grrr... can't get aTV2 to restore to an older firmware

[jardster]

My aTV2 updated to the new 5.0 software, which now won't let it be hacked (at least for a few weeks). I've downloaded the 4.4.4 ipsw.restore but when I try it, it extracts (in iTunes) and then gives me a message that this aTV2 is not eligible for the requested build. I purchased it 3 weeks ago, so that should be the build as it was the last before the 5.0. Any ideas?

[space-time]

I am afraid all these iOS devices are hard to roll back to a previous version. I remember reading that for iPod Touch for example, one had to save certain files or SSH (not sure if I remember this right) and if they didn't like the new iOS version, it was possible to roll back as long as you had those previous files which were device specific.

[sekker]

Does tiny umbrella work for ATV?

[lazydays]

I tried it with no luck. If you figure out a way let me know.

[lazydays]

Using season pass and right clicking on the button I get an option to download 4.4.4 and it successfully does that. Then it says to hold down menu and play for seven seconds and restore the appletv. I launched iTunes and did the restore but it restored the latest firmware instead of the 4.4.4. So I'm missing a step somehow.

[lazydays]

By ignoring the season pass instructions and leaving the atv2 plugged into power I was finally able to get the install script running but ultimately it said my atv2 was not eligible for the 4.4.4 software. Sucks.

[jardster]

lazydays wrote:
By ignoring the season pass instructions and leaving the atv2 plugged into power I was finally able to get the install script running but ultimately it said my atv2 was not eligible for the 4.4.4 software. Sucks.

Yup, that is what happens each time. In iTunes, you can alt+click on the restore button and actually choose the ipsw you want to use.... I downloaded the 4.4.4 and 4.4.3 ipsws and it wouldn't take either of them. I guess I'll be waiting until SeasonPass comes out with the 5.0 jailbreak (hopefully just a few weeks).

[lazydays]

I have another appletv that was jailbroken prior to the latest updates. Is there anyway I can clone it to the appletv that is now running 5.1?

[Gilbert]

Unfortunately, no. The black Apple TVs use a similar restore function as the newer iPhones (3GS and up). They are device specific so using another's device to clone is not possible. As part of the restore function, Apple is pinged to check to see if a specific device can be restored to a specific firmware. Once a new firmware comes out, Apple stops allowing older firmwares to be installed. Your only choice is to get the new firmware.

One can save a device's SHSH files (also called blobs) which are a device's signature file which includes the device's info and the specific firmware using a tool called TinyUmbrella. If one has their blob for their device and a specific firmware, it is apparently possible to roll back to an older firmware using TinyUmbrella. It acts as a middleman and provides the necessary approval for a firmware to be installed on a specific device, sidestepping Apple's approval. The issue is that once Apple stops signing SHSH files for a firmware, there is no way to get it.

I say it is 'apparently possible to roll back' because I have not been able to do it with my Apple TV. I have done it successfully with iPhones but I must be doing something wrong with my Apple TV.

Probably more than what you wanted to know but firmware installs and upgrades on jailbroken devices is somewhat complicated.

More reading if you would like can be found here regarding TinyUmbrella:

http://thefirmwareumbrella.blogspot.com/

lazydays wrote:
I have another appletv that was jailbroken prior to the latest updates. Is there anyway I can clone it to the appletv that is now running 5.1?

[lazydays]

I found this set of instructions which says it can be done but it is beyond what I'm willing to attempt.

http://forum.firecore.com/topic/7279