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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.



15 Comments

elliots11 16 Years · 289 comments

I'm going to DL this and see if it fixes the juddering issue, suspected to be the buffer, when renting movies from iTunes. Fingers crossed!

imoi 14 Years · 15 comments

What about streaming music from iTunes and being on the internet at the same time, without the former dropping or the later disconnecting?

iliver 14 Years · 299 comments

Quote:
Originally Posted by iMoi

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.

mgl323 14 Years · 247 comments

Updated my Apple TV in the afternoon, so far no problems.

jrepici 17 Years · 6 comments

After the update, I'm still having inordinately long wait times downloading HD movie rentals on my new Apple tv. My old ATV would take about 10min before letting me watch the HD movie, now it takes 2 hours. SD movies still start in a minute or two but HD takes forever. My new ATV is connected by ethernet as was my old ATV. 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. The old ATV let you make that choice when you were renting/buying. I didn't even realize this was the case until I snooped around.

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.