This week we bring you a little something old along with a lot of something new to get your weekend viewing schedule in order with all your Apple TV options tightened up right.  Smack in the middle of May there are some real juicy springtime options so get clicking!

And let’s click it off with Netflix:

• The one you’ve been waiting for- Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 Crime/Drama “Pulp Fiction” is finally available for your viewing pleasure and, if you’ve watched it before, you know this one will be a pleasure!  We never get tired of enjoying this seminal explosion of creative genius that erupted across movie screens everywhere and took the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.  Certainly one of the best films of the 90’s, the sheer brilliance of its script, editing, performances and music went on to enormously influence modern American film language and its wicked sense of dark, ironic humor is still being referenced today.  You’ll laugh until the blood splatters and then you’ll laugh some more.  A work of true cinematic genius that changed the American film game forever.  Yes, this movie is one BAD MUTHA*****R!
• If you’re still in the mood to time travel to the past then zoom over to 2001’s “Tomb Raider” with a still single, pre-Brangelina Angelina Jolie as everybody’s favorite video game heroine come to Action/Adventure, globe-trotting life.  Sure, the story is cheesy (it is after all based on a video game lest we forget) and Angie’s Brit accent is a bit shaky but she looks gorgeous and kicks all kinds of ass and isn’t that all that matters anyway?
• Horror fans, we haven’t forgotten you. If you’re ready to turn off all the lights and tremble under the covers with the One you love then fire up the 2002 Original (let’s all just agree to forget that awful Hollywood remake) Japanese Screamer, “Ju-On, The Grudge”.  Haunted houses just don’t get any creepier as Director Takeshi Shimizu ramps up the gut-wrenching chills in this terrifically terrifying ghost story.  Don’t blame us if you have nightmares.
• TV Pick of the Week- Something for your Shorties this time around. Kids seem to love the 22 minute episodes of “Justin Time”, an animated adventure series where the title hero and his friends travel the world looking for fun adventures.  Dial this one up for your 5-10 year olds and you won’t have to pay for a babysitter because Netflix is currently offering 2 Seasons (26 episodes) worth of shows to keep the Little Ones occupied!  You’re welcome.

Now let’s take a peek at what’s on this week’s menu over at Hulu Plus:

• And we’re going Classic all the way with our movie choices this time around starting with 1967’s “Belle du Jour”.  This sexy/sly/subversive Luis Bunuel film was a 60’s sensation and with Catherine Denueve as the title Good-Girl-gone-Bad this mature examination of love, sex and marriage still has the power to amuse, arouse and set fire to your…conversation.  Adults only please!
• One of our All Time Favorite films and always a mysterious joy to behold, why not enter the dream world of Wim Wenders 1987 “Wings of Desire”.  Bruno Ganz is a lonely angel overlooking Berlin, mesmerized by human frailties, hopes, wishes, wonders, emotions and pining to join the mad, sad parade of humanity.  An evocative masterpiece that always makes us happy to be alive and happier to know love.  And it’s got Peter Falk in the cameo of a career as just exactly who we thought Peter Falk always was…
• OK, if that’s just too much melancholy for your weekend viewing party then maybe it’s time to laugh and we can’t think of a better film to bring the funny then Director David O. Russell’s overlooked 1996 gem of a comic farce, “Flirting with Disaster”.  Ben Stiller is a nebbishy New Yorker with father issues who abandons routine to take off on a nationwide road trip/quest to find his long gone, “real” father along with some much needed closure.  With a luscious Patricia Arquette as his put-upon wife-in-tow, a super-sexy Tia Leone as a neurotic shrink along for the ride and featuring Alan Alda, Lily Tomlin, Mary Tyler Moore, George Segal with a young Josh Brolin in the mix let’s just say things go very, very sideways.
• TV Picks of the Week- If you’re already Huluing then why not try the hot new superhero crime thriller “Arrow”.  This series has been getting great word-of-mouth and already has a huge stateside following.  And we have a feeling that the Ladies may enjoy this one too if you know what we mean.  And while you’re here why not check out the Final Episodes of “The Office”.  The American version of Ricky Gervais’ Brit TV hit has went through some bad years but the final weeks have really been some of the best ever and we highly recommend tuning in for the finale if you’re a fan of the show or even if you’re not…yet.

