Update: Latest Apple TV update broke the Plex hack, here is how to fix it.

Last week we reported that Plex now runs on non-jailbroken Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 thanks to PlexConnect, a clever little hack that allows a fully-functional Plex client on non-jailbroken ATV2 and ATV3. We also posted a tutorial on how to get it working on your little black box using a Mac. Below is an installation guide for Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

(via PlexConnect wiki)

Note: This guide can also be used with firmwares prior to 5.2 and those with Apple TVs on wireless connections, just use some common sense for changing the DNS on the ATV and leave the subnet mask and router settings as they are (the screens are slightly different for this bit only).

• Ensure that your PlexConnect machine always has the same IP address

In order for PlexConnect to work the Apple TV has to have its DNS server changed to that of the ATV. In order to ensure that the device’s IP does not change you need to need to either set a DHCP reservation or static IP in your router for the device and then make a note of it. Click here for a Lifehacker guide on how to set this up.

• Configuring your ATV

1. On your Apple TV, go to Settings -> General -> Network -> Ethernet (if you are connected via wireless select that instead)

2. Make a note of the current DNS server (you will need to add this into your PlexConnect settings later) and then click on the ‘configure DNS’ button:

3. On the ‘configure DNS’ screen click on the ‘manually’ button:

4. On the ‘configure DNS’ screen change the IP address to that of the local IP of the device that you are running the PlexConnect application on and then click on the ‘done’ button (if you are using a firmware prior to 5.2 and it asks you to configure the IP address of your router and the subnet mask, leave them unchanged):

5. It should return you to the previous network configuration screen, check that the DNS server is set to manual and that the IP address is now that of the machine that you are running PlexConnect on:

• Downloading, installing and configuring PlexConnect

1. Download Python 2.7.x from here and install it (PlexConnect is not designed to work with Python 3.x. so please ensure you install the correct version)
2. If you are running a firewall (Windows or otherwise) ensure that you create a rule for python.exe
3. The developers will be releasing point versions (e.g. v0.1, v0.2 etc) of PlexConnect but until then you can always download the latest zip from Github here (do not expect support on any branches as they are either running test or outdated code)
4. Once you have downloaded the zip file, place it in a directory of your choosing on the machine you wish to run PlexConnect on and unzip it.
5. Double-click the “PlexConnect.py” file to start PlexConnect
6. You should see output in the command window as PlexConnect starts.
7. Open the Trailer application on your Apple TV and you should see the PlexConnect interface appear.
8. Enjoy!

Note: WHS requires some extra steps:

1. Go to IIS Manager, under ‘sites’ make sure there are no sites running on port 80.
2. Go to Windows Firewall and create a new ‘Inbound Rule’ for python.exe to allow it access to the internet.

The post How to install Plex on non-jailbroken Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 [Windows tutorial] appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

With friends like AirParrot, who needs a jailbreak for the Apple TV 3? You are able to stream movies, watch TV, run XBMC, play music, and watch home videos – all on your Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3, without any hacking whatsoever. AirParrot is a fantastic little package that enables your Macs running 10.6.8 and up and your Windows machines running XP and up to AirPlay its screen to Apple’s little hockey puck. Yes people, Windows machines! Now we can take full advantage of these Apple TV’s, especially those 3rd generation units that are still, patiently, awaiting a jailbreak.

Now, obviously Windows and Macs have been missing out on the AirPlay fun over these past few years. That is until Apple recently added this exact functionality – AirPlay Mirroring – to its latest OS release Mountain Lion. That said AirPlay Mirroring is only available on certain machines and what about those of us who do not intend to upgrade or own Windows machines? Well, AirParrot is here as a digital savior to us all.

The GOOD

1)  Unlike so many applications out there, AirParrot works right when you install it. There was not a set up, no trying to adjust a million little settings that are far outside my realm of understanding. I just clicked the download link, installed, and was streaming my Mac to the Apple TV in a matter of moments!

