Apple TV is still on the fritz

Way to go Kirk!

I just added 3 ATVs to my house, all with the 3.0 upgrade. Two weeks of everyday use and no problems here…

Apple TV is a great product. You cannot beat it as an audio server for $250.00…an area Apple has not pushed in its marketing. Had mine for a year with 5000 songs in lossless format. CD quality sound and instant access. Try and find any other product that does that for less than $250.00.

I wonder what percentage of Apple TV owners have actually experienced this problem? I have had no problems with mine and it has worked flawlessly since the 3.0 update. The only possible beef would be an occasional network dropout (and I know I never have had one of those on my laptop!), but that seems to have been fixed with 3.0. Overall, love it!

I'm a big Apple guy, but Netgear Digital Entertainer is the way to go for me. I love mine.

TIVO people, TIVO!!!

My ATV has worked flawlessly after the 3.0 upgrade and there has been no issues with the 3.0.1 upgrade either.
(knock on wood )

I have multiple ATVs, at home and in a retail environment. Have set them up for at least a dozen friends and family (who then said: "Sorry, guess I coulda done that."). No problems, does exactly what I initially wanted it to do (centralize ALL my media) and keeps adding features that I keep adding to my list. It doesn't do everything for everyone. But most of the people who bitch about it are trolls who never had any intention of getting one in the first place.

Sure I have my short list of things I'd like in the future (wireless keyboard/mouse access and web surfing – but if i really wanted that i'd just hook up a mac mini), but for the price it does what it advertises more elegantly, and more fanless, than anything else out there.

After living with ATVs for awhile now, I can't imagine going back.

I have yet to have a problem with OS X, and I've used them all since 10.2. Sometimes the GUI, method, access, or tool changes that can make a routine difficult to master again, but never a 'technical' problem with the OS. So for those that say OS X always has problems, you're either an idiot that 'hacks' your install, or you're a PC and you're jealous and trying to create a 'myth' where no problem exists.

Apple TV is nifty, but why not just buy a Mini? For a few hundred bucks more, you get a DVD player and the ability to play whatever formats you want, not to mention a full computer connected to your TV (surf the web, run a stock ticker, check weather, you get the idea). Add Plex and you're golden. Stream Netflix and Hulu from a very cool interface. I just don't get why people buy the ATV?

I've had an ATv since it was first launched and got a second one a couple of months ago. Apple TV has got to be one of the greatest customizable viewing options available. Get what you want when you want it. I am computer agnostic using multiple platforms for decades. The ease of use and capabilities are superlative. The update was completely effective when applied as directed.

I had minor problems until I did the most recent upgrade which really tanked the ATV as well as itunes. iTunes lost it's reference to the music files which ultimately resulted in corrupt ed files after several attempts to do a restore. The end result is that I lost approximately 80 songs and a lot o time. This is my first poor experience with Apple. I hope this is the last!

I cant believe Apple screwed this up so bad. I think they are getting sloppy because of to many products. They should focus more on hardware because their OSX is a big mess and nothing ever works. I guess thats what I get for drinking the koolaid any buying all their junk.

I have installed over 40 apple TV's and have yet to have a problem.

@Freddie: "First off, the interface was lacking when it came to entering text to search for titles."

Huh? It's both dead simple, and quick, Freddie–live, as-you-type search is fully supported. In addition, if you have an iPod touch or iPhone, you can *directly* enter search terms using the device's keyboard and Apple's free Remote app.

You then stated that, "…the unit itself runs very, very warm. It is actually hot to the touch."

So? That is normal and within the device's design spec. Note that Apple TV is fanless and therefore totally silent–a very good feature for a device intended to be used in the living room or home theater area.

Then you stated that, "…the features that I might have used are not anything better than what I already have on my Comcast cable box."

Apple TV does MUCH more than that, Freddie. Too bad you didn't take the time to discover and use those features…

If your Windows machines at work are crashing that often, you really should fire your administrators. No matter what the OS preference, most businesses won't tolerate a huge amount of downtime like that. If the small IT department I ran were to have that sort of crash rate and I didn't have it fixed within a day, I would personally feel like a complete failure at my job. If I didn't have it resolved within a week, I would almost certainly be fired – and rightly so.

That's not to say Windows machines don't crash more than Macs – All I'm saying is someone on your staff is clearly not very good at their job. Windows has some unstable operating systems out there, but 10 crashes a day is just shamefully negligent tech work.

For those keeping on topic with the Apple TV in this article – kudos to you. For those griping and whining between Mac and PC, take it elsewhere – it is NOT the subject of the article.

Anyone driving TV should have chosen MacMini over AppleTV anyway. Much more flexibility and usefulness.

Reston Independent is right about Mac naysayers never having tried a Mac. Probably 90% of the Mac haters I've met have never used one. Can you honestly say one platform is better than the other without having tried them both?

To Reston VA with all your years and accomplishment within the PHD field of Computer Science…. I would have expected you to realize your issue is probably a PEBKAC error.

To jnice – I second the Sage TV. Windows Media Center also very nice with Linksys DMA2100.

I bought an Apple TV and returned it 3 weeks later.
First off, the interface was lacking when it came to entering text to search for titles. Specifically on YoutTube. (The firmware no my Samsung Blue Ray player was even better.)
Second, the unit itself runs very, very warm. It is actually hot to the touch. I am not surprised to hear other posts echoing this.
Finally, the features that I might have used are not anything better than what I already have on my Comcast cable box.

