The Apple TV is a so so kind of device. I bought one cheap from the refurb Apple store at a discount. As with most Apple devices it’s locked down and a bit crippled.

However with a bit of hacking it opens up and becomes quite a useful set top device.

The guys at appletvhacks.net have the details plus a Google search brings up lots more useful stuff.

My main motivation for hacking was to be able to dispense with iTunes for adding content; and sure enough the hacked device allows the use of an external drive connected by USB, so it’s easy to add content: put it on the external drive and hook it up then reboot the Apple TV. I can also FTP into the device as well over my network.

NitoTV, Boxee and XBMC are all installed. I was tempted to add Adobe Flash as well but so far have resisted as it may make the Apple TV run hot and probably crash.

I just need to get a keyboard and mouse working and I am totally fixed!