Finally, let’s take a look at what’s in store over at iTunes:

• With the Summer Blockbuster Season in full swing we thought you might want to check back on some of the earlier versions of recent theatrical releases just to get your movie watching engines revved up.  So let’s start with J.J. Abrams well received 2009 reboot of “Star Trek”.  The new cast/crew is introduced, Chris Pine as Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Simon Pegg as Scotty and Zoe Saldana as Uhuru and the USS Enterprise is taken out for a spin in this origin story reboot of the beloved TV Classic. A must-see for you Trekkies out there!
• And while we’re here…Why not try Director Jon Favreau’s original “Iron Man”.  This was the superhero movie that saved us all from superhero franchise overdose and the 2008 action/thriller/comedy is still a rock solid kick-in-the-pants with Robert Downey Jr. absolutely knocking it out of the park as the wise-cracking, playboy/genius, “shellhead”.  Fantastic job all around and a real romp of an Action/Adventure.
• If you’re still looking for more laughs then try the Judd Apatow produced sleeper comedy hit, 2011’s “Bridesmaids”.  Kristen Wiig penned and stars as the loopy loser chick who wants desperately to make everything work out right for her BFF Maya Rudolph on her Big Day.  Needless to say things go hilariously wrong then spin weirdly, wildly and hilariously out of control.  With Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper and a classic cameo by Jon Hamm, this movie will have you spitting out your drinks and choking on your sandwich as you laugh with, at and for the Girls to get it right.  Who said chicks can’t be funny?
• This Week’s Free App- “Face Swap” by Iddiction.  Yea, this one is kind of a goofy time sink but the kids will love it and you’ll be digging it too so if you have an hour or 3 to kill…it’s FREE!

That’s all for this week.  We’ll be back next week with more great Apple TV stuff!

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The weekend is fast approaching and if Spring is not your thing or you just plan on flexing only your Apple TV muscles this Sat/Sun then here are our best ideas for keeping your screen hot, your eyes peeled and your time well spent. Let’s get right to this Week’s Top Choices for the movie services available on the Apple TV.

NETFLIX

As always let’s start with the biggest gorilla in the online TV/Movie jungle, Netflix.

And this week Netflix once again has a shopping cart full of interesting choices starting with-

• 2011’s “Cabin in the Woods”,  director Drew Godard’s super fun thrill ride of subversive horror hi-jinx that will have you laughing your adult asses off as you watch all the absolutely standard Teen/Horror/Killer/Thriller clichés get twisted until they scream in this post-modern wink at the genre.  Please expect the unexpected.  And, for the Ladies, you get to see a pre-Thor, Chris Hemsworth do his best All-American, casual jock/stud imitation.  Just enjoy him while you can…
• Not for everyone but if you’re in the mood for a Southern-Gothic, murder/mystery/sex/scandal mash-up that’s heavy on the steamy southern heat then check out director Lee Daniel’s 2012 “The Paperboy”.  It stars Mathew McConaughey, John Cusack, teen heartthrob Zac Efron and Oscar Winner Nicole Kidman and they are all going for broke in this lurid fever dream of a melodrama.
• For you avid Gamers out there, you may want to take a peek at this week’s hot release of 2012’s “Halo 4- Forward Unto Dawn”.  We haven’t screened this one yet but it’s got some great customer reviews and may be worth a look even for you non-gamers.  And for you fanboys out there…hey, there’s no pleasing you guys anyway.
• Alt Pick of the Week- 2002’s “Igby goes Down”.  For some reason director Burt Steers adult drama is listed in the “comedy” section and while you will find some dark laughs in this somewhat bleak tale of young adult disillusionment it is definitely not a “feel-good” film.  Kieran Culkin (yes, Macaulay’s bro) plays the disaffected title character as he attempts to navigate his post-adolescent way through the social minefield that is adult NYC along with Claire Danes, Amanda Peet, Jeff Goldblum and Ryan Phillipe.  Deep, dark and just a little heart breaking.

HULU PLUS

Now over to Hulu Plus where this week we’ve decided to get a little Old School with our choices and take you back in time to some of our fave raves from the slightly dusty past.  So let’s kick off with-