I'm agnostic. I own products from both Microsoft and Apple, plus run open source (Linux). I'm a software developer with many years of experience in both systems and applications work. I've had an AppleTV for over a year and it's been far from perfect. In fact, the vast majority of times I've rented a movie using my AppleTV, I am presented with a solid white screen when I attempt to play it. Only the player controls appear at the bottom, but otherwise I can see nor hear nothing. It doesn't matter if I wait only a few minutes until told it's ready to play or if I wait for the entire movie to download first. Every time this has happened, I found that I had to reboot the AppleTV and then try to play the movie again. It then works just fine. But, this reboot requirement virtually every time is crazy. I have seen a few other people post about this (as well as heard from friends who've experienced it) and from Apple I've gotten: NOTHING. No acknowledgment the problem exists. Always a registered "surprise" by Apple folks in a local Apple store who claim they've never heard of this problem. It's infuriating. I'm curious if this latest update will address THAT problem. I've not yet tried renting a movie…..

To all the PC naysayers of Mac,

I've used PCs for 29 years and Macs for close to 24 years. I am also a Ph.D. in Computer Science. I have a M.S. in Electrical Engineering. I lead a team of 75 software developers.

The argument I have seen is that the Mac zealots say they "just work". The PC camp says that is a lot of baloney, that they've never had a problem. I've used and continue to use PCs and Macs for a many years. What I do not use however is Microsoft Windows at home although it is offered for free for home use by my employer. Businesses buy what is cheap, not what is better…chew on that for a while. While it is true that Macs have some nicer qualities (design aesthetic, well-vetted user interfaces and a WHOLE lot more testing); they do have negatives. My Mac will occasionally crash, software crashes, stuff like that. Apple is not guilt free.

I do use Microsoft Windows at work on a couple of laptops. These are only available so I can develop software on them. They are well maintained installations of Windows with anti-virus, disk defrags, etc. I can tell you by far that Microsoft Windows crashes on me a whole lot more than my Macs ever do (on average about 10 times a day-reboots, software crashes, blue screen of death), and we have a team of 35 Microsoft Windows administrators. So the PC naysayers should really walk a mile in a Mac owners' shoes before they make uneducated comments about Macs if they've never owned or operated one.

I will continue to use Macs as my primary home computers, not because they work flawlessly but because I don't have time to come home from work and fiddle with computers, because that's my job.

If you look at total cost of ownership, I can bet that you probably will find that although Macs cost a little more initially-over the long haul you probably end up paying more. Just my 2 cents.

My SageTV pvr with HD200 boxs
connected, to each TV can play any
type of media I want.
Live TV, Video, Web Video, Audio Files
You name it…

The HD200 boxs run circles around
Apples current offering

Discussions involving Mac and PC products will always draw the vociferous defending of either platform! Most guys do this with tech faves from BBQ grills to Valves vs. Solid State in High-End Audio. Yeah, it's a pity it overshadows the original forum subject but it's typical because we're driven to a various degree to air strong opinions, prove our wisdom, and try to make everything into black or white choices.

The only comment I want to add to Mac/PC debate, is that consumer level design effort (WRT software, UI, or hardware) is only ever going to be understood, appreciated, and paid for by a minority which is fine. PC's are a price driven commodity and that's a fact. Specially engineered and impressive PC's are out there too, but that is another niche. Apple is clearly motivated to create an overall user experience that is enjoyed by the majority of owners. In practice not perfect … but a successful and unique approach.

Getting back to the "validity" of ATV, what I have taken from this discussion and others on the subject is that there is a much larger user-base than I had realized to date. Most owners enjoy using them, and the ATV remained under the wider discussion radar for a couple of years until a few temporary software glitches raised awareness (ironically).

I just watch tv on my tv.

And I have a 5 year old laptop with Linux.

Somehow, I'm living my life just fine. Where do you people get all the time and money to waste on such trivialities only to bicker about which is better? I'm kinda glad I'm too poor to afford anything with an apple on it.

I've got a simple fix for all this, Buy an Xbox 360 and download Connect 360. It plays nearly every video file type wirelessly from my Mac with no problems. I debated getting an Apple TV myself for some time, but it's far too limited as of now and to me a waste of money.

No problem with my ATV, not now – not ever. What I am most amused at here is that it seems like the neanderthals love the PC and are so inclined to smack-talk Apple. And, other neanderthals seem to be most interested in discrediting women, specifically Ellen. As for me, Ellen – you go girl! In fact, you can watch my ATV and enjoy some popcorn with me anytime.

I'm an IT guiy who uses PCs all day at work, but my home is pure Mac because well controlled hardware and software naturally works better. That plus the far superior UI and bulletproof OS make it a no brainer. That sai. I traded my Apple TV for a Roku. This has more to do with overall cost and content selection. Apple TV just isn't there yet.

I too have been using PC's since my first IBM compatible back in 1984. It had 640k of memory, a green monitor, two 5-1/4" floppy drives with a 20MB hard drive and the clunkiest keyboard you could ever imagine. Now I have a full blown machine with Quadcore-CPU, GB's of memory, a big giant LCD screen, 5.1 sound and……. All I need now is a neuro interface and I will be complete.

My point! I can do anything on my "PC" tht anyone else can do on a MAC. I browse, I blog, I edit JPG's, I edit video from my HD video camera, I IM with my niece and nephew, play games and order pizza. My computer never hangs up, it never sporadically reboots itsself and I very rarely get any error messages.

For security I have virus software, a pop-up blocker and a spyware program so I can go anywhere and do anything I want. I get a kick out of those Apple ads with the MAC guy and PC guy where it's ALWAYS the PC guy who gets stuck. My gosh does anyone remember Apple OS 9? It was horrible… and when OS-X came out it was even worse. I have never touched a MAC and I never, never will.

I had the "lost all media" issue, but once I resynced I haven't had any problems. Haven't upgraded to the 3.0.1 for fear if inducing other issues. I've had mine for a few years… It's good for what it does. Think of it as an iPod for your tv. Would love 1080p output, but 720 gets the job done since most of what I have on there are from DVD's anyway. It's great for families… Don't have to worry about kids scratching discs, waiting for menus, previews, etc.

