
• Improved installer routine
• Improved handling of failed installations
• Improved error handling
• Minor UI adjustments

Media Player

• Added SMB streaming
• Added photo slideshows
• Added basic video playlists
• Added ‘Favorites’ section
• Added individual photo browsing and viewing
• Added support for ‘xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx/folder’ shares
• Added support for guest/anonymous NAS logins
• Added volumes list sorting
• Added option to disable metadata fetching
• Added option to hide file extensions
• Improved handling of HD video files
• Improved memory management
• Improved DVD file detection
• Improved remote share folder browsing (root folder issue)
• Improved Remote.app support
• Resolved artifact issues (green line near bottom of screen)
• Resolved rare crashes related to AFP streaming
• Resolved issues in share navigation resulting in incorrect ‘menu’ button handling
• Resolved issues resulting in incorrect video playback after rewinding on ‘fastest’ speed
• Resolved issues related to removing saved shares
• Resolved duplicate AFP share entries
• Resolved conflicts with XBMC
• Minor UI fixes
• Other miscellaneous fixes

Couch Surfer Pro

• Added HTML5 audio support (for sites like https://tv.tunein.com/)
• Added EyeTV streaming
• Improved web pages scrolling and layout handling
• Improved iOS-optimized JavaScript support
• Improved highlighting of large web elements
• Auto-complete history is now cleared when clearing history
• New SSL indicator
• Other minor bug fixes

Weather

• Added 5-day forecasts
• Added location search option
• Added automatic location detection (if no saved locations exist)
• Added day/night weather forecasts
• Added ‘Feels Like’ temperature info
• Minor UI fixes

Last.fm

• Added lightweight audio streaming player
• Improved memory management

What Firecore is still working on

• New lightweight audio/video player
• Additional codecs
• DVD chapter controls
• AC3/DTS (5.1 surround) sound
• Subtitle support
• Multiple audio track support
• Improved UI and file browsing
• Better memory management

Beta5 is available through the Downloads tab in your account. If you’re already running aTV Flash (black) on your AppleTV all the new features can be installed through the Maintenance –> Manage Extras menu.

You may also want to read:
Apple Updates Apple TV 2 Firmware to 4.2.2, Untethered Jailbreak is Already Out
SHOUTcast Radio App Updated to Support AirPlay
AirPlay Implementation on the Old Apple TV is Now Complete
AirPlay-Enabled Apps: Air Video (review)

The post aTV Flash (black) Beta5 for Apple TV 2 Now Available appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Apple released minor software update for Apple TV 2 – labeled 4.2.2 – which generally fixes some audio and video playback issues (see the full list of changes below). The IPSW name is still 4.3, but the build version changed from 8F202 to 8F305. @i0n1c has already updated Apple TV 2 kernel for his original 4.3.1 untether. NitoTV confirmed that the new untether works “beautifully” and he said there should be a new Seas0nPass out very soon.

If you do feel like updating to 4.2.2, you can then use the latest version of PwnageTool and the freshly released bundle for atv2 8F305 biuld to jailbreak your device. Remember to place the bundle in FirmwareBundles directory before you start.

For Windows users, sn0wbreeze has also been updated to version 2.7.2 which supports untether jailbreak on the latest firmware version 4.2.2. To jailbreak your Apple TV 2 with sn0wbreeze, use the instructions from this tutorial, just make sure you are using the latest version of sn0wbreeze.

Apple TV Software Update 4.2.2 features:

• Audio: addresses an issue in which audio is not output when playing some video content.
• Video playback: addresses an issue in which video is not displayed when playing some content.
• Audio output setting: adds an audio output setting for switching to 16-bit audio for compatibility with some TVs and AV receivers.
• Live FF/RW improvements: improves the performance of fast-forwarding and rewinding live events.
• Movie description: addresses an issue in which the description information is not displayed for some movies.
• YouTube video order: addresses an issue in which YouTube subscription videos were not ordered by date.

You may also want to read:
How to Jailbreak Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 with sn0wbreeze (untethered)
SHOUTcast Radio App Updated to Support AirPlay
AirPlay-Enabled Apps: Air Video (review)
Remote HD now supports Apple TV 2 (updated)

The post Apple Updates Apple TV 2 Firmware to 4.2.2, Untethered Jailbreak is Already Out appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

The app can stream video from your computer to your iPhone or iPad, which can then be streamed to your Apple TV in the new 4.3 firmware. Currently a beta version of the video server is required (or else only audio will stream through AirPlay). This beta is available for download on InMethod’s website. After you select the folders which you would like Air Video to watch, all videos within are accessible on the Air Video app on both the iPhone and iPad (the app is universal).

I tried the beta solely for the AirPlay with video support. It worked flawlessly. I noticed that the server continues streaming after the computer’s screensaver activates too.

When testing Air Video, I tried a very high quality MKV file and also an OGG video file (among many others). These both needed to be converted by the program’s live conversion feature and it worked just great – videos played smoothly while maintaining a good appearance.

This app will play anything. I downloaded a bunch of video files to test out but one wouldn’t play on my desktop computer. I figured that the file was corrupt but added it to my Air Video folder anyways. To my surprise, this app could play what QuickTime X couldn’t recognize. I was incredibly surprised.

