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aTV Flash (black) Beta4 for Apple TV 2 has just been released. According to Firecore, in terms of features, this is the most substantial release since Beta1 first became available in early December 2010. The latest version of aTV Flash features an ‘alpha preview’ version of a brand new Media Player that has been under development for the past few months. This player enables the playback of non-iTunes media (streamed from a network source) on the Apple TV with no special software or transcoding required.

What’s new in Beta4?

General

  • Added ‘alpha preview’ version of new Media Player
  • Added native Weather and RSS apps (will appear under Internet menu when installed)
  • Added support for Remote HD iPhone/iPad app
  • Added option to restart ‘Lowtide’ via Maintenance menu
  • Added support for AppleTV 4.2.1 (iOS 4.3)

Couch Surfer Pro

  • Added Google search suggestions to Search menu (iOS 4.3+ only)
  • Added ability to delete bookmarks
  • Improved animations, HTML5 and CSS3 support
  • Improve iPhone/iPad Remote app navigation
  • Improved text box handling
  • Resolved issues related to Facebook and similar sites
  • Many other performance improvements

What can I do with the new Media Player?

What’s included in this version

  • Support for many non-iTunes media file types (MKV, AVI, MP4, etc…)
  • Native VIDEO_TS (VOB) file playback (with menus)
  • AFP network streaming (Mac, TimeCapsule, AirPort Extreme, etc…)
  • Automated cover art/metadata fetching
  • Basic subtitle support for VOB files
  • 5.1 AAC audio
  • Watched, unwatched and partially watched markers (includes resume support)
  • Volume control (up/down arrows during playback)

Firecore is still working on:

  • Better support for HD video files
  • SMB network streaming
  • 5.1 sound
  • Chapter controls
  • Video playlists
  • Subtitles (.srt)
  • Alternative file browsing options
  • Photo slideshows
  • Improved memory management
  • Countless other bug fixes and performance improvements

A brief demo of the Media Player in action can be seen here.

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