@Andy: Apple TV is anything BUT a "disappointment!" Those that actually own them love them. See the owners' comments here.

BTW, Apple TV outputs beautiful 1080p–mine is hooked up to my new 50" Panasonic G10 1080p plasma and rented HD movies on the Apple TV look fantastic. In fact, the only video source that looks better is Blu-ray. Even better, Apple TV outputs true, discrete 5.1 sound.

Don't believe the FUD, Andy. Check it out for yourself.

@DK

"my boat and the naked women on it". Sure, keep telling yourself that. Do what I did and find a hot wife that also loves to tinker with technology. The PC will seem OK then.

Oddly enough, I can watch TV on my Mac.

Take that, PC!

(Check out offerings from elgato.com, and others.)

I love it when Mac Fans say stupid stuff like "It just works". I have been using PC's for years. I don't use firewalls. I don't use Anti Virus programs. I don't use Anti Spyware programs. What I DO use, is common sense, and that is how my PC, this one and every one I've ever owned, has continued to "Just work". Macs are for people who like having their hand held and can't do simple things for themselves. More money, less power, less control. Definately the way to go! /sarcasm

I have been a Mac convert for 9 years now, and I admire just about anything they produce.

That said, Apple TV is a huge disappointment, and unless it figures out how to get good 1080p I am not going for it.

Oddly enough, I can watch TV on my PC.

Take that, Mac!

Lol… love to c all these mac geeks complain about pc… normally people without a cent of knowhow make these comments.. and just because a mac is expensive doesn't make it better, macboys..

Chad in Fairbanks: you know, between the two of us, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who has any experience whatsoever building/using/repairing/upgrading/supporting BOTH Macintosh and PC hardware and software. I know what I'm talking about, and I'm well paid because of it. I doubt you can say the same.

Amazing. Make a negative comment about Apple, even one that Apple admits, and out come the religious zealots spewing fire and brimstone.

You people need to get a life.

3 words to describe my Mac (and Apple TV): Worth Every Penny.

@Big Bird

Why all the hate? Did someone piss in your coffee? Do you key Lexuses when you walk by them? It's not your business if someone wants to buy something that's nice looking but overpriced. Maybe space is an issue and a Apple TV works out better for some people than a larger bulkier system.

No, I don't have an Apple TV. I've been using Macs for decades however, and I'm certainly not so clueless that I buy memory straight from Apple, same reason I don't buy batteries from Best Buy: it's an overpriced impulse purchase that I can get cheaper somewhere else.

Now go take a nap before you give your self an aneurism.

Get a life.

I own a Mac because I'd rather spend my time tinkering with my boat and the naked women on it than trying to figure out why my computer keeps locking up.

I don't care how much more $$$ a Mac costs. It works flawlessly when I need it.

"It just works". Chew on that you bunch of goober, soda breath PC losers.

To all you Mac fanbois.

1) yes, I build computers from commodity parts, for far less money than you paid for your Mac.
2) no, I don't have regular problems, etc, with my machines.
3) why? because I have a clue.

So, you guys enjoy your Macs, which, hardware-wise, are behind in the times, but sure do look pretty. Enjoy having spent more money. Oh, and for those complaining about "commodity parts" – ever look at the prices for Mac memory compared to the exact same "commodity" memory? There's no explanation for the price difference, except, well, the Apple tax.

If I want to play with OSX, I'll boot up my VM. Or my Hackintosh – which, btw, is faster and more powerful than your Mac that you paid a bajillion $$$ for, and hey, runs OSX and any other Apple app i may wanna play with.

My self built PC works flawlessly too. It was built using higher quality components than you will find in Macs. Why do you have to upgrade a PC "all the time"? You don't.

Apple propaganda is funny at least, if not realistic.

I have a macbook at the house and it's been no more trouble free than any of my PCs, at home or work. My girlfriend uses the macbook to surf the web and sync her ipod. It's good for that at least. I had to install a virtual machine running windows XP to get her connected to our work VPN though. Shockingly the VPN software our provider users does not come in a Mac version. That's what happens when you are about 5% of the marketshare. 95% or more of the software and accessories out there are for the PC.

Most of the techie Mac owners I know run windows on their Macs. If it weren't for the ability to run windows (which microsoft should stop allowing IMO) Macs would be even more of a niche product.

Ellen, get a wife. Then tell us more about men, orrrrr……is that already the case?

"I can build a much more powerful PC for much less than I could spending it on a MAC."

Yeah, build one from cheap commodity parts that rarely work well together, so that you spend more time working on making your computer work instead of being productive. I "went Mac" about a year ago and I'm never going back to a PC. My Apple products work flawlessly – out of the box and always. I don't have to continually upgrade. My employer just foisted an HP laptop running XP on me for "security reasons." I've spent a week already trying to get it ready to do what it took me only a few hours to do on my Mac.

So, Apple has a problem with Apple TV. This is rare, but those of us who know Apple understand that they won't rest until they make it right. And it won't take them years to do so.

How did this become a forum to give us 800 reasons to buy a mac over a PC. And who cares how long you have worked in the PC business, or how many certifications you have. This is a article about a flawed piece of apple hardware. Except for this dumb argument about MAC and PC I can build a much more powerful PC for much less than I could spending it on a MAC. And i can upgrade til my hearts content And I can say with windows XP and a simple firewall I have rarely had any problems. Maybe I just dont download as much porn as the rest of the world…

I had one issue with my Apple TV not syncing with the computer automatically, but that was about a year ago. No problems with v 3.0. None with 3.0.1.
I rarely have problems with any of my Apple products (unlike the weekly hassles with Windows and PCs).

I don't have an iPhone, so can't comment on that – but from what I've seen, the biggest problem with those have to do with AT&T – not the phone.

