How to

Some of you might be familiar with the term 'jailbreak'. Apple products like the iPhone and iPad, have been jailbroken for a few years now. To jailbreak is to gain access, to the hard drive of the device, with read and write capabilities.

This allows you to load media and applications that aren't filtered through Apple's iTunes Store. Although you've probably heard of the above mentioned devices being jailbroken, you may not have known that the Apple TV2 is also susceptible to the same exploits.

"Why on earth would I want to jailbreak my Apple TV2?" Good question, it's not for everyone. The jailbreak alone will do you little good, but the possibilities it opens up are quite interesting.

For instance, you would have the ability to install software on your Apple TV2 that would allow you stream DivX and other media types from your computer. You can also install plugins, such as a web browser. There are also tweaks to enable a jailbroken Apple TV2 to receive input from a bluetooth keyboard.

So whether you are a veteran iPhone hacker or an audacious beginner, anyone is capable of jailbreaking their Apple TV2. Don't worry! There's no actual hacking involved, we use free software that makes the entire process simple. Let's begin!

Important Notes: Jailbreaking is not for everyone. Although deemed legal by federal law, it most likely will void your warranty. If something goes wrong during the jailbreak process, your Apple TV2 should be restorable through iTunes. Please follow directions carefully, and proceed at your own risk. This is also not a full jailbreak, it is tethered, meaning you must connect to your computer every time your Apple TV reboots to make it work. A full jailbreak, with no tether required, could be a ways away. Finally this is only for Mac OSX users, a Windows version of Seas0nPass has not been released yet.

Step 1: You are obviously going to need some tools. For starters, an Apple TV2 (Black) running the latest 4.3 iOS software.  You will also need a Micro-USB cable (extremely common charging chord in modern smart phones).

Step 2: The latest iTunes version 10.2.1, is required, so update it first if you need to. You will need to download Seas0nPass for Mac OSX.

Step 3: After your iTunes is updated and your 2 items are done downloading, launch Seas0nPass.

Step 4: Let it download the needed files, this took me about 20 min. (depends on your connection speed)

Step 5: Once done, Seas0nPass will prompt you connect your AppleTV2 to your computer via that micro-USB cable we mentioned earlier. DO NOT plug your power chord in yet.

Step 6: Follow the directions for putting your Apple TV2 in DFU mode. Basically you just hold down the 'Play/Pause' button and 'Menu' button, simultaneously for 7 seconds. If you did this correctly, iTunes should automatically launch and start the restore process.

Step 7: iTunes should confirm the restore is complete.  Your Apple TV2 is now jailbroken, you just have to do the tethered boot!

Important note: Before proceeding, disconnect your micro-USB cable. You will be prompted to plug it in soon. Never unplug your power chord during the process.

Step 8: Restart Seas0nPass and select the 'Boot Tethered' option this time. Again, when prompted by the software, connect your Apple TV2 to your computer via the micro-USB cable. It will prompt you to put your device in DFU mode again by holding the 'Menu' and 'Play/Pause' buttons for 7 seconds, simultaneously.

Step 9: You're done! Seas0nPass will now complete the tethered boot. Once done, remove the USB cable and plug in your HDMI chord.

Don't worry if you don't get it the first time, just unplug your chords and start it again.

Stay tuned for more Apple TV2 tutorials, including how to install jailbreak plug ins and software.