Apple TV (#5): Incorrect time; Problems synchronizing photos from iPhoto; Fails to connect to Internet; more

Incorrect time It appears that many Apple TVs are displaying the wrong time -- generally several hours ahead of the current, actual time as maintained by the host Mac/PC. This causes issues with the "Last played" time-stamp, which may erroneously show a future time for the last playback.

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

Problems synchronizing photos from iPhoto Some readers have reported problems synchronizing photos stored in their iPhoto libraries directly to the Apple TV.

Photos are synchronized to the Apple TV via "Photos" tab in iTunes (with the Apple TV selected from the devices list). You can choose to synchronize from either the iPhoto library or a different folder by selecting an option in the "Sync Photos from:" menu. The problem is that some users are unable to synchronize photos when the "iPhoto" option is selected.

One simple solution is to move the photos out of your iPhoto Library (located at ~/Pictures/iPhoto Library) to a separate folder, then select that folder in the iTunes "Sync Photos from:" menu.

Meanwhile, it appears that the synchronization process may occasionally choke on movies and other file formats stored in your iPhoto library. Try temporarily removing any files that are not photos and re-attempt synchronization.

Fails to connect to Internet Several readers have noted an issue where the Apple TV is successfully recognized by host Macs/PCs (therefore able to join wireless or wired networks), but cannot access the Internet. In at least some cases, it appears that this problem is caused or related to the wireless or wired router in use -- perhaps because of port blockage.

Some users have had success with performing a factory restore process, as described below.

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

Disappears from devices list in iTunes (cont.) -- check for interference We continue to report on an issue where he Apple TV may disappear from the devices list in iTunes -- particularly when connected wirelessly. In some cases, the unit appears only intermittently.

We previously noted a number of fixes for this issue, including checking firewall settings, going wired and more.

It now appears that in at least some cases, device interference is at play. Check for RF antennas and other hardware near your Apple TV that could be generating interference. Shield or move these devices then check for persistence of the issue.

Performing a factory restore For various otherwise insoluble Apple TV issues, a restoration of factory settings can prove effective. This can be accomplished by going to the Apple TV's main menu then selecting "Settings," then "Reset Settings," and finally "Factory Restore."

Restoring to factory settings will delete any media (videos, photos, etc.) stored on your Apple TV and any other network setup data or iTunes synchronization data.

Alternatively you can hold down the Menu and Down (-) keys on the remote for about 6 seconds, causing the Apple TV to reboot into a special mode where you can select the "Factory Restore" option.

Interference with wireless phones Some users are reporting interference with wireless phones that are in the vicinity of the Apple TV -- an inherent difficulty when wireless devices are using the same spectrum -- 2.4 GHz and up.

MacFixIt reader Ray Sharpe writes:

"My wireless phones are virtually unusable while my Apple TV is syncing. Once I tell iTunes not to sync all the interference is gone. Looks like I'll have to sync after hours."

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

• Apple TV (#4): Another fix for purchased media not playing/syncing ("not authorized"); Running diagnostics
• Apple TV (#3): Purchased media not playing: fixes; Crashes when syncing large number of/heavily nested photos; more
• Apple TV: Purchased videos not playing (cannot be authorized); Disappears from devices list in iTunes -- fix; Translating video so it plays on the Apple TV; more
• Slew of Apple TV Knowledge Base articles posted

Resources