• A perfect gem of a film, 2010’s “The Trip”.  This wry, incisive character study features two of Britain’s most brilliant wits bantering, bickering and verbally sparring (complete with dueling, hilarious Michal Caine imitations) as they ramble through the English countryside on a restaurant tour that neither seems particularly keen on.  With Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon essentially playing insider versions of themselves it is very fair to say that adult comedy ensues.  With an accent on the adult.  You’ll be glad to play fly-on-the-wall for this trip.
• One of our favorite overlooked films, director Quentin Tarantino’s 1997 “Jackie Brown”.  A funky crime thriller with an airtight plot that takes its time developing, this masterpiece is full of brilliant, understated performances from Pam Greer as the put-upon title character who’s struggling to retain her cool, Robert Forster as the world-weary, anti-hero who looks things square in the eye, Bridget Fonda as a not-so-harmless party girl and Samuel Jackson as one of his snakiest bad men ever.  Smart, sexy and filled with great music.
• If you’ve got time for a sobering history lesson – A frighteningly prescient study of insurrection, Director Gillo Pontecorvo’s 1966 “The Battle of Algiers” is practically an instructional, cinematic guidebook on the escalation of a very real world, native insurrection.  This blazing documentary-style film features every excruciating step of brutal urban combat, terrorism and the counter-terrorist tactics that result amid the mayhem.  Harsh, compelling, furious, fair and far, far ahead of its time.
• And on a much lighter note- Hulu Plus is always a great choice for the latest in TV so this week’s pick is the brand new NBC comedy series “The Mindy Project”.  Its first season is available to stream and we think that this one will definitely be a winner.  Creator/Writer Mindy Kaling plays the wacky heroine of this off-kilter 30 minute comedy that is only beginning to hit its stride.  Tune in for the next Big Comedy Thing!

iTUNES

Now let’s move over to our iTunes selections and this week, movies are the pick-

• Available to buy this week for the first time- 2012’s “Skyfall”. Director Sam Mendes’ 23^rd installment of the Bond franchise was widely acclaimed as one of the best ever (we didn’t say that, we heard it) and with Javier Bardem as the Big Baddie facing off against Daniel Craig’s 007 and Naomie Harris in the mix, all we can say is that we are ALL IN!  And it introduces a new “Q” too!
• 2010’s Sundance Grand Prize Winner “Winter’s Bone”.  This is the film that made Jennifer Laurence a star and this critically acclaimed crime thriller features a razor sharp script with incendiary performances all around.  The American countryside never looked more threatening as J-Lau weaves her way through a rural snake pit trying her best to save her home.
• Also available is Academy Award winning Director Ang Lee’s 2012 “The Life of Pi”.  Based on the celebrated novel, this feast for the eyes was widely regarded as a favorite to win all the prizes when it opened.  A visually spectacular retelling of this epic tale of survival, humanity and hope.
• This Week’s Music Pick- “El Camino”, the 2011 release from Grammy Award Winners The Black Keys.  If this wild, rave-up of a rockin’good time doesn’t get your hips moving then you should check your pulse because you may be dead!
• Finally, this Week’s Free App- Yes, this is iTunes so we thought we might bring your attention to some of the niftiest apps we could find for free and this week’s pick is the Iron Man 3 app.  We haven’t downloaded it yet but what the hell…it’s free and it’s IM3!

Until next week, that’s all Folks!

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Welcome fellow online viewers & Apple TV fans to the inaugural run of your Weekend Flix Picks with some TV for Free thrown in the cyber-bargain! If you happen to find yourself hunkered down for this coming Fri-Sunday cycle with down time on your hands then you might as well check out the best of what our wide world of Internetainment has to offer while you turn on your Apple TV, turn off your brain, recharge your batteries and give the couch a solid workout.

In like Flynn? Then let’s get right to this Week’s Top Choices for the movie services available on the Apple TV. It breaks down like this:

NETFLIX

First up for our cyber-savvy amigos is the current most popular streaming service in the States, Netflix.  Now the only complaint you’re going to have with Netflix is that you’ve just got too many choices but never fear…we are here.  And this week we say lock in on these selections and you won’t go wrong-

