ATV2 periodically will not connect to iTunes

[Robotrock]

Hi,
I have an Apple TV 2 that periodically will not connect to iTunes. I'm running the latest firmware for the ATV, and the latest version of iTunes on a Snow Leopard equipped 17" Intel iMac.

iTunes is installed on my local hard disk, however, the media and iTunes library file are on an external Western Digital hd.

If I quit iTunes on the Mac and then start it up again the ATV will connect. However, my Mac is upstairs and my ATV is downstairs so this is inconvenient at best.

I have not enabled the sleep mode on the Mac because I want to make sure that it's available to the ATV. Nor have I enabled the "Put the hard disk(s) to sleep" mode.

However, I believe that the WD hard drive I'm using does have it's own sleep mode that it enters after periods of inactivity (it's one of those "eco" models in a Macalley enclosure). iTunes never has any issues playing music from the drive though even after the drive goes to sleep. The drive just spins up and all is well in iTunes, but not well with the ATV.

Hope this gives you all enough info!

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[karlmitchell]

Same problem here, and also with an external WD hard drive. However, I had wondered if the drive were the problem, but accessing the drive from iTunes does not solve the problem. Only restarting iTunes does. So I'm thinking the WD drive is just a co-incidence. Anyone else? -Karl

 

[charlieroberts]

same here

I don´t think it has anything to do with the external because i have the same problem and my library lives in my mbp´s internal HDD.

I have been trying different things, like unplugging and reconnecting the atv2 but to no avail. Only restarting iTunes seem to work. It´s pretty inconvenient.

So if anyone could help us...

 

[mstrze]

Instead of restarting iTunes, try turning Home Sharing off and then on again on the ATV. Should connect back up instantly.

 

[tomville]

Instead of restarting iTunes, try turning Home Sharing off and then on again on the ATV. Should connect back up instantly.

I have been using this method as well. My iTunes files are on my iMac's internal drive.

 

[charlieroberts]

would have wished for something more "permanent" hehe but this works much better than having to run to my mac.

 

[Robotrock]

Instead of restarting iTunes, try turning Home Sharing off and then on again on the ATV. Should connect back up instantly.

This does work for me. Not ideal, but it does work. Thanks for the tip!!!

 

[robwest619]

ATV2 Issues

I have been having the same issue when I am watching a movie and it cuts out. I will have to either turn off ITunes or turn off/on Home Sharing to resolve. I have the latest firmware and have used it either via the iMac with an external hard drive or a macbook with an external hard drive. The network is not effected since I usually watch coming attractions while ITunes is restarted.

Wondering if this is a bug that Apple needs to address? Any thoughts or perspective would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I tried switching mine off and on and now it says can't log in. I think Apple are just trying to make me buy a atv 3!