It is possible to add most video files to iTunes and then stream to your Apple TV via Home Sharing, but this app is about convenience; just have Air Video watch your folders and you’ll always have up-to-date access to your video library (provided you have your iPhone or iPad to act as the middleman).

Air Video is available on the App Store for $2.99.

You may also want to read:
How to Jailbreak Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 with sn0wbreeze (untethered)
Remote HD now supports Apple TV 2 (updated)
How to Watch Hulu on Apple TV 2

The post AirPlay-Enabled Apps: Air Video (review) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Here is the step-by-step tutorial on how to jailbreak your Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 (Apple TV 4.2.1) using sn0wbreez 2.5.1:

Pre-launch checklist

1. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iTunes.
2. Download sn0wbreez 2.5.1 for Windows.
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Launch sn0wbreeze and click the arrow to continue.

Step 2: Download the latest IPSW or browse for it if you’ve already downloaded it (drag&drop didn’t work for us).

Wait until IPSW is verified and click the arrow to continue.

Step 3: Custom IPSW file will be built (meanwhile, you can play PacMan…if you have Adobe Flash for IE!).

Step 4: sn0wbreez will notify you that the IPSW has been successfully created (and located on your desktop). Press OK.

Step 5: Connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected).

Step 6: Hold both the ‘MENU’ and ‘PLAY/PAUSE’ buttons for 7 seven seconds. Apple TV will enter in DFU mode.

Step 7: Launch iTunes and restore your atv (Shift + ‘Restore’ button) from the custom IPSW located on your desktop.

Done! Your Apple TV is now jailbroken.

What to do next?
1. Install nitoTV or aTV Flash (black) to get the access to further enhancements.
2. Instal XBMC to watch Hulu.
3. Check out Remote HD app and atv2 plugin and control your Apple TV 2 with the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.

The post How to Jailbreak Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 with sn0wbreeze (untethered) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

FireCore’s

Here are the instructions on how to jailbreak your Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 (Apple TV 4.2.1) using Seas0nPass:

Pre-launch checklist

1. Make sure you’re running the latest version of iTunes.
2. Download Seas0nPass: Mac [10.6 or later] | Windows [XP or later]
3. A micro USB cable will be required to complete the jailbreak.

Jailbreaking

Step 1: Launch Seas0nPass and select ‘Create IPSW’.

Step 2: The latest Apple TV software will be downloaded and used to create a custom jailbroken software file.

Step 3: When prompted, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected), and hold both the ‘MENU’ and ‘PLAY/PAUSE’ buttons for 7 seven seconds. Apple TV will enter in DFU mode.

Step 4: A message will appear giving you further instructions.

Step 5: Open iTunes and restore your Apple TV (Shift + ‘Restore’ button) from the created custom IPSW file (located in My Documents -> Seas0nPass).

Done!

What to do next?
1. Install nitoTV or aTV Flash (black) to get the access to further enhancements.
2. Instal XBMC to watch Hulu.
3. Check out Remote HD app and atv2 plugin and control your Apple TV 2 with the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch.

The post How to Jailbreak Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 with Seas0nPass (untethered) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

What’s new in Beta4?

General

• Added ‘alpha preview’ version of new Media Player
• Added native Weather and RSS apps (will appear under Internet menu when installed)
• Added support for Remote HD iPhone/iPad app
• Added option to restart ‘Lowtide’ via Maintenance menu
• Added support for AppleTV 4.2.1 (iOS 4.3)

Couch Surfer Pro

• Added Google search suggestions to Search menu (iOS 4.3+ only)
• Added ability to delete bookmarks
• Improved animations, HTML5 and CSS3 support
• Improve iPhone/iPad Remote app navigation
• Improved text box handling
• Resolved issues related to Facebook and similar sites
• Many other performance improvements

What can I do with the new Media Player?

What’s included in this version

• Support for many non-iTunes media file types (MKV, AVI, MP4, etc…)
• Native VIDEO_TS (VOB) file playback (with menus)
• AFP network streaming (Mac, TimeCapsule, AirPort Extreme, etc…)
• Automated cover art/metadata fetching
• Basic subtitle support for VOB files
• 5.1 AAC audio
• Watched, unwatched and partially watched markers (includes resume support)
• Volume control (up/down arrows during playback)

Firecore is still working on:

• Better support for HD video files
• SMB network streaming
• 5.1 sound
• Chapter controls
• Video playlists
• Subtitles (.srt)
• Alternative file browsing options
• Photo slideshows
• Improved memory management
• Countless other bug fixes and performance improvements

A brief demo of the Media Player in action can be seen here.

You may also want to read:
Win a copy of Remote HD
How to Watch Hulu on Apple TV 2
How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 with greenpois0n rc6

The post aTV Flash (black) Beta4 for Apple TV 2 Now Available appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Firecore has also shared the news that they plan to have a preview ‘alpha’ version of their video player (with NAS streaming support) available next week.

Here is a preview of the video player in action.

(Firecore: In the demo a full DVD (VIDEO_TS) movie is being streamed from a remote AFP based NAS drive over wifi. Playback is handled entirely on the AppleTV, and requires no server-side transcoding. Full 5.1 sound is also supported.)

You may also want to read:
How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 on iOS 4.3 with Seas0nPass (tethered)
How to Watch Hulu on Apple TV 2
How to jailbreak Apple TV 2 with greenpois0n rc6

The post Seas0nPass for Windows Released appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.