• Must-see movies are unfortunately a step slow on Netflix this week so we suggest starting with some Original Netflix TV programming- “Top of the Lake”.  One season (7 episodes, 50 mins each) of a new Drama/Thriller from New Zealand’s Oscar winning director Jane Campion.  This one is very heavy on the drama but blends a distinct Kiwi flavor to the typical western TV police procedural stew.  TOTL also contains some truly wicked twists and turns with a rhythm all its own.  The violence and blood is minimal but this is cop drama is most definitely not for kids!
• Netflix is also launching “Hemlock Grove” this week, another Original TV series from Eli Roth, the director of “Hostel” and other hyper-violent, Hollywood horror/torture films.  We haven’t sampled it yet but it looks like the suspense/mystery series is going to get all werewolfey with no shortage of gore and undoubtedly plenty of Rothian splatter.  We’re not big Roth fans but the series has femme fatale Famke Jansen in the middle of the action…so we’re in!
• One intriguing pick in the movie section might be 2011’s “The Awakening” starring Rebecca Hall as a turn-of-the-century physic phenomenon debunker tackling a mystery at an English boarding school.  This horror/mystery sort of slid past the mainstream in ’11 but might be worth a watch if you’re in the mood for classy chills, subtle thrills or a little bit of beautiful ‘Becca in the bathtub.
• Want to go Old School?  Why not try one of Harrison Ford’s best, 1985’s “Witness”.  Tough guy, Philly detective Ford goes to Amish Land to straighten shit out and meets Kelly McGillis and Alexander Gudonov on his way to finding the Bad Guys.  A real 80’s gem back from when Ford was almost young.
• Got a stay-at-home date with a pretty girl?  Then how about going even Old Schooler with the iconic beauty Audrey Hepburn being romanced by All-American Gregory Peck in 1953’s classic romance “Roman Holiday”.  Audrey’s stunning, Peck is solid, love is in the air and Rome looks grand.  We’re in the mood for love.
• And this week’s Alternative Pick- Korean Director Joon-ho Bong’s 2006 mad, monster mash-up, “The Host”.  This one has it all.  An out-of-control chemical waste monster against an equally out-of-control and hilariously touching S. Korean family who aren’t about to go down without a fight.  Bong pulls out all the stops with a rollicking roller-caster ride that may not win any awards but Man…this is one hell of an entertaining ride!

HULU PLUS

Now what’s happening over at everyone’s second choice for freebies?  Yes, Hulu may not have the market muscle of Netflix but we’re locked in and we got you covered anyway. Hulu’s new releases are also on the vanilla side this week so here’s our recommendations for movies that will satisfy-

• Let’s start with 2004’s Indie jewel, the little-seen, under-appreciated, low-budget, Sci-fi masterpiece “Primer”.  If you’re into time-travel flicks then tune in and set your head to spin because you’re going for whirl!  This intelligent tale adds a fresh take to the crusty time-travel genre with a serious, surprisingly intense and realistic drama that will satisfy the inner-science geek in all of you.
• If you’re still in serious mode then how about a real world documentary?  If you’re prepared to be shaken then sample 2012’s “The Land of Hope”, a movie following Japanese families after the 2011 triple catastrophe that slammed the NE coast near Tokyo.  Keep tissue paper handy and prepare to cry before you witness a true story of human resilience in the face of utter devastation.
• And on the lighter side…take a break and laugh your adult ass off with director Kevin Smith’s modern comedy classic, 1997’s “Chasing Amy”.  This one never gets old even if Smith’s movies sometimes do but you’ll love seeing a young Ben Affleck deal with some hilariously twisted and very adult relationship problems as he stumbles around true love.  And yes, Jay and Silent Bob are all over this one.
• Network TV’s smoking hot new show “Hannibal” is available for streaming this week and if you’re a major Mads Mickelson fan (like we are) then we seriously suggest you check out this stylish update to the tales of everybody’s favorite serial killing psychiatrist.  Creepy murders and cool characters are everywhere and the show’s stunning visuals are absolutely cinematic.
• If you prefer to laugh then scope out “The New Girl”.  An entertainingly light-hearted and fun half-hour ensemble comedy from NBC (the people who brought you the inexplicably popular “Friends”) with cutie-pie Zooey Deschanel as the lead sweetheart.
• “The Carrie Diaries” are also available this week for you girls who still haven’t satisfied your SATC addiction.  Carrie Bradshaw’s in High School now!
• Our Alternative Pick of the Week- Kaneto Shindo’s 1964, “Onibaba”.  Straight from the Criterion Collection this raw, pulse-pounding, supersexy tale of hard times in Feudal Japan is always listed in the Horror section but we think it’s more of a harsh, naturalistic fable of human survival and human hunger for all that is life.  Brilliant!
• Extra Added Bonus- Hulu has without a doubt got the best offering of upcoming Movie Trailers that we’ve seen anywhere so take a moment to check out everything that’s coming soon to a theater near you!  Be warned- this one is like time quicksand my cyber-friends…once you step in you just keep sinking deeper.

iTUNES

And last but certainly not least, iTunes.  Remember that everybody’s favorite choice for cheap and easy music downloads also offers a slew of movie choices for your viewing pleasure so let’s take a peek at this week.