@Corey: Apple TV outputs a 1080p signal to a 1080p HDTV. See the link. On the other hand, *source* video can be a maximum of 720p24 at 5,000 kbps average, 12,000 kbps peak:

http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1,819906,820550#msg-820550

My Apple TV still froze after the 3.0.1 was installed (just once). I am still able to use my Apple TV, but I worry that it will freeze again.

Craig Ross,
Ha, sure! Love how you throw out there all these credentials you supposedly have. Funny how everyone on the internet has sooo much experience and expertise. Sure, me too! For someone who "claims" to have all that experience, you spend your nights on a blog pitching Apple. Yep, and I'm the CEO of a major company.

I'm guessing you are a run of the mill Apple fanboy who knows a few unix commands. Keep up the good work!

To Mr. Protocol:

The Mac Mini does a nice job as a media center for those with more specific needs like you which is great. Again though, the Apple TV is a relatively cheap and robust APPLIANCE that
was to be an entree for Apple into a nascent area of the consumer electronics market.
It can be used straight out of the box into a Home Entertainment system, with nothing more than an internet connection and AV cabling. The original intention was to give people an alternative to cable or satellite (subscription based) media delivery. The internet had gained enough bandwidth to achieve one of the holy grails of modern tech (to watch HDTV ready movies from the net with merely a minute or two to begin viewing) and start moving away from renting and spinning physical silver discs. SJ called it a DVD player for the internet.
Today still, I would rather spontaneously rent an HD movie off my ATV and watch it within minutes for $4.99, than pay the same or more to get a limited choice on my satellite PPV channels, and wait for the end of the current showing to start watching. Then there's showing up at the rental store to find an empty shelf, or waiting for discs in Snail Mail… and returning them.

Not needing to install a dedicated computer by the home theater system for that task and maintain it was a key factor. People trust appliances to work with less fuss over the long haul than a general purpose "computer" (Macs included) … just like their DVD players do without booting up into an on screen OS first. Notwithstanding the recent ATV software fiasco for some users of course!

Footnote: DVD players had saturated the market enough to make it superfluous to add one to an ATV as well, considering the intended install zone. Reducing the machine to core tasks not offered by other appliances reduced complexity (especially moving parts), cost, and fits the designed purpose. Logical?

In my own case, I've never experienced the problems described, other than the occasional hesitation between hitting the 'Menu' button and the system acknowledging. Playback has never faltered and, while iTunes syncs with the ATV on a fairly regular basis, I've never experienced any kind of data loss or freeze.

Did the update. Working fine. Nice to see the new interface and access to iTunes LP feature as well as radio streaming.

I do tech support for apple and it took ages for me to purchase a mac. Today you would have to pry my macbook from my cold, dead hands. I used to build and service pcs. Pcs are for geeks and macs are for folks that want an excellent machine with the best support ever. Most software has flaws — at least Apple admits them and resolves them without forcing you to buy a new operation system.

Throw it in the trash and get something decent! Like a new Dell HTPC running XBMC. Of course, Fortune will probably erase this post since it's anti-apple…

I have been a PC engineer for 26 years. I'm an ECNC, MCSE, CCNA and Sun2k certified engineer. I have work for every major bank in NY. I have designed trading floors for JP Morgan. I'm an HP certified Server installer and have set up every type of computer hardware you could think of. Sun, SGI, DEC VAX, RS6000, Wang, you name it. I was the first Sonicwall certified engineer in NYC. I have owned consulting companies, Union cabling and fiber installation companies and I'm also an ex-RCDD.

And I only use a Mac.

Because I have had enough of Microsoft's BS for over 20 years. Given, I have made a crapload of cash fixing Bill's Bugs and I will forever love him for it. But for myself, I prefer a mac.

So all of you keep buying PC's in the business world. PLEASE. I need the cash badly now. Windows & is Microsoft's way of fixing the economy. They will ensure that there is steady employment for us techies for the foreseeable future…..

And my Apple TV is well hacked and I have no reason to upgrade..

Looks like more popular Apple is facing similar problems like other popular software houses. Bottom line recent iPhone worm, latest OS upgrade issues, Apple TV issue, safari on Mac is one of the easiest to break showing us PC and MAC are similar in many ways all it matters popularity (impact to # users, fun and monetary benefits hackers may get breaking into)

wow apple makes icarp stuff too. My iphone was a pos…..but lets blame it all on others (like at&t). Iquit using their stuff. Idontlike having to pay for extended warranties to get them to talk to me and get them to replace their idefective ibatteries.

this mac vs. pc argument is stupid. anyone engaging in it without getting paid by the side they are arguing for…also stupid. The real crappy part is that these operating systems refuse to work together and, for whatever reason, cause people to fight about which is better, which is honestly like fighting over whether my new balance sneakers are better than your nikes.

yay for corporate globalization. someday there'll be IT hooligans.

to Ty in Arlington,,you bought an Apple computer,,,after 4 years of the same problems Apple gave up on fixing it and replaced it,,and you're proud of Apple for this?…what?…you're the kind of customer any company with a bad product loves,,lol

Oh brother, now come the comments like the ones from Chad. "My computer works for me so clearly everyone else is an idiot" blah blah whine big manly bragging about a "man's computer" (I fixed your incorrect punctuation, Chad – you're welcome – how come your big manly PC didn't catch that typo?). It's amazing that an article about one specific piece of hardware can bring out all the idiots who want to prove that their manhood is bigger and better. Amazing, and sad.

Isn't it possible that for some folks Mac is the answer, and for others the answer is a PC? The answer, of course, is YES. Sadly, some morons can't take the fact that their way of life just might not work for everyone else. And this"tiny little mind" syndrome will be the downfall of us all.

Men are more, "Passionate" about technology? Yuck factor 0.

