Install Media Players on Apple TV - XBMC, Plex Guide
Enhancing Apple TV Functionality with Alternative Media Players
The Apple TV stands out as a leading media streaming device currently available. However, its full potential can be limited for users who do not fully integrate with Apple’s proprietary ecosystem.
Expanding the capabilities of your Apple TV is achievable through the installation of third-party media players, such as XBMC and Plex.
Preparing Your Apple TV
Initially, a jailbreak of your Apple TV is required. Fortunately, this process is straightforward, and detailed instructions have already been provided in a previous guide.
Establishing SSH Access
Following the jailbreak, gaining SSH access to your Apple TV is the next crucial step.
An OpenSSH server is automatically installed and activated during the jailbreaking process. This allows for remote access to the device.
All that remains is to utilize an SSH client and the Apple TV’s IP address to establish a connection.
For those unfamiliar with SSH, a comprehensive tutorial was previously published to assist with its implementation.
By leveraging these methods, users can significantly broaden the functionality of their Apple TV, unlocking a wider range of media playback options.
Installing XBMC on Apple TV
The initial step to installing XBMC involves establishing an SSH connection to your Apple TV. Following a successful jailbreak, the root user account is automatically enabled, utilizing the default password "alpine" for the initial login.
Employ this username and password to initiate your first connection via SSH.
It is strongly advised to alter the root password for enhanced security. This can be accomplished using the command 'passwd'. Subsequently, utilize the newly assigned password for all future SSH connections.
A series of commands must now be entered sequentially into your SSH client (or copied and pasted from the list provided).
apt-get install wget
This particular command will install, or update your existing installation of, wget. Wget is a tool that facilitates file downloads directly from the command line interface.
The following commands will configure the necessary download sources for XBMC. To prevent errors, input these commands individually into your SSH client.
wget -O- http://apt.awkwardtv.org/awkwardtv.pub | apt-key add -
echo "deb http://apt.awkwardtv.org/ stable main" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/awkwardtv.list
echo "deb http://mirrors.xbmc.org/apt/atv2 ./" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/xbmc.list
Finally, these commands will refresh the package list, install the most recent version of XBMC, and restart your Apple TV to integrate the new software into the system menu.
apt-get update
apt-get install org.xbmc.xbmc-atv2
reboot
All standard XBMC functionalities will operate as expected, mirroring their performance on other platforms. Consider installing additional addons, customizing the interface with new skins, or establishing a centralized media library.
For users familiar with XBMC, this presents a compelling alternative. A potential drawback is the necessity to launch a separate application each time the Apple TV is rebooted. Switching between the default Apple TV interface and XBMC for features like Netflix may prove inconvenient. However, the extensive range of XBMC addons could eliminate the need to navigate back to the native Apple TV environment.
Installing Plex on Apple TV
The process of installing Plex closely mirrors that of XBMC, however, a different repository must be added initially.
To begin, establish an SSH connection to your Apple TV. Then, incorporate the Plex repository using the following command.
echo "deb http://www.ambertation.de ./downloads/PLEX/" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/plex.list
Following the addition of the repository, update the package sources and proceed with the installation of Plex.
apt-get update && apt-get install com.plex.client-plugin
A system reboot, initiated by the reboot command, is required to finalize the installation. Upon restart, a new Plex application will be present in your main menu.
Should you already operate a Plex media server on your network, it should be automatically detected, granting you access to your media for playback.
If you are an existing user of a Plex media server for streaming your files, this presents a compelling solution.
A key consideration regarding Plex is its dependency on a running Plex server, located somewhere on your network, for cataloging your media files.
Benefits of Plex
- The user interface maintains a consistent look and feel with the Apple TV environment.
- This eliminates the need to switch between different applications to access your content or streaming services like Netflix.
While reports suggest some Plex addons may function with the Apple TV, it's important to note that neither these addons nor the application itself receive official support.
Consequently, troubleshooting any issues will rely on assistance from other users within online forums.
Installing FireCore’s aTV Flash
FireCore employs a unique installation method, providing users with a graphical user interface (GUI) installer compatible with both Windows and OS X operating systems. Notably, it represents the sole commercially available third-party software designed for the Apple TV.
Purchasing aTV Flash (black) requires a one-time fee of $29.95. The decision to acquire the software is yours, but the installation process itself is remarkably straightforward.
After purchasing a copy, download the installer and execute it on your computer. The program will first verify if a newer installer version is available.
The installer will then attempt to locate your Apple TV on the network. Clicking “next” initiates the file transfer and the addition of relevant menu items to your Apple TV system.
Should you have previously altered the root password, you will be prompted to enter it during the installation procedure. If no changes were made, the installer will default to the standard “alpine” password.
The Apple TV will restart following the installation. A new maintenance option will then be accessible from the main menu. Selecting “manage extras” allows you to install your desired media player.
If XBMC or Plex haven’t been installed yet, aTV Flash provides a convenient one-click installation option for both.
Further details regarding the capabilities of aTV Flash can be found on their official website. Once the media player is installed and sources are configured, it will appear on your home screen alongside the other applications.
Although aTV Flash is a paid product, it offers the advantage of not requiring a constantly running media server, unlike Plex. It also seamlessly integrates with the standard user interface, a contrast to XBMC.
Additional features are available, and the optimal media playback software ultimately depends on your individual requirements.