Movies are a hot choice for your iTunes weekend and this week offers some of the hottest-

• 2012’s “Silver Linings Playbook” is currently available for download and if you’re in the mood for some Oscar-nominated Jennifer Laurence to go along with your Comedy/Drama then this is the pick.  Big stars, big laughs, big drama, Bradley Cooper and a feel-good ending should work for just about anyone in your vicinity.
• If you’ve got an itch for a little bit of the good, old ultra-violence with a thirst for revenge then we say shoot for Tarantino’s 2012 wild Western ride, “Django Unchained”, and scratch like a dog!  It’ll remind you of most every other Tarantino flick you’ve ever seen only more so.  And with the added spice of Academy Award Winner Christoph Waltz in the mix, you’ll be glad you did.
• Got a few extra hours to invest in some quality HBO original programming?  Sample some episodes of America’s top water-cooler show, “Mad Men”.  Please be advised- Once you start watching you just might get hooked on the grimy games of the NYC Boys from 60’s Madison Avenue and Jon Hamm/Don Draper as the heel we all hate to love.
• And now for some Music- This week iTunes has a brand new offering, “13” from Heavy Metal Masters Black Sabbath.  Believe it or not Tony Iommi and his crew are still bringing the hard, heavy, hammering noise just in time to kick off their latest (and no doubt last) World Tour.  And they still got Ozzie too!  Yes, Hip-Hop generation…there was a time long ago when real, actual human beings played real, actual musical instruments all by themselves.

That’s it for this weekend.  Now just keep the pizza guy’s number handy, make sure the refrigerator is well stocked and you’re all set to turn on, tune in and drop out.

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It does not matter weather you have cut-the-cable entirely, are a part-time streamer, or hide in the back-bedroom during the holidays to get your Hulu fix, everyone wants to watch Christmas content during the holidays! Well, we wanted to take a look into the top 3 streaming options available right now, on your Apple TV, and find out what options exist amongst Hulu, Netflix and iTunes. For me, and my family, A Charlie Brown Christmas is a holiday must. So let’s start with that!

HULU

A Charlie Brown Christmas

In the digitally-remastered 1965 special, Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees everywhere during the Christmas Season.

Year’s End

Oliver discovers that after he and his father went missing, Moira and Thea stopped celebrating Christmas. Determined to make up for lost time and restore a sense of normalcy to the Queen household, Oliver decides to throw the family a Christmas party.

25 Most Hilarious Holiday TV Moments

Take a look back at the funniest holiday moments from Seinfeld, The Simpsons, A Christmas Story, Friends, The Golden Girls, and more with TV Guide.

Secret Santa

While Castle and Beckett celebrate their first Christmas together, the team investigates a case involving a dead Santa in Central Park.

The Kid

The silent film star’s first foray into filmmaking is a tale of a down-and-out Tramp (Chaplin) and his inseparable sidekick, a young ragamuffin taken under the Tramp’s wing.

Michael Buble: Home for the Holidays

It’s a Bublé Christmas, every body! Michael Bublé celebrates the holidays with special guests Rod Stewart, Blake Shelton, Elmo, and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Prep and Landing

An elite unit of elves ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared for a visit from Santa Claus each Christmas Eve.

In Search of Santa

Sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff lend their voices to this animated Christmas story. They play two princess penguins who unexpectedly encounter one of Santa’s sleigh bells.

iTUNES

Miracle On 34th Street (1947) $12.99

The holiday season is in full swing when a cultured gentlemen with twinkling eyes, and ample belly, and a snowy beard is hired as Macy’s department store Santa. He claims his name is Kris Kringle, and soon fills everyone with Christmas spirit – except for his boss, Doris Walker, who’s raising her daughter Susan to not believe in Santa but when Kris is declared insane and put on trail everyone’s faith is put to the test as old and young alike face the age old question: Do you believe in Santa Claus?

The Overbrook Brothers $14.99

Over the course of a ridiculously awkward Christmas reunion, two bitter, arch rival brothers discover they’re adopted, and the revelation sends the two adversaries on a hilarious, and sometimes bizarre, cross-country journey in search of their biological parents.

This Christmas $7.99

A Christmastime drama centered around the Whitfield family’s first holiday together in four years.

When Harry Met Sally $9.99

Rob Reiner’s romantic comedy documents a very unusual couple. There’s never been a friendship quite like Harry and Sally’s. From faking an orgasm at the corner deli, to debating the odds of having great sex with a guy named “Sheldon”, there’s nothing Harry and Sally don’t do together.

A Christmas Story $9.99

Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940s.

Christmas On Mars $9.99

As much about bleak isolation as it is about exaggerated colorful optimism, the long awaited feature film by The Flaming Lips is set in outer space on the surface of Mars. The double failures of a clunky old oxygen generator and an exotic, but finicky, gravity control pod have conspired to weaken the resolve and psychological judgment of the crew and the film’s protagonist, Major Syrtis.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation $9.99

The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

The Nightmare Before Christmas $14.99

Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.