HAHA! The PC fanboi comments are hilarious. I use both PC and Mac in the workplace (graphics/printing industry), and Mac completely blows away anything PC tries to do. We tend to stay away from the PC as much as possible, only use it as a last resort when we get PC files from people who have no idea what they're doing. Maybe the little gadget things weren't such a good idea for Apple, but as far as computing goes, M$ has a LONG way to go to catch up with Apple. Even Windows 7 (oh, excuse me, Windows Vista 6.1) can't hold a candle to ANY version of OSX. Face it kids, PCs are geared marketed for people who have no idea how to use computers, Macs are for those who KNOW how to use them and RELY on them and can count on them, AS WELL as those who don't know how to use them because of their simplicity.

My apologies on previous post–should have read "Louis."

Lewis– Apple's tech specs page doesn't list it as supporting 1080p output. (It only lists it as being "compatible" with 1080p TVs.) From what I see, the max video resolution it supports is 1280 by 720.

I had to do the following with my Apple TV. First, upload the software. Second, deauthorize and reauthorize my itunes account on my computer. Third, on my Apple TV do a full factory restore. Fourth, connect my Apple TV to the WiFi and then enter the access code to connect it to my iTunes. Sync the Mac to the Apple TV with the content I want.

To Chad in Alaska: Wow. You are BOTH an idiot AND sexist. Congrats.

@Lane

"….a MANS computer – A PC"

roflmao…..hahahahaha…."a MANS computer"

Did you really just say "a 'MANS' computer" ?

That is great, I will be laughing at you all day, along with other colleagues of mine.

LOL@you

Ellen – take us back…we love you!!!

@Dwayne: "And of course since its on the PS3 it supports full 1080p HD output"

Dwayne, you do realize that Apple TV fully supports 1080p HD output, right? In fact, Apple TV provides 1080p with discrete 5.1 multi-channel sound.

I'm a relative newcomer to Mac. Had been a PC guy for decades until I could not longer tolerate the infinite number of bugs in the software. I was so pleased with the Mac laptop that I purchased a few Mac periferals including Airport Express, Time Capsule, Apple TV, and the new and amazing Magic mouse. I have not had any problems with any of the products, even the upgrade to Apple TV 3.0.1. If I do experience a problem with the Apple TV, it will pale in comparison to the spectrum of bugs in PC products.

I have an I phone, I have had several iproblems with it. I had to Iexchange it twice. I would like some Ifreedom to choose another cell provider because AT&T sucks.

Lane in VA. That is YOUR opinion. I have a different take… Apple Fan Bois don't get it. Apple is a toy, made for boys. I'll take the real computer, a MANS computer – A PC. I have not been to a single bank, engineering firm, lawyers firm, or any other highly established, PROFESSIONAL firm that uses Apple exclusively, so your COMP TIA cert means absolutely nothing. The presentation has always been the Apple club argument. Well if presentation is so apealling, why don't pro shops dish out the extra for the eye candy? CUZ IT AINT WORTH IT!

For Eric from Seattle: If a warranty expires, it expires. If it's a car, you can buy the parts. If it's a motherboard, you buy a new motherboard. If it is a tightly integrated item like an iPhone, you buy a new iPhone.

A story about Apple Customer Service:
I had a model of Mac that had a known issue in that it would flip random bits, resulting in file corruption. Othee identical machines had the same problem. I took the machine in twice to Apple and their diagnostic tools had not been designed to detect this exact problem. I took the machine several times during the warranty period and Apple replaced every major component.

Finally, when the machine was four years old and _14_months_ out of warranty, Apple gave me a brand new machine right off the shelf – four years more advanced than the machine it replaced. I'd like to see HP, Dell, or anyone else top that.

@P,

I have a story about Apple's supposedly "helpful" service. I live in Sydney, and I purchased my iPod Touch at an Apple store. Two weeks later, my iPod simply stopped working, and no hardware would find it. I only used iTunes, and never attempted to jailbreak it or anything else.

So, I can simply return it to the Apple store, right? – WRONG. I took it back to the Apple Store I bought it from (George Street, Sydney) – and they told me I needed to contact Apple's help line.

I contacted Apple's help line, and they told me I needed to mail it in (at my expense). I told them, I didn't want to mail it in, but AT MY EXPENSE, I would happily return back to the store where I paid it and would happily pay any appropriate service charges

(remember: I'd just paid for a brand new device two weeks earlier, and NOW I'm offering to PAY to have it serviced?!)

They told me that wasn't an option, before the "helpful" telephone service personel added, "Sir, you have to understand that this is 'disposable technology'"

$600 Disposable technology?! Where was that on the packaging?!

I never got it repaired. I happily use a Toshiba Gigabeat.

Thus began, and ended, my relationship with Apple.

If that is how you treat a customer of only two weeks – I'm never going to make a larger investment in your brand.

you PC fanboys don't get it…Apple is popular because it's a better user experience than any iteration of the Windows OS. It's not WHAT the thing does, it's HOW it does it. Sure a Mustang in many ways is a better deal than a Porsche 911…which one would you rather own?

Yes, some Apple products are buggy. But no more so than anything you'd get from MS, and none of them so bad as the unmitigated disaster that was Windows ME, or the hilariously bloated, dead-on-arrival flop that was Windows Vista.

and before you start your rant, take note: I am Comp/TIA A+ and Microsoft certified…I know whereof I speak.

I use a Mac Mini as my media center and haven't had a lick of trouble with my third-party software (Quicktime w/ Perian, MPlayer OS X Extended). Apple TV is too limited in the formats it handles, Windows still has a bad basic security model.

You know plenty about technology? You must have picked up your knowledge from a guy at Apple, considering Microsoft doesn't own Apple.

