Apple TV 2.0: Video output goes black (cannot find signal); more

[Friday, February 29th]

Video output goes black (cannot find signal) Some users have reported an issue where the Apple TV's video output goes black after a variable period of time following the 2.0 update. This issue may be restricted to certain TVs or DLP projectors.

MacFixIt reader Dave writes:

"I have good sound but the video goes black on me after a few hours. Setup: Optima HD72 Home Theater DLP projector  ( 720p ), 40GB Apple TV, updated to 2.0 HDMI cable direct connection or through A-V theater system, same result, cannot find signal after a few hours. Tried component RGB cables, same issue through AV or not. The projector works fine on all ports and with other devices.

"I was able to reproduce the error by bringing it to Best Buy and testing on another HDTV  in the showroom and also at a local Apple Store on their new Sony HDTV.

"So I restored the Apple TV from factory settings (again) updated to 2.0. same issue. Apple Store provided me a parts replacement of a new 40GB unit, same issue. Apple Store then gave me a brand new one 160 GB -- same failures when going to 2.0 --orks for a while then goes black."

"Sound works fine all the time, and you can here the remote clicking around and movies are able to play ... just no video. Apple's Knowledge says swap cables between HDMI and component -- I even bought all new cables, no change. Restarted several times. Set fixed resolution; does not help."

Though these solutions weren't successful for Dave, switching HDMI cables or switching to component cables can sometimes work to resolve the loss of signal issue.

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

Music not syncing Some users are reporting success synchronizing all media with the Apple TV except music. One reader writes:

"After updating I can sync everything but Music, so I know its not a network or Port issue...it is something specific about music in the update. Anyone else."

Similar issue? Please let us know.

Issues sending sound to receivers Other users are reporting problems with the Apple TV sending sound from specific media to certain receivers after the update.

One reader writes:

"I have my Apple TV connected to my tv by HDMI, my TV sound out to my AV receiver by coax.  Before the Take 2 update, worked fine.  Listened to music, podcasts, watched itunes movies and my own movies, and youtube.  Now with the Take 2 update, i can watch and listen to Apple TV HD rentals in 5.1 sound through my receiver, but I cannot listen to my music, my podcasts, my own movies, youtube.  At first I thought the sound was completely gone, but then discovered that my tv was still getting the sound, but could no longer send it to my receiver. I have no idea what has changed, but somehow Apple caused those sounds to be different than the rentals."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

Previous coverage:

• Apple TV 2.0: More fixes for problems updating
• Apple TV 2.0: Problems installing; sync issues; TV shows won't play; more
• Apple TV software update "Take2" now available; bugs and fixes

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