It’s a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie $9.99

On Christmas Eve, an angel petitions God to send help for Kermit the Frog who has lost all hope after losing the Muppet Theatre.

NETFLIX

Home Alone 1-3

In this smash trilogy classic, Kevin McCallister accidentally finds himself Home Alone while his family have travelled to a far off locations. Watch as the Kevin is forced to defend himself, his home, and his holidays!

Jingle All The Way

A desperate dad must match wits with a sleazy Santa, a stressed-out mailman and a horde of parents to procure a hot new toy on Christmas Eve. And since disappointing his son isn’t an option, he’s determined to get it by any means possible.

Elf

Buddy the Elf doesn’t feel like he fits in amongst the elves of the North Pole. But this Christmas, when he learns that he’s adopted, he journeys to New York to save his real father from the naughty list … and maybe spread a little Christmas cheer.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey)

Dr. Seuss’s much-loved story about the real meaning of Christmas finally makes it to the big screen in live-action form, with Jim Carrey starring in the titular role of the green-faced villain who plots to rob Whoville of the holiday celebration.

The Polar Express

A young boy’s faith in the holiday spirit is revived after he makes his way by train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve in this warm-hearted computer-animated tale inspired by Chris Van Allsburg’s award-winning children’s book.

It is important to note that all of these sources have MUCH MORE Christmas content to offer you! Hulu for example has a unique webpage you can visit every day, located at www.hulu.com/holidays. If you are wanting television episodes that are soaking with Holiday Spirit, Hulu or Hulu Prime is where you want to be. For the cost of a few iTunes episodes, Hulu Prime offers you 90% of the content you could want/need from Fox, NBC, ABC, and many more.

We pray that you all have a Happy Holiday & from all of us at Apple TV Hacks – Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

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Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Are you one of the many unfortunate people to attempt Apple’s latest update on your Apple TV? Did you click the update button only to be met with an error message, an incomplete download, or a completely useless little black puck like all the folks on Apple Forums? Well, if this is not you, breathe a sigh of relief. If this is you, have no fear, Apple TV Hacks is here!

We have come across a fix posted by the folks at TidBITS, and the likely cause, of this little blunder. As usual, you can blame CABLE! No, not Comcast or Time Warner but the Ethernet cable! It would seem that this is happening to those of you whom are attempting to do the update via an Ethernet connection. To fix the problem, follow the steps below:

ITEMS NEEDED:

• Apple TV
• WIFI

STEPS

• Use WiFi instead of Ethernet to update your Apple TV to 5.1.1

According to TidBITS:

The solution is to unplug the Ethernet cable and update over Wi-Fi. That has worked for many people for whom the update wouldn’t install. However, if your install failed such that the Apple TV won’t boot at all, you can manually restore the Apple TV by unplugging the power and HDMI cables, and connecting it to your computer with a micro USB cable (for a third-generation Apple TV, you’ll have to reconnect the power cable after this).

It is so easy, that it is insulting.

As always: if you are on jailbroken ATV2, stay away from this update for now if you don’t want to lose your jailbreak.

The iOS 5.1.1 firmware build number is 10A831.

You can download the firmware directly from here.

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Following today’s launch of iTunes 11, Apple has rolled out 5.1.1 software update for Apple TV 2 and Apple TV 3 that adds support for Up Next with iTunes 11 or iTunes Match and includes some performance and stability improvements.

Here is what’s new in 5.1.1:

iTunes Up Next
Adds support for Up Next with iTunes 11 or iTunes Match. See upcoming songs when playing music on your Apple TV. Add new songs and edit what’s queued with your Remote or with the Remote app.

Stability and performance
Includes performance and stability improvements with the iTunes Store, AirPlay, Netflix, iTunes Match, and wired Ethernet connections.

Unfortunately, it looks like an issue which caused serious problems to some users after updating their Apple TVs (2nd and 3rd generation) to the latest Apple TV 5.1 software remains unfixed.

As always: if you are on jailbroken ATV2, stay away from this update for now if you don’t want to lose your jailbreak.

The iOS 5.1.1 firmware build number is 10A831.

You can download the firmware directly from here.

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Rumors have been swirling for nigh on a year now about what would come to pass when Apple finally delivers its television. Not that the Apple TV is any slouch mind you, but visions of a fully integrated Apple HDTV have had experts and fanboys alike drooling. News about a possible release schedule and what could be expected of this hardware has been slow to nonexistent in recent months leaving many people filling that informational void with speculation. One particularly juicy daydream was just delivered by our friend over at The Verge and we simply had to pass it on. So here is one die-hard’s dream of the perfect Apple TV.