Leeroy Jenkins,
(Love the name, BTW! Truly original!… I'm a gamer loser too!)
We Mac folks are SOO sorry to hear that you're "sick of it." If you're so happy with your PC, why does all this stuff bother you? Oh, I know… because YOU'RE NOT HAPPY! You're right about one thing – you HAVE been doing all these things for years – and they all SUCK and NEVER WORK RIGHT! Enjoy the new OS! After all, it was YOUR idea.

First and foremost, Apple's products are not perfect, however you tend to get what you pay for and in general their customer service and customer experience is unmatched.

I work in IT, I've switched my entire family and most friends to Macs over the last 6 years and my middle of the night tech support calls are gone.

It's worth it for the simple reason of not having to deal with the Malware/spyware alone.

Windows 7 is ok, but it's still Windows…intrusive and annoying. Microsoft is a me too company who fails to innovate. See their recent "Microsoft Store".

Linux is getting there with distros like Ubuntu, but you better make sure everything works out of the box and you don't have to install any drivers. Still too much reliance on the command line. I installed 9.1 Netbook Remix on an MSI Wind and no matter what I've tried, getting an AR5001 Atheros wifi card to work has been near impossible and baffling.

Out of the big three (OS X, Windows, and Linux) OS X is the best choice for reliability, security, and a hassle free experience. Is it the cheapest option? No, but how much do you value your time and sanity?

I've actually been really impressed with Apple's Customer Service in the past, as long as the item is under warranty. I received a new Mouse via overnight FedEx when mine semi-stopped working (the roller ball stopped working).

Oh dear… where to begin. Obviously, the name "maddawg" says alot. And terms such as "noobs" and the mention of UFC speaks volumes about who we are dealing with here. Look maddawg, your words are nothing more than fuel for us Macusers. We LOVE to hear rants like this because it simply pulls the veil off and reveals your jealousness.
I love the line "the PC is just too complex…". Funny how PC users are always flattering themselves by implying that they are smart because the mac is easy and the PC is complex. Listen Einstein, you are NOT smart because you have a PC, you are frustrated and angry. Just because you waste tons of hours researching why your PC won't install the new OS or why you keep crashing or whatever else you dopes do, IT DOES NOT make you SMART.
So you can keep your PC, friend. We're all set over here. This world is way too easy and fun for you anyway. Enjoy Windows 7! I'm sure it'll be SO much better than the previous.

@maddawg… dude, your comments are as completely irrelevant as you are. Seriously you are not helping your cause by resorting to insults. As for me insulting you, that is helping MY cause since I'm here to point out the trolls.

I know plenty about technology. I dated a Microsoft systems engineer for years. When he dumped me and took our Xbox, I told myself I was done with both Microsoft and men.

Just to let you Apple folks know, the backlash is coming from the apple community's attitude toward anything non-apple and Apple's commercials validating that attitude. We really are sick of it. We've BEEN doing everything with our pcs whether Windows or Linux that you're bragging about for YEARS. Also, quit claiming that you don't have problems when message boards are FILLED with Apple problems.

One more thing, if the OS is so great, release it to general hardware. That's what I thought.

I have to laugh whenever i hear "Apple has such great customer service". Here's my customer service horror story for you. My iPhone 3g had a trivial problem with it's volume control. You could adjust it down but not up. I scheduled an appointment with one of the Apple "Genius" who is actually a moron, this idiot turned the sound all the way down, plugged my serial number into his laptop and handed it back to me saying "Your Warranty has expired, you need to buy a new phone". Yeah, your right and I bought an Android and will never ever do buisness with APPLE ever again. I've done support in the IT world for years and held many different customer service positions, the #1 rule for support or customer service is "NEVER EVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE LEAVE THE CUSTOMER IN WORSE SHAPE THAN WHEN YOU FIRST GOT THERE"

Oh, so by saying Apple TV is still on the fritz means the author is anti-apple when the only issue is that you have to update everything…It's different for anti-windows, though. Funny how by having updated and new software/hardware, windows vista and windows 7 were excellent. Funny how by doing something as simple as getting AVG or Norton anti-virus you won't get viruses (AVG free is amazing, haven't gotten one virus with it)…oh, and don't open emails that are completely obvious they are fake (note that a mac user can still have their identity stolen thru email)…please stop saying bad stuff

PC's with windows are good, macs with leopard are good…they are all good, and both are good for certain things, one might cost a little more (…macs…)

Oh, and I find it funny how you also backed up apple about the snow leopard error that completely deletes everything on your hard drive. Face it people, computers are never perfect. When you buy a pc, you have chances of getting in a littel trouble. When you buy a mac, you are paying for a little less "stuff" in the computer but will be less likely to have problems…either way is reasonable, just stop being on one side or the other

What is with this Ellen chick? She's obviously some kind of jaded female with an axe to grind against men. I think people comment on things they care and/or are passionate about. Hands down there are more men who are passionate about technology. Ellen, this article isn't for you, move on. Don't you have better things to do than waste time as you put it "watching" the comment board?

HUGE LOLs @ all you nooby iTard appl fanboys…

what's the matter?!? you're over-priced, way over-hyped, piece of junk that lets you watch movies is broken due to a simple upgrade of software??

oh…that's right…you apple noobs 'dont have bugs or hassles upgrading' as you always seem to claim.

LMAO @ you iTards that cant even figure out a simple software upgrade and how to get it to work.

YOU MUST KNOW…IT IS NOT THE VENDOR THAT CREATED THE PROBLEM….

it IS YOU….the imbecile that can barely spell apple that is the main problem.

you'd have MUCH better luck using Media Center for your home entertainment system.

now, i know it's not made for iTard idiots, but i'm sure you'll like it once you get off the 'im an idiot so i need idiot proof computers' bandwagon.

point is….YOU ARE AN IDIOT and no manner or amount of ingenuity on another persons part will ever fix that!

