AMAZEBALLS: Buy a doomed Apple TV, get a replacement free
3rd-gen Wi-Fi-hungry telly boxes can't do Wi-Fi
Apple has admitted its third-generation Apple TV box is dicky and has offered to replace faulty units.
The fruity firm confessed that "small numbers" of the units suffered from dodgy Wi-Fi connections. Although the set-top box has a wired Ethernet port, the flaw is crippling for fanbois who are allergic to trailing cables and rely on wireless networking to stream video. The device is supposed to allow iThings and Mac computers to beam programmes and movies to tellies.
A memo distributed to Apple stores in the US, and subsequently leaked online, stated:
Apple has determined that a very small number of Apple TV (3rd generation) products might experience one of these Wi-Fi related connectivity issues: Cannot locate network, Unable to join network, Dropped or intermittent connection.
Anyone experiencing the telltale signs of Wi-Fi meltdown should take their device to an Apple store. The "geniuses" within will then check if you've updated the software, according to the leaked briefing note. After establishing you're not totally stupid, they will examine the unit and replace if necessary.
They will swap third-generation Apple TV models that are up to two years old and which contain one of the following pair of letters in the serial number: H9, HC, HD, HF, HG, HH, HJ, HK, HL, HM, HN, HP, HQ, HR, HT, HV, HW, HX, J1, J2, J3, J4, J5, J6, J7, J8, J9.
The Register tried to reach Apple's UK base for comment about how many British people were affected, but they did not respond. So why don't you tell us if you've experienced any problems with your Apple TV? ®
COMMENTS
Extra, extra!
Company replaces faulty product within legally obligated 2 year warranty period!
Pictures at 11.....
Re: I always thought
Are you stating that an internet connected TV is useless? That there is nothing online from any provider that could benefit from being shown on a TV instead of a computer? I'm not sure I follow your argument there, as iPlayer, ITV Player, 4OD and Youtube are all handy on my TV. Are you one of those "I have a PC in my lounge that's all I need" people or is it somerthing else?
Disclaimer - I don't have an Apple TV so if your comment is about that specific device and it truly is a pile of rubbish, I understand. But you didn't state it in your post so I don't know :-)
They did this with Time Capsules as well
I got my 2G Time Capsule replaced well out of warranty when the disk died. They replaced a G1 Blackbook of mine with a G3 after unsuccessfully trying to cure a logic board issue as well. Contrary to nerdbelief Apple do have an excellent repair/replacement policy (in my opinion). When they recognise an issue they do replace things (or provide a case/bumper in the infamous Antenna problem)
@cyke1 - well yes, since if you have a 2yr old AppleTV it is a Gen2 not Gen3, so what is your issue with that?
Re: normal apple
Since the 3rd gen Apple TV was released in March 2012 you'd be SOL trying to find one that was more than 2 years old.
How stupid?
"After establishing you're not totally stupid..."
...but still stupid enough to having bought Apple TV.
SCNR