2)  I love that fact that the audio streams to the Apple TV as well. You can actually choose where your sound is going: computer speakers or the Apple TV connected television (with dolby digital surround sound perhaps). This program can really make you forget you are using a computer, and with the help of a iOS remote you can forego the mouse and keyboard all together.

3)  I was able to stream video, in fullscreen, without stutters and/or freezes. This has not always been the case with this application. The AirParrot team has done some fantastic updates to get us where we are today.

4)  When you do decide to play with the settings, they are easy to understand. Everything was very self explanatory.

The BAD?

1)  There was only one thing I found wrong with my time using this program, and it was easily fixed. When I first installed AirParrot I attempted to stream a movie right away. This caused my television screen to stutter and everything began to slow way down. I then checked the settings and saw that I was streaming in 1080p to my Apple TV 2. Once I adjusted the picture quality I was sending to the television, everything smoothed out and I was watching The Daily Show in no time. Shout out to #JonStewart!

The UGLY TRUTH

In the end, AirParrot is a great option for work or entertainment, the home or office, the shed or your bathroom. It opens up a world of possibilities to your laptops and desktop computers. For me, I am all things XBMC and and therefore I am all things media, so my interest was in streaming movies, shows, and music and AirParrot handled it all. I then ran PowerPoint, Keynote, Chrome, and even iMovie: AirParrot knocked it out of the park. You haven’t lived until you have edited a movie on a 55 inch screen.

If you are one of the millions of owners of an Apple TV 3, I cannot see why you would not download and install AirParrot today. Load it on the computer in the other room, download a free iOS, or Android, or Windows 7 (soon to be 8) remote control for your computer, sit in the living room, and watch TV as if it your device had a glorious jailbreak. I did it, and so can you.

AirParrot is available from here with a single machine license for $9.99 USD and a 5-machine license for $29.99 USD. 10 minutes trial version is also available.

The post AirParrot: to stream or not to stream (Review) appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

Windows version of AirParrot, an app that streams your computer’s screen to your Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3 over AirPlay, has been released a few weeks ago but if you haven’t grabbed your own copy yet, here is a chance to get it for free.

AirParrot works by encoding your display’s image as H.264 video and sending it to your Apple TV in real time. Since it also features audio mirroring, AirParrot seems like a perfect solution to watch your movies and videos on the big screen, and, especially, to bring web pages based on Flash content, like Hulu, to your HDTV.

Initially, AirParrot for Windows is not as full featured as the Mac version but the developers expect to release the improved Windows version of the app this summer.

AirParrot for Windows requires Windows XP or later and works with Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 running firmware 4.4.x or 5.0.x; no hacking/jailbreaking needed.

We are giving away 10 free copies of AirParrot for Windows. Here is how to enter the contest:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Giveaway: Win AirParrot screen mirroring app for Windows appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.

AirParrot, an app that streams your computer’s screen to your Apple TV 2 or Apple TV 3 over AirPlay, is finally available for Windows. AirParrot works by encoding your display’s image as H.264 video and sending it to your Apple TV in real time. Since it also features audio mirroring, AirParrot seems like a perfect solution to watch your movies and videos on the big screen, and, especially, to bring web pages based on Flash content, like Hulu, to your HDTV.

Initially, AirParrot for Windows is not as full featured as the Mac version but the developers expect to release the improved Windows version of the app this summer: “We’re still working on some features for Windows, but we hope to release updates that add most of the functionality users find on OSX,” said David Stanfill, head developer at Squirrels.

AirParrot for Windows requires Windows XP or later and works with Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 running firmware 4.4.x or 5.0.x; no hacking/jailbreaking needed.

AirParrot is available from here with a single machine license for $14.99 USD and a 5-machine license for $49.99 USD. 20 minutes trial version is also available.

We will ran a giveaway of AirParrot app soon. Stay tuned!

The post AirParrot screen mirroring app now available for Windows appeared first on Apple TV Hacks.