PS…windows 7 runs OSx into the ground like a UFC fighter getting his skull pounded into the cage with elbows and knees.

remember what i told you noobie iTards…keep your macs….the PC is just too complex for your simple minds; as easy as PCs are, that's not saying much for you!

This just in from Apple

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary?utm_source=videoembed

Jackson… do you have an example of poor service from apple? I recently had an issue with my iphone headphones. I called apple and was able to speak to a helpful human quickly. Apple sent me a pair of headphones that arrived the next morning. All at no additional cost to me. To me the real value in apple is their excellent customer service.

@ Ellen San Jose CA: November 8, 2009 4:22 PM

The Apple stores are "loaded with you" because you have to be told which trend to follow.

You know nothing about tech; using your iPod doesn't count.

Oh yea, and the PS3 has been working flawlessly

I can't speak for the X-Box, but I've used my PS3 in the same capacity that Tom mentioned (streaming recorded TV, renting/purchasing movies, playing games, surfing the web, social interactions through PS Home, etc.).
And of course since its on the PS3 it supports full 1080p HD output.

I find it funny that Ellen is the only woman posting here and has absolutley zero technical information or has anything beneficial to say on the topic.

not surprising really though.

Hang on PED … (re: 6.6M ATV unit sales)

"Apple sells that many Macs every four days."

If that were true it would make Apple the no.1 computer seller for sure! Every six months or so is closer to their recent record 4th quarter report:

"Apple sold 3.05 million Macintosh® computers during the quarter, representing a 17 percent unit increase over the year-ago quarter."

Just commenting that there appears to be quite a serious ATV user-base for this relatively new market category.

ex ped: That's what I get for commenting too early in the morning. You're absolutely right. Apple is lucky to sell a million Macs a month.

I did have the missing content bug, but I just fired up iTunes and everything synced up again, no problem.

My Apple TV is running the updated software now, no problems. I think this issue is overhyped.

I love my Apple TV.

Funny, Apple can run ads about Microsoft updates problem, but Apple cant get the right fixes to fix their own updates..haha…and who the heck brough Apple TV? Idiots…

I have not had any trouble with version 3.0 or 3.0.1. I have one of the original 40Gb units and use it all the time. It is synced to an iMac with about 1Tb of movies, music and photos by way of an Apple Airport Extreme 802.11n@5Ghz. The iMac also servers as my DVR with Elgato's EyeTV and Turbo.264. I rent movies all the time. FYI, my AppleTV has never had unauthorized software installed and it is set up correctly. I'm sure that helps…

I thought all Apple products were supposed to be problem free.

hmmmmmmmm,…. Sounds like Ellen has more "man" problems than ATV problems. There are better places to "man bash" than here.

DB, Chi, Ill.

@Tony. Like wasting your time commenting on this all male blog of angry self righteous men?

To Michael in San Jose CA – wake up dude – Today's grandparents were using Apple ][ computers over 25 years ago ! But I am not interested in watching TV, got more important things to do.

To Blog Author:

Steve Jobs' provocative statement about internet media sourcing set-top boxes from May 2007:

“The reason I call it a hobby is a lot of people have tried and failed to make it a business. It’s a business that’s hundreds of thousands of units per year but it hasn’t crested to be millions of units per year, but I think if we improve things we can crack that.”

Projected sales of Apple TV by end of 2009: 6.6 Million units …

For Apple to call it a hobby at this stage would indeed be with tongue-in-cheek

ex ped: OK, but that's Apple TV unit sales over three years. Apple sells that many Macs every four days. Apple is selling Macs at the rate of 3 million a quarter.

To Tom who loves his XBOX … it sounds like you've been lucky.

Talking of "on the fritz", XBOX hardware has legendary issues with bad reliability posted all over the internet. Best for "platform forgiving" gamers than as a hub for family home entertainment I think.

Mac Mini vs. Apple TV discussion: ATV was designed to be an inexpensive dedicated media appliance. For most people, having a personal computer in their main family entertainment system would be a conflict of purpose that is best handled by individual computers. Aside from the recent spate of software maladies with ATV/iTunes (which are hopefully done with!), it is an advantage to have a locked in media system that has specific functions… like any other dedicated appliance. Also, remember WebTV? People prefer reading and writing email and web browsing at close quarters, rather than from across the room on a couch.

The current ATV software has added internet radio functionality with a user friendly TV interface. Also, with plentiful HD content on YouTube, this function of ATV makes more sense these days too. In my opinion it's a well rounded and robust device that requires very little upkeep in a demanding (family usage) application.

Small footnote: The ATV has component video outputs over the Mac Mini. HDMI connectivity is not guaranteed amongst all brands of video devices, due to standardization issues that are yet to be resolved … even for Pro level installs. Thanks to digital copy protection efforts, blank screens resulting from HDMI mismatches are still the bane of that idea.

Hey, Tom, you know what else? You've had that ugly, big, noisy, unreliable, energy hungry XBOX in your TV room FOR YEARS too! Too bad–don't let that situation continue for much longer…

It's also funny this page has nothing to do about gender, yet you're here grasping for attention? It's not angering, it's hilarious.

Had no problems before or after the updates.

I have had an AppleTV for over a year. The software updates for it have all been great. Anyone who does not expect software updates for computing device's such as a PC or Router or an Apple TV does not understand technology. There is NO modern day computing device that is not software upgradable/fixable. The reason why "software" exists at all is for upgrading or fixing a very complex device. If these devices were not complex they would be totally implemented in hardware. In which case if anything went wrong you would have to buy another one. Be thankful that you can get S/W upgrades and get used to it. By the way, it's only this guy from CNN and other like him from "Forbes", "Fortune" and "The Street.com" that publish inflamatory short articles like this. Their job is to get a maximum number of CLICKS. They are very good at playing us like a fiddle. Myself included.

