HOWTO: Setting up Apple TV

I've had my AppleTV for a few weeks now, and it works great *WHEN* it powers up correctly. By "powers up" I mean, yes, I turn it off when I don't use it using the switch on the power strip. Anyhow, it seems like the big problem with the AppleTV is turning out to be that it cannot boot consistently - the flashing question mark! I usually have to reboot it a couple of times before it comes up correctly. Not so great Apple, this seems to be a common problem with ATV, maybe look into fixing that an add a power-off option while you're at it.

This may sound a bit dumb, but for the last few weeks I have been trying to find an answer to this question:

Is it actually possible to have an ad.hoc connection between an 802.11n enabled Mac and the Apple TV...?!? Or am I actually forced to dish out 200 more bucks for a new AP station...?!

Technically I don't see any reason for that...but can anybody here shed a little light on that, now that some people have their Apple TV installed...?! Thanks...

I hit one snag last night when I was setting up mine.

* Plugged in the power
* Plugged in my HDMI cable
* Plugged in my optical audio
* Changed the channel on my TV to HDMI and stared at a blank screen.

Nothing would come up. The light on the Apple TV went from amber to white. I could reset it but nothing came up.

I unplugged the power from the Apple TV and replugged it in and it booted with video.

I guess you have to plug in HDMI before power? Or mine just had a hiccup. Either way, it synced itself and it's *awesome* :D

I saw on a videoclip that it supports 480i.
Is that true??
Check out this clip:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/apple-tv/first-video-setting-up-apple-tv-246124.php

Just had a monster of a time setting it up for my dad in a rather complicated wireless environment. After everything is set and done, it does exactly what it is currently marketed as. I have a Mini for this piece of the puzzle at my house but this works nicely as a media aggregator when the extra juice isn't necessary. Now, what will the first firmware update bring?

I purchased an Apple TV at the Tysons Corner, VA Apple Store today, but after the unit powers up, I get a flashing question mark. I've tried unplugging, then waiting 10 seconds to 10 minutes as well as holding down the Menu and "-" buttons on the remote to reset the device, but still the flashing question mark.

I guess the device can't find the startup resources. Unless you all have ideas, its back to the Apple Store to stand in line at the genuis bar or to return the device to purchase another.

I have a flashing question mark. I've tried unplugging and waiting 10 minutes, as well as holding down the Menu and "-" buttons on the remote to reset the device, but I still have the flashing question mark.

Any ideas? I guess I may have to go stand in line at the Apple Store Tysons Corner, VA tomorrow.

I’m interested in using an Apple TV with my main stereo and TV system, and would like to be able to stream music to the Apple TV using iTunes, without always having to use the onscreen Apple TV interface. Does the Apple TV show up as a speaker source in the iTunes popup menu the same way the Airport Express does?

it has a screensaver. that's hot.

did it not come with a manual??