Why Jailbreak Apple TV?: Here’s Four Reasons Why…
A TotalHTPC reader recently asked the question, why jailbreak Apple TV? I gave him a quick one sentence answer relaying the benefits that Plex and XBMC provide. However, his question got me thinking. What other benefits does jailbreaking offer?
If you are disappointed in the Apple TV or still contemplating hacking your device, then this article will give you much hope or encouragement. You can do a ton more with the tiny black box than you think. Lets put the naysayers to rest and get the following questions answered.
- Why jailbreak Apple TV, it’s already perfect!
- What additional features will I unlock?
- I heard that jailbreaking Apple TV is difficult. Is this true?
- Is there a risk of breaking the Apple TV permanently when jailbreaking?
1. It’s a CHEAP HTPC
You can pick up an AppleTV here for $99. How can you go wrong with a $100 device that is capable of doing everything below.
2. You can still do everything the Apple TV 2G is capable of doing straight out of the box.
Netflix, MLB, NBA, movie rentals from iTunes, and listening to radio are all still possible if you jailbreak the Apple TV. All of the old Apple TV functions are still 100% in tact after the device is hacked. Just remember that any new updates to the Apple TV might conflict with the jailbreak software. Don’t worry, TotalHTPC is on top of things and we’ll keep you posted on what to do when a new update comes out. We recommend having some patience, avoid updating, and waiting for a new jailbreak to appear on the web.
3. Add additional functionality by installing XBMC, Plex, and Nitro TV.
XBMC, PLEX, and Nitro TV are great third party applications that can be install on a jailbroken Apple TV. These easy to install programs will grant you some powerful features that the stock ATV just can’t offer. You will be able to stream any format video from your computer, install plugins that offer video playback from mainstream cable channels, view comics or pictures, check the weather, and much more. Take a look at the following guides to learn more about these applications.
4. Control your Apple TV from other Apple Devices with Remote HD
If you use other Apple devices like iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch, then you need to get Remote HD. With Remote HD you will be able to control the Apple TV even with the television off. Just lunch the application on any iDevice and you can start to control the Apple TV’s main display. Our favorite features with this application are global playback control, full keyboard support from your iDevice, and the ability to start downloading content from anywhere. The packaged remote from Apple just doesn’t have all the functionality we want. It is incredibly convenient to use your iPad or iPhone as the keyboard when bouncing around in Apple TV. Bottom line, this application is a game changer. Just remember that Apple TV has to be jailbroken!
5. You can restore Apple TV back to factory settings if anything goes wrong
Don’t get intimidated or scared of the jailbreak. It’s fast and easy. Take a look at our comprehensive walk-through that explains how to do it. If you do screw up or something goes wrong then restoring the device couldn’t be easier. Take a look at Apple’s support page for detailed instructions on how to restore. Additionally, you might be worried about the consequences of voiding the warranty. We cannot guarantee that your warranty will be honored if you jailbreak. But the device can be restored back to factory settings before going in for support. Worse case you can buy a new box. We found a website that sells the Apple TV 2G for $94 here.
Are you convinced yet? Done asking the question why jailbreak Apple TV? Here’s what you can do next…
- Get yourself a Micro USB cable – Required for jailbreak
- Follow our guide on how to jailbreak with Seas0nPass
- Install Plex or XBMC with our step by step instructions
- Enjoy your Apple TV!
What’s your motive for jailbreak the Apple TV? Let us know below, or better yet, on Twitter.
My biggest question is if I jailbreak my ATV 2 or 3, I want to watch movies for free. Will I be able to do this?
Kevin,
Yes, if you follow our ultimate guide, you will be able to get movies and shows for free! It will take some setting up, but you can do it!
your ultimate guide, how do you set up to be able to get movies and shows for free!
thks
If you read through the guide, it gives you info how to configure SABnzbd/CouchPotato/Sickbeard which will enable this functionality.
by jailbreaking would i be able to watch live stream tv by installing xbmc or plex?
Hi. After jailbreaking the apple tv can i stream movies and shows through it? If i have to play it through the mac / nas drive / hard disc do i have to keep it connected to it?
Hello,
After jail breaking, will I need to worry about adult content being easily accessed by my children? Can I lock or block access to adult channels and/or conntent? Thanks!
Jailbreaking wont unleash porn onto your ATV unless you install the apps for it which require you to first install the Unsupported App store. This in itself is a tedious process and poses little to no risk of exposing adult content to your children. Put it this way, it will be 100 times easier for them to go on a computer and Google porn than it will be for them to access it via Apple TV. 🙂
Will the jailbroken apple tv work even outside US?
Yes!
Will the jailbreak, allow the streaming from an iTunes Library located in an External HD? Without the need of a PC/MAC running iTunes?
Tks!
Hi Franciso, so you would like to plug in an external HD to the Apple TV via the Micro USB?
Unfortunately, the Apple TV is not capable of reading external drives, regardless if the device is jailbroken or not.
Is there anyway to airplay from my hp laptop that has WiDi ?
Hey Mazen,
Not that I know of, but I will look into it!
Hi! So after jailbreaking an apple tv, am I able to stream content on my mac straight to my tv? also, I have a collection of movies and random videos of various formats such as mkv and avi, will I be able to play these from the apple tv onto my tv?
Thanks!
Hi Dani, you should look into installing XBMC or Plex on your Apple TV.
(http://www.totalhtpc.com/how-to-install-xbmc-apple-tv-2g-%E2%80%93-apple-tv-2g-tutorial/) (http://www.totalhtpc.com/how-to-install-plex-apple-tv/) Once installed, you’ll be able to stream almost any video format from your MAC to your TV. Check out the links above.
Yes and no…
in fact, XBMC is the hardest thing to configure on a jailbroken apple tv. Any beginer will not be able to do a clean installation of XBMC. It’s easy to install, but harder to add packages & configure for it to work.
My advice: instal XBMC normally. AND after that, use “XBMC Hub Wizard” to “supercharge” your XBMC installation.
Availlabe right here: https://code.google.com/p/xbmc-hub-wizard/
Hi, if I jailbreak my apple tv can i watch the series like csi or breaking bad for free??
Thanks!!
Hi Jorge, after jail-breaking your Apple TV and following our guides, you’ll be able to stream content from your computer to the Apple TV without the restrictions of iTunes. But the content won’t just appear on the Apple TV. You’ll need to obtain it from the net. Hope this answers your question.
Come I watch live football channels such as sky sports if my Apple TV was jailbroken ?