The goal is to explore what would be possible if the software manufacturers and the cable providers could hold hands and work together. After all, the HDTV technology today has plenty of punch behind it, but 2K or 3K resolutions wouldn’t mean a thing unless there was a way for subscription-focused live internet streaming to link without limitations to Apple’s superior content delivery system. So the Apple TV would seamlessly integrate with all of our mobile devices, while maintaining a more friendly relationship with non-apple products as well.

When it comes to hardware, it’s obvious what should go on the ‘must’ list. You’ve got to have Bluetooth and AirPlay, as well as integrated WiFi technology that passes muster. That beautiful HD quality FaceTime camera and software should make an appearance, as well as 3D technology if they can get it right (which means losing the terrible glasses, of course). Resolution should bottom out at 1080p, and outputs should include USB, Optical Audio, HDMI and Apple’s new Thunderbolt. That will allow for an expanded hard drive, though inclusion of a DVR with at least 1TB of storage should be in the conversation.

Of course, FaceTime won’t be the only iOS App to make an appearance. What would be perfect is a fullscreen App store, where you could buy and utilize many of the apps that make the iPhone, iPod and iPad so fantastic. But you would also be able to download one-click access to the various players you most frequently use (Hulu Plus, VUDU, Netflix, etc.) AND to purchase subscriptions to pay cable networks. Ideally you’d be able to pick a monthly or yearly subscription to ShowTime or AMC, while also paying for membership to HBO Go or one of the other fantastic cable streaming sites.

As with your other Apple hardware, the Apple TV would certainly utilize Spotlight for searching. But in our ideal device it would be able to search not only your library’s content, but anything available on iTunes, within an app Store, or upcoming in a TV guide listing. That way you’d immediately see any free and paid options. If Siri was integrated to help remind you of subscribed shows or TV Guide alerts, that would just be the icing on the cake.

And as far as that TV guide is concerned, the closer the resemblance to our app screen the better. All the channels could be listed vertically, with click-through descriptions. The guide would cleanly integrate with iTunes, so you could see all upcoming releases the same way. Previews would be available for all movies (as on Apple Trailers), and anything you bring to the party through an external drive would upload to the same guide and be visually cataloged.

Is all of this probable, or even possible? Who really knows. This is the Apple TV that will live in our dreams until we are given one in real life. It’s going to take Apple becoming more willing to accept non-Apple products, and the cable providers choosing the joy of the user over maximizing advertising profits. If you think it’s probably not going to happen, you can dream at least. It’s what Steve Jobs would have wanted.

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Editing photos on your iPad, iPhone, iPod, and yes, even your Apple TV! It is no secret that we all love to take photos with our mobile devices leaving the only question to be: “How can I edit, and share, my pictures?” Well, Air Show HD hopes to be an answer to this question. And a few others. It is true that Apple has offered the ability to share and edit your photos since the release of iOS 5. That said, there is one thing that Apple has never addressed and that is in regard to the photos you may not want to share publically.

As of today, if you decide to set up a slideshow with your iOS device, on your Apple TV, you have little-to-no control over what photos you will be showing. The only power you are given is the ability to select what folder you will be viewing within the default photo gallery. Well, if you are anything like me, you may not want to show every photo within that location to others.

This is where Air Show steps in.

Air Show HD by Splitmo – Straight From The Source

• Show off your best pictures on your big screen TV using Air Show and an Apple TV. Zoom in, crop and caption your best pictures while Air Show automatically builds a slide show for you.
• Air Show allows you to search through your photos, adding them directly to the TV or the generated slide show. Air Show shows only the photos YOU want without your friends seeing potentially embarrassing pictures by accident.
• If you want to save more than 3 slide shows, Air Show provides unlimited slide shows as a one time in-app purchase.
• Full Retina support for the iPhone 4, 4s, 5 and the new iPad.

The GOOD:

1)  This application works AS ADEVERTISED. With every press of a button you are given clear directions on what you need to do, and how you need to do it. This enables all users, at every skill level, to be able to use this application. Air Show keeps it simple.

2)  The UI of Air Show makes navigation quite easy. The ability to drag and drop photos gives the feel of a more advanced program, like Photoshop, running on your iOS device. Though the functionality could be considered “advanced” the use of these features does not leave you feeling as if the app were overly complicated.

