I've developed a method to use an external USB drive as the primary storage for the Apple TV, without modifying the kernel beyond installing a couple of kexts and applying a ~400 byte patch. You don't need to open the Apple TV or install an alternative OS to do it. The Apple TV is surprisingly accepting of external drives for primary storage - once you've modified the kernel to mount the disk at the right point, the Apple TV accepts it, so I'd guess that Apple was planning for seamless upgrades in the future.

As you might know, there's a $1,000 bounty from appletvhacks.com for this, so I'm going for it. I'm going to release the full source code and a simple installer once they acknowledge it and reply to my submission e-mail. I'd release the source now, but the rules there prevent me from doing so.

Just posting this in case anyone has any questions. Watch this space for the source and the installer soon.

any news on this? I just ordered my 160 gig hd. I would love to use my other usb drives w/my apple tv.

Well, appletvhacks.net hasn't responded to my e-mail yet. Does anyone know any other way to get in touch with them?

Have you checked in the AwkwardTV irc, odds are someone will know someone from AppleTVhack.net there.

I fully believe Nightwatch has the solution and if I submit a solution on my own, he should be credited with the $1000 bounty.

I have to admit I am very interested in this particular hurdle being overcome, would take some of the sting out of the new larger Apple TV

The appletvhacks site seems to be inoperable. maybe thats why you havent gotten a response?

Hi Nightwatch

Eagerly awaiting news of your development, and I too have noticed that the appletvhacks site has been down for quite a while now.

Have you any update?

Best of luck with your quest!!!

Cheers

Paulc

That would amazing. Hacking the box without opening it. Then somebody only has to make iTunes or ApplTV able to play video files with more than 1 audio (language) tracks. The top would be making it able to play AC3 Dolby Digital and Steve Jobs becomes MISTER MEDIA

any news? or its just a hoax?