Macworld: Apple TV operation and HEAT ...

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3 Replies Last post: Jul 3, 2008 8:00 AM by smax013

bigfoot2

185 posts since
Jan 1, 2003

Jul 1, 2008 11:49 PM

Apple TV operation and HEAT

I hope this is the right place to post regarding the Apple TV. Doesn't seem like a portable or desktop "Mac" but rather more like iTunes and iPod (if you've ever played with one).

Anyway, I've had the Apple TV for 2 days and really like it a lot. But it gets very warm. VERY warm. There is no "off" switch and it's just always "on". The heat coming from the unit is Titanium Powerbook heat, if you know what I mean.

Is this normal? Should I unplug it and let it cool down if I'm not going to be using it for a while? Or is it OK to just leave it on and radiating?

If anyone knows anything about this, I'd appreciate a reply.

Thanks.

Jon Seff

760 posts since
Dec 13, 2000

1. Jul 2, 2008 8:58 AM

in response to: bigfoot2

Re: Apple TV operation and HEAT

I have two Apple TVs, and yes they do get pretty warm. Probably nothing to worry about.

Jon Seff - Senior News Editor, Macworld

Stanky

3 posts since
Jul 2, 2008

2. Jul 2, 2008 5:30 PM

in response to: bigfoot2

Re: Apple TV operation and HEAT

Logitech Harmony Remote!!

I love those things anyway, but they have indeed added the capability to control Apple TV -- geez, after all, it's only the "Menu" button and the directional navigation -- in their device database.

Just got my Apple TV yesterday. The Sacramento Apple Store sales guy was superb, pointed out the heat issue and made sure I was going to place the device appropriately.

Updated my Harmony this afternoon, added the Apple TV as a "Media Center PC" device. Then, added an activity called "Apple TV" that consists of nothing more complex than setting my receiver to the proper HDMI input, my TV to the proper HDMI input and turning the Apple TV "on".

With Harmony activities, you control whether or not devices remain on or off when not in use in an active "Activity". I have the Apple TV set such that if it's not in use, it's off.

Additional note -- I also tried putting one of those laptop chill mats under the ATV and Time Capsule. Too damned noisy. What to do? Dove into my 'parts & pieces' box and found some adhesive "feet" from some long-ago device. I put these little 1/2" feet on the bottom of the ATV, another set on the bottom of the Time Capsule and shazam!! I've got airflow like you wouldn't believe........................and my Apple TV is only when it's in use!

Stan

smax013

1,520 posts since
Jul 6, 2007

3. Jul 3, 2008 8:00 AM

in response to: bigfoot2

Re: Apple TV operation and HEAT

I believe it is normal. I am assuming it is how Apple designed it to dissipate heat. This is like most modern external hard drives...uses radiant materials to dissipate the heat rather than a fan unit. I have had my AppleTV for more than 6 months now...gets a little toasty and still works fine.

Member of the "Crazy Mac Users who run Anti-virus on their Macs" club - come join us and you too can be snickered at!

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This Question is Possibly Answered

Jul 1, 2008 11:49 PM

Apple TV operation and HEAT

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