Hackers turning Apple TV damp squib into hot item?

[Bob Crabtree]

We recently questioned the sense behind the launch of the Apple TV network media player but, although our thinking remains unchanged, there's been a huge amount of interest in the product from hackers who've seen it as vehicle for bringing onto their TVs a whole lot more media (and features) than Apple itself allows for.

Although Apple TV might not be ultra cheap for a network media player (£199 in the UK; $299 in the USA), it's effectively a small and relatively inexpensive computer.

It uses an Intel CPU running a cut-down version of the Apple OS X operating system and it's this Unix-based OS paired with a highly-affordable computer platform that's brought hackers flocking to do some interesting coding.

Find out about the hacks already available and let us know what new features might induce you to buy an Apple TV.

[DR]

Sounds like a job for the weekend

I've got a list of things I'd love it to do - got to be said the box is bigger than I thought it would be - i.e its not the same desk space as a MiniMac - its slightly bigger & thinner

I wonder how long until someone performs the hacks and uploads a copy of the OS with them all installed and ready to go

People no doubt would question why buy it but for a small media extender it makes sense, its quiet, and has HDMI and Component out someone build me a media centre the same size for the same price

[Steve]

People no doubt would question why buy it but for a small media extender it makes sense, its quiet, and has HDMI and Component out someone build me a media centre the same size for the same price

But my SN21G5 looks so much sexier than that crazy white thing. o_O

[Agent]

Wonder if bootcamp will work on it?

[Sinizter]

Thats very nice. If it can be used a full-fledged media playing PC which will play all formats (divx/xvid/x264, etc) then it will be great.

[chrestomanci]

I would also settle for booting linux on the thing, and turning it into a MythTV front end.

The problem is that Apple computers don't use a standard BIOS, instead they use a more versalite BIOS, similar to the one on the XBOX, that supports digitally signed kernels and DRM.

[Bob Crabtree]

I would also settle for booting linux on the thing, and turning it into a MythTV front end.

The problem is that Apple computers don't use a standard BIOS, instead they use a more versalite BIOS, similar to the one on the XBOX, that supports digitally signed kernels and DRM.

Looking at various wish-lists around the net - including, I think, those in that big thread on Something Awful - and MythTV support seems to be a very common request so, my guess is that if it's do-able, it will be done.

[DR]

MythTV is high up on peoples lists as Bob says

Steve - your thing is huge though this is a little sexy box

I'd like to be able to use an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and have light web browsing access

[Bob Crabtree]

MythTV is high up on peoples lists as Bob says

Indeed.

Steve - your thing is huge though this is a little sexy box

I have a feeling that Steve may use that quote to his advantage at some time in the future, perhaps shortening it and claiming it was made by a former girlfriend.

I'd like to be able to use an Apple Bluetooth Keyboard and have light web browsing access

Have to say that I'm now starting to think that one of the significant reasons why Apple launched the product was because it realised that the hackers would pile in and turn it into something very different from what's being sold.

Or am I crediting Apple with too much intelligence and foresight?

[MadduckUK]

Or am I crediting Apple with too much intelligence and foresight?

nah accoring to the somethingawful goons who are doing this its been made far easier to do than they thaught it should be. all the doors were unlocked so to speak.

few days since iv read so may have changed but thats how it was looking

EDIT: and do you know what? i want one now (and no i dont have a mac or an ipod). so whatever apple are playing at its working.