3)  The AirPlay function is insanely responsive. Though most of the credit for this feature may go to Apple, iOS, and the software development behind the two, Air Show HD has done a great job taking advantage of these features. You are given the ability to zoom in, and out, while the slideshow is streaming to the Apple TV. This is a feature that the default iOS gallery does not have functioning fully.

The BAD:

1)  At first glance, this application feels lacking. When I first launched it and started using it to stream slideshows, I felt it was missing some basic functions that iOS does very well by default, such as multiple transition animations. That said, the longer I played with Air Show, on my iPad 2, the more I began to see it for the benefits it offers. Not to mention, updates are prevalent in all apps. Surely there will be more to come from this app.

The UGLY TRUTH.

In the end, Air Show HD stands on its own against the latest features, and options, of the default iOS gallery and its’ ability to stream slideshows to your Apple TV. As of today it is missing quite a few features that I would want to see in order for this application to become a full time app that I would use on a regular basis. Again, that said, there are two things that make Air Show stand out as an application worth downloading to your device today:

• The Price Is Right!

Air Show is absolutely free, right now! The fact is that we all love finding free apps and taking them for a test-drive. So, I would encourage you to head over to iTunes and give Air Show a shot.

• Privacy Control

The simple fact that I can select photos from different locations and easily create a customized slide show, is a powerful feature in-and-of itself. If you have “private” photos mixed in with your collection,  this app is absolutely  worth trying. I was able to create a slide show of select wedding pictures, vacation shots, and some graphic art I had made, all the while forgoing some “more embarrassing” shots.

Grab a copy today.

Also read:

Air Show updated with music playlists and color captions support

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Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Apple has just updated the second and third-generation Apple TV software to version 5.1 (build 10A406e). The biggest changes include support for Shared Photo Streams, the ability to switch between iTunes accounts and to send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices. Apple TV 2 jailbreakers: as always – stay away from this update for now if you don’t want to lose your jailbreak.

Apple TV hacker and developer nitoTV tweeted that he doesn’t recommend updating to 5.1:

If you own an Apple TV 3, you’re obviously not going to lose any jailbreak updating to 5.1, however the upcoming Apple TV 3 jailbreak may only support 5.0 (5.0.1, 5.0.2) firmware.

If you still think like updating to 5.1, here are the direct download links:
AppleTV2,1_5.1_10A406e_Restore.ipsw
AppleTV3,1_5.1_10A406e_Restore.ipsw

And here is the full list of new features in Apple TV 5.1:

• Shared Photo Streams — Accept invitations for Shared Photo Streams, browse photos and comments, and receive notifications of new content.
• AirPlay — Send audio content from Apple TV to AirPlay-enabled speakers and devices (including AirPort Express and other Apple TVs). Also includes the ability to require an onscreen code to use AirPlay with your Apple TV.
• iTunes account switching — Save multiple iTunes accounts and switch quickly between them.
• Trailers — Search movie trailers. In the United States, see show times for local theaters.
• Screen savers — New Cascade, Shrinking Tiles, and Sliding Panels screen savers.
• Main menu— Reorder icons on the second page by holding down the select button on the remote.
• Subtitles — SDH support for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as well as improvements to viewing and selecting subtitles.
• Network configuration — Support for setting up advanced network options using configuration profiles.
• Stability and performance — Includes general performance and stability improvements.

[image: iLounge]

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Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!

Until now only available on jailbroken devices, Hulu Plus official app has finally arrived on Apple TV. Hulu icon now shows up on the Apple TV home screen (no update needed, just reboot your device) giving you instant access to all the shows, series and movies available on Hulu Plus. The monthly subscription is $7.99 and there is a one week free trial for new users. If you are new to the service you can sign-up through Apple TV using an Apple ID.

How to sign up

If you are a Hulu Plus subscriber, simply enter your username and password to start streaming last night’s episode of your favoirite show.

If you do not have a Hulu Plus account, you can easily sign-up two ways:

1. Go to www.huluplus.com/appletv and register online. Launch Hulu Plus on your Apple TV, log in with your new credentials and start streaming.

2. Create a Hulu Plus account directly through Apple TV by using your existing iTunes account and following the sign up instructions on the screen. If you sign up for Hulu Plus through Apple TV, you will be emailed instructions on how to complete your registration so you can use Hulu Plus on all other supported devices. After your free 1-week trial ends, your iTunes Account will be charged $7.99 per month as a recurring transaction.

Check out this video to find out how to set up Hulu Plus on your Apple TV:

Visit What's on iPhone for the best iPad and iPhone app reviews!
Do you want to feel like a wizard? Check the Kymera wand in Amazon: You can control your Apple TV waving a wand!