macnn
05/21/2008, 3:55pm, EDT
Wednesday, May 21st
aTV Flash unlocks common media for Apple TV
Apple Core has released v2.2 of the aTV Flash, an add-on for the Apple TV. The Flash is a USB flash drive, which when connected to an Apple TV will automatically install files that liberate some of the functions of the device. Users can, for instance, play AVI, WMV and DivX/XviD movies, as well as raw DVD files including subtitles. Rentals can be streamed from Jaman.com, in addition to the iTunes Store.
Content from outside iTunes can by synched, and users can also browse the web, check local weather, and stream media from UPnP media servers. The aTV Flash costs $60, but only comes with free software updates for a period of six months. The v2.2 update fixes glitches with Mplayer, OpenAL and the Couch Surfer web browser.
Filed under: upgrades/storage, accessories
Other story tags: video, Apple TV
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So it's patchstick?
This sounds like a patchstick with some custom scripts on it... I would be highly suspect if Apple did not sue them for distributing a copyrighted Kernel on the device (if that is indeed what they did)
Linux Based
The entire script is Linux based, and does not contain an Apple kernal or extension files.
Thanks
Apple Core, LLC
torrent?
Anyone got a torrent or download link for this or a free alternative? This needs to be spread as widely as possible, so that Apple will finally be encouraged to add official support for 3rd party plugins. As long as jailbreaking the ATV remains niche, Apple will probably try to maintain as much control as possible, even if it means the AppleTV will remain largely unsuccessful.
One Problem
Cool software, but if you plan on streaming your files to your Apple TV like I do currently then you will have to go and buy EyeConnect from Elgato since this software won't allow you to stream non-itunes supported files. Bummer to since I was seconds away from buying this. I hope Apple Core LLC looks into this and creates a way to stream all video formats to Apple TV without having to buy additional software to do it.
wow
this looks awesome, i can't wait to install it :D
Screenshot is Sapphire
The screenshot is from Sapphire, which is freely available under the GPL license at:
http://appletv.nanopi.net/
As per the legality, the real question isn't the scripts but rather does it use the EFI file from Apple? This is the only significant hurdle to making a patchstick which can be distributed without copyright issues.
this is already out there
and it's already free. sure this might be a little easier, but if you're willing to do a little work, there's a tutorial and script on iClarified.com for free.
Streaming?
Magicbumone, you stated that this won't allow you to stream non-iTunes files like you're currently doing. So, if I run a UPnP server (like EyeConnect) on my Mac, the out-of-the-box Apple TV will pick up content from it? I like that approach, as I don't keep any video content in iTunes.
I'm a little surprised that the out-of-the-box Apple TV does that, though. Not only does it seem non-Apple-like, but I see that a UPnP client/browser is included in aTV Flash, which implies that it was missing from the out-of-the-box Apple TV.
Anyone have any more knowledge than my limited amount about how this works?
RE: Streaming?
Yes, that is correct. If you own or buy EyeConnect and this aTV Flash you will be able to stream non-iTunes supported files to your Apple TV. If you don't use iTunes for any video content then EyeConnect ATV Flash would be perfect for you. I currently use iTunes to organize all my media but I might have to stop using Itunes and buy EyeConnect if I don't feel like converting all my avi files anymore.
EyeConnect
Is EyeConnect still under active development? The last time I checked it had been a long time since it was last updated. I would be nervous depending on a solution that was EOL.