I have an Apple TV and simply want to use a wireless keyboard for searching. Is there a simple means of hacking the system to do this?

If you have a bluetooth usb transceiver + keyboard, then you can load the bluetooth kexts on boot time. Then you have to install irkeyboardemu. This will allow you to navigate through frontrow via keyboard. I think, then in couchsurfer you can use it to enter text, eg. into the google search field.

The irkeyboardemu, imho, doesn't work on ATV version 2.2+.

How do I load the extensions at boot time? I'm not sure how to install anything on an Apple TV. Maybe I missed something basic. There does not appear to be a means to install additional software.

Originally Posted by rcpageiv

I have an Apple TV and simply want to use a wireless keyboard for searching. Is there a simple means of hacking the system to do this?

The easiest way is using Remote app on iPhone or iPod Touch. That is of course, if you have one.

I've had some luck with a "Mini 2.4GHz Wireless Office Keyboard with tracking ball", Model No. 2392M-BRF, found on eBay. I have the latest AppleTV software -- aTV 4.0.5, etc. -- which offers USB keyboard support. No additional software is needed on the AppleTV itself.

I say "some luck" because the keyboard is PC-compatible, not Mac, and there are a plethora of keys that seem specific to PC applications not found on AppleTV. I'm not going to bother mapping the keyboard to Mac OS functions because, hey, this is an AppleTV, not a high-end desktop computer.

The keyboard is very small (easy to store when not in use) and I wouldn't want to use it for everyday typing but it is fine for limited use with the AppleTV.

The trackball (mouse equivalent) on the keyboard is a bit scratchy and the right-click and left-click buttons are weirdly located on the corners of the keyboard case but it works fine for typing things like a search phrase in Google or a URL in a browser.

It took about three weeks to get the keyboard from Hong Kong and the cost was $48 including postage.

Originally Posted by Coc Zamudio

I have the latest AppleTV software -- aTV 4.0.5, etc. -- which offers USB keyboard support. No additional software is needed on the AppleTV itself.

Just to be clear the latest Apple TV software is OS 3.0.1, what you are referring to is a commercial package that automates a lot of (generally free) patches and additions to the Apple TV OS.

USB keyboard can be achieved via the free NitoTV with it's smart installer. There is absolutely no need to purchase the ATV flash package (which actually includes and uses NitoTV to achieve the same goal).

I agree 100%. Thanks for adding some additional clarity to my post.

Originally Posted by Olethros

Just to be clear the latest Apple TV software is OS 3.0.1, what you are referring to is a commercial package that automates a lot of (generally free) patches and additions to the Apple TV OS.

USB keyboard can be achieved via the free NitoTV with it's smart installer. There is absolutely no need to purchase the ATV flash package (which actually includes and uses NitoTV to achieve the same goal).

What about the new Apple wireless keyboard? Is there a way for AppleTV to recognize it even with a hack?

I have 2 more Issues:

1. XBMC on Apple TV 3.0.1 cannot see my Synology NAS - CubeStation CS407 or any devices on the WORKGROUP by Windows Network SMB browsing. I had to set up the network location by using the local LAN IP address.

Is there any way to ensure the following:
- CS407 - CubeStation shows up as a valid network location on the Windows Network SMB. Even going via Windows Network on my WinXP machine I could not see it.
- XBMC on Apple TV can browse to them and add them as source for media

2. Its irritatingly slow to type out things using the Apple Remote for XBMC to add network locations & type out things using the Onscreen one click onscreen keyboard.

Is there a better faster way to have a proper keyboard that will work in AppleTV and on XBMC on AppleTV.

The iPhone based Apple Remote only shows AppleTV LIBRARY options. It does not to do exact screen control.

Is it possible to plug in a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to work on Apple TV & XBMC?
and/or
Some iPhone App that can give me a virtual keyboard (on iPhone) screen to enter stuff into Apple TV & XBMC.

Suggetions?

Originally Posted by crashnburn

The iPhone based Apple Remote only shows AppleTV LIBRARY options. It does not to do exact screen control.

Is it possible to plug in a USB or Bluetooth keyboard to work on Apple TV & XBMC?
and/or
Some iPhone App that can give me a virtual keyboard (on iPhone) screen to enter stuff into Apple TV & XBMC.

Yes USB or bluetooth keyboards work with the AppleTV. For bluetooth you need a supported bluetooth dongle and to make sure that you run the nitoTV smart installer so that the correct bluetooth support files are installed.

I use VNC/Screen Sharing from my mac to do complicated keyboard input when using XBMC on my ATV.