XMBC is a high-quality free and open source software for the digital entertainment world. If anybody thinks that it is not possible to install XMBC on an Apple TV2, then the person may be wrong. Though Apple always releases upgraded versions of their software, making it difficult to install XMBC software in the gadget, it is absolutely possible to install XMBC on an Apple TV2.
Difficulty level: Easy
Time required:
Though the procedure is fairly simple, the time required to install XMBC on an Apple TV may vary from person to person.
Resources required
Before you start the procedure, make sure that you have the following resources:
1. iTunes is updated
2. Micro USB cable
3. SeasOnPass is downloaded
4. Apple TV is not connected through USB or through power
5. No other iOS devices are connected through USB
6. Apple TV remote is usable
Instructions
The first step is to jailbreak the device. The simplest process to jailbreak the device is by using SeasOnPass. It can be done either in a Mac or within a window. The first part of the guideline which is stated below is given assuming that you have a non-jail broken Apple TV. If your device is already jail broken, and you wish to install the XMBC only, then skip the instructions given below.
1. Extract Seas0nPass to a folder and then run it
2. Click Create IPSW
This will download the latest Apple TV software from Apple. SeasOnPass will then add jail-breaking changes to the file.
3. Connect your Apple TV to the computer using USB. Do not plug it into an A/c outlet.
4. Put the gadget in DFU mode using the remote, press and hold the menu and play/pause keys for about 7 seconds and then release.
a. When the SeasOnPass detects the device is in DFU MODE, it will automatically open up i tunes.
b. If using a Mac, Alt-Click in iTunes on the Restore file and select the newly made IPSW file.
5. If using Windows, select the Apple TV on the left menu. Shift-click restores and selects the IPSW file located in My Documents SeasOnPass.
6. The Apple TV is jailbroken.
7. Unplug from the computer and connect to the TV, a new SeasOnPass menu should be seen.
NOTE: If error such as 1600 appears, it can be fixed before restoring the new Firm Ware but unfortunately it is available in Windows only. Follow the following process.
1. Download iREB
2. Start iTunes
3. Put the device in DFU mode
4. Start iREB
5. Select AppleTV2
6. Wait until you receive a successful prompt and reapply the restore file
If error3194 appears, be sure that you are using the latest iOS version. You can try adding â74.208.105.171 gs.Apple.comâ to your host file.
Quick tips
Once the gadget is jailbroken, to run some *nix commands the installing software needs a little use of terminal. To connect the device in Windows .putty should be downloaded and used. If you are using Mac from a terminal prompt you need to SSH into your Apple TV.
1. The user name is root and the password is alpine
2. The following commands should be run
a. echo âdeb http://mirrors.xbmc.org/apt/atv2 ./â > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xbmc.list
b. apt-get update
c. apt-get install org.xbmc.xbmc-atv2
3. When installation is finished, the latest nightly build should be installed as it is capable of fixing a lot of bugs, which the initial official build does not.
4. The latest version is available at http://mirrors.xbmc.org/nightlies/darwin/atv2/
5. The following commands should be run
a. wget http://mirrors.xbmc.org/nightlies/darwin/atv2/
b. dpkg -i latest_atv2.deb
c. rm latest_atv2.deb
6. This will download and upgrade the installation to the latest semi-nightly build. This is needed for the current versions of the iOS software.
Once successfully installed, XMBC will be available as another item under Front Row, the name for the standard Apple software
Frequently asked questions
Question: What all software do we need to have to install XBMC on Apple TV2?
Answer: You need to have the iTunes updated and the season on pass should be downloaded.
Question: Is it necessary to keep on updating?
Answer: Yes it is necessary because the latest build should be capable of fixing a lot of bugs.
Things to watch out for
Nito TV is another software which includes an installer for other applications. Some jailbreaks for Apple TV include this but SeasOnPass does not.
