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Apple Releases Minor iOS 4.2.1 Software Update for New Apple TV [Updated]


Apple today released a minor software for the new Apple TV, moving the device's operating system from iOS 4.2 Build 8C150 to iOS 4.2.1 Build 8C154. The update is live on Apple's servers and several users have reported seeing the update become available for their Apple TVs, although not all Apple TVs are yet seeing the new iOS version as available for download.

It is unknown at this time what changes are included in the update.

Apple released iOS 4.2.1 (Build 8C148) for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch on November 22nd, but the Apple TV's software update released the same day was only referred to as iOS 4.2 by Apple. Confusing things further is the fact that the Apple TV reports the previous software version as being "4.1", while we have heard that the new iOS 4.2.1 is referred to as software version "4.1.1" by the Apple TV.

Update: A support document notes that the software update resolves a pair of issues related to incorrect display resolutions and download performance.

- TV resolution fix: Addresses an issue that causes some high-definition TVs to incorrectly display at 480p.
- Download fix: Addresses an issue that may cause a movie or TV show to be re-downloaded.

Top Rated Comments

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19 months ago
I wish Movie Extras should be available. Probably just bug fixes with this update.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago
More frequent, minor updates is better in my opinion.
Hopefully this clears up some of the airplay bugs.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago
Cool. I guess. Don't have ATV yet, as not available. Anyone know why ATV is not in every Apple online store?
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago

Cool. I guess. Don't have ATV yet, as not available. Anyone know why ATV is not in every Apple online store?


Depends on the country you live in, Apple doesn't have the contracts to distribute movies in all countries, so those countries don't have movies in iTunes and no Apple TV.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago

Apple released iOS 4.2.1 (Build 8C148) for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch on November 22nd, but the Apple TV's software update released the same day was only referred to as iOS 4.2 by Apple. Confusing things further is the fact that the Apple TV reports the previous software version as being "4.1", while we have heard that the new iOS 4.2.1 is referred to as software version "4.1.1" by the Apple TV.

It's easy... it is AppleTV software v4.1.1 running on iOS 4.2.1 (Build 8C150).

You can see this by clicking the center button on the remote when on the AppleTV info screen.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago
Is there a way to capture Flash/Silverlight video streams on a Mac and the (e.g. by using HandBrake) convert them to ATV format and serve them from iTunes to ATV?
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago
Bug fixes, anyone?
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago

I wish Movie Extras should be available. Probably just bug fixes with this update.


Your wish is granted. Movie extras should be available now. No guarantee that they actually will be though.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago

Your wish is granted. Movie extras should be available now. No guarantee that they actually will be though.


Yea! I am so glad I never had a genie. I would have wasted all 3 of my wishes.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
19 months ago
I hope they fixed AirPlay, it doesn't work for me, very sporadic.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives

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