I have been able to Store media AND record TV on my Windows (XP, Vista and now Windows 7) for YEARS and I can watch that TV live and/or watch any recorded content through my XBOX and I have been doing this for YEARS (5+ years going back to first xbox and XP Media Center Edition). XBOX only costs a little more than apple TV and I can play video games, rent/download movies, play DVDs and stream live tv or recorded content off my Windows system.

3.0 zapped all my data. I'm still uploading all the data back to Apple TV. So far it's holding ok. Playing music and showing pictures. Expect to have all data in Apple TV this evening.

To the person who commented @ Anonymous: the person is just saying you get the full functionality of Apple TV but as a computer with access to Internet, mail and applications. What's stupid about that???

And even more men… Even made one angry with my comment. It is funny!

Amen.

Isn't the solution clearly stated in the article??

You can tell this author has an anti-Apple bias from the title and tone of the of article. And he has fallen for the oldest logic error in the book. He equates anecdotal evidence from users of unknown motives, competence, and circumstances, with the facts of the situation. There is no way on god's green earth you can make any conclusions about how widespread an issue like this is. But the author takes these anecdotal reports and concludes that the AppleTV simply doesn't work for anyone, period. What a tool he is.

@ Anonymous: November 8, 2009 1:06 PM:
"You'd be better off getting a mac-mini. They are more pricy but it is worth it for the same functionality."

Yes of course. Better off with a device that does the same things but is more expensive. How bleeding stupid can you be?

Obviously you guys have an anti-Apple bias, or very limited data. I have six Apple TV's at various locations and they are all working perfectly. I think it's a GREAT product. I've had no problems with 3.0 or 3.0.1, nor did I have any problems before that. I have recommended Apple TV to friends, and I have heard nothing but good feedback. Apple innovates elegantly; others follow, copy, whine and snipe. Can't wait for the groundbreaking tablet product …

Au contraire …

I had been using all features of my Apple TV for a couple of years without an issue until iTunes 9.0 came along. I updated to 9.02 when ATV 3.0 came out and had no problems since. I did the 3.01 update just in case when the email advice arrived from Apple, and my ATV is still fine.

I am surprised that this product is maligned so much, because it is an extraordinary media workhorse in my opinion. I use it to watch HD movies frequently which play without a glitch using comcast broadband. It plays music from iTunes through my HiFi system INCLUDING copy protected items, and is one of few devices that can claim such using media from the top music & video selling outlet. It displays thousands of digital photos stored in organized events on a big screen as slide shows, and hundeds of movie clips I have transferred to the device so that anyone in my family can play them without asking me how…

All the above with automatic syncing without my intervention again, now that the recent software issues have been sorted out.

Probably one of the best value for money Apple products there is …

Isn't it also funny you have nothing to add about the topic?

Isn't it funny that all the comments are always from men? Half the population is female and the Apple stores are loaded with us. Fascinating that only men get angry over technology of all things. So very funny to watch.

I agree with "Someone, Somewhere"; make sure you have upgraded to latest iTunes first.

I have not had an issue with either upgrade.

I didn't know that anybody actually used apple TV. The fact that there were 300 something posts, indicating probably 150 users… that is astounding!

If this were a Microsoft device, the Apple fanboys would had been dissing it like there were no tomorrow.

What, nobody dare insult omnipotent Jobs? LOL

You'd be better off getting a mac-mini. They are more pricy but it is worth it for the same functionality.

I sell and integrate Apple TV into many home entertainemnt systems and have found it to be one of the biggest 'wow' factors that people enjoy the most. I agree on the somewhat sluggish response when controlling it and its pretty hot too, but for $229.00 the upside is far greater than any downsides.

John
http://www.greenelectronics.com

Everything on my atv is wiped out updating now but I'll need a resync after it's finished. P.O'd.

Nice quote to pull about not appearing in iTunes. It's so vague, it's incredible. It'll only appear in iTunes if it's synced, setup to stream, or is told to sync to a new device. If it's been reset, it's no longer on a network. You want to take bets on if the user actually set the unit back up correctly after multiple resets? Apple can't fix broken users.
And Jackson, you're even more ignorant. Check Comsumer Reports for customer support for the past decade. Thanks!

7 appleTV Units upgraded – all looks ok with 3.0 and 3.01 as long as you are on the latest version of iTunes on your sync computers. Suggest upgrading iTunes to latest version first, then apply the appleTV upgrade, no problems to report then.

I updated to Apple TV ver. 3 and have had no problems at all. The improvements in the interface are very nice.

BTW, "Jackson," you should take another look at Apple TV–contrary to your assertion, it does a great deal. It's been a wonderful addition to my home theater.

I love Apple products. In fact, every piece of hardware I have in my house is Apple and I use the iPhone, too. Haven't yet gotten an Apple TV because it doesn't do much. The only problem I have with Apple as a company is that its customer support sucks. The issue as I see it is this: Apple makes (usually) great products, but expects not to have to support them because they are good. The problem with this thinking is that when problems arise, i.e. this Apple TV problem, there is no good structure in place to deal with it. This is not in keeping with a dedicated, customer-centric customer service model. And it gives Apple competitors an opportunity.

I'm not having any problems with Apple TV before or after update.

I have 3 Apple TV's in my house and did not experience any problems with any of the upgrades. It all seamless as any other.

And I thought Microsoft had a monopoly on crummy software.

Sounds like Windows 7, (Vista service Pack 6.5) is still on the fritz as well? http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Security-Speed-and-the-Trouble-With-Transparency-68587.html

Poor TechCrunch & Jason. When will the uber geeks realize computers are for the everyday consumer now not just the all male techno geeks. It's 2009 not 1985 Jason. Females buy computers now. Grandparents buy computers now. Computers sell in shopping malls now. Hello Jason? Hello Tech Crunch? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/07/AR2009110703215.html

Wow an I was so close to purchasing one, well let's wait and see