Thread
Apple Interactive TV Box
I got a couple of items today to0. My Apple Interactive TV set top box came hat I had purchased from eBay along with a Mits Altair 8800a. Guess which one I opened first? The one that could have an exploding battery in it 
I hooked it up and got a solid red light and nothing else. It didn't even look like it hinted at green. I connected it to composite and RF and saw nothing. I did recently buy a SCSI cable for it so once I install System 7.1 on a SCSI hard drive, I'll see if it tries to boot.
For kicks, I tried a Mac TV remote and nothing happened. I must say the finish on the set top boxes are awesomely rough and durable. That surface should have been how the Mac TV was finished. Very cool.
If anyone cares about the Altair, it came with one switch broken... the on/off switch. DOH! It has flat switches like the 8800b which I've been searching for for a little while. They stopped making them 15 years ago so that's a bummer. I guess I was 0 for 2 today.
I hooked it up and got a solid red light and nothing else. It didn't even look like it hinted at green. I connected it to composite and RF and saw nothing. I did recently buy a SCSI cable for it so once I install System 7.1 on a SCSI hard drive, I'll see if it tries to boot.
For kicks, I tried a Mac TV remote and nothing happened. I must say the finish on the set top boxes are awesomely rough and durable. That surface should have been how the Mac TV was finished. Very cool.
If anyone cares about the Altair, it came with one switch broken... the on/off switch. DOH! It has flat switches like the 8800b which I've been searching for for a little while. They stopped making them 15 years ago so that's a bummer. I guess I was 0 for 2 today.
I think the light is red for a little bit. Then turns yellow. When yellow you can press the power button and it should turn green. If it flashes red, there is an issue. But with bad caps, no network this may all be irrelevant.
Whats an Altair?
Whats an Altair?
Thanks for that but I read the manual before getting it and even the Wikipedia page tells you about the startup LED colors but mine stays red. I'll wait a while and see what happens. Maybe I didn't wait long enough?
I figured you had, but incase someone come across this thread. Some of these old resources are getting hard to come by!!
As for the LED, not sure. Its been so long since I had one to play with! I actual hope you get it to boot/respond in some way. I never really did attempt anything with mine.
As for the LED, not sure. Its been so long since I had one to play with! I actual hope you get it to boot/respond in some way. I never really did attempt anything with mine.
Pretty much the first personal computer ever made.Whats an Altair?
http://oldcomputers.net/altair-8800.html
Thanks for posting that CompuNurd. I wasn't ignoring the question. I had assumed the smiley face after Unity's question meant he knew what that was but I shouldn't make assumptions and there may be others who might not know exactly what an Altair is. That acquisition is all about the history and making these dinosaurs work.
Yes.. I knew.
I scored an Interactive Apple TV on eBay years ago too. Great collectible. Too bad they are useless today. There's actually no software onboard. The front-end was loaded over the cable company's network. There's only enough firmware in the ROM to connet to the network and pull down the gui. Sadly, there's no way to boot it up or load software nowadays since that infrasture no longer exists. Not that it even got out of beta.
Too bad a home server with the software connected to a network couldn't make it useable. You could always contact Disneyland. They may have a bunch somewhere and an old server with the software loaded.
They're not useless. I believe there are instructions somewhere for converting them into a regular LC.
Yep, they can be made to run plain old System 7 (with the interactive TV box specific extensions loaded) booting off an external drive.
Oh yeah I could just imagine that working a treat:
"Hello Disneyland? Do you have software for a 1990's Apple Interactive STB that was never properly released on your servers I could have a look at?"
"Why no problem at all sir, in fact I have that very software available for you right now"
I also mean they have the units somewhere also, along with the server that they used in the hotel.
I did mess around with mine by trying to hook up a SCSI hard drive and even trying to use it as a SCSI device to read it but didn't get anywhere. After some research,. I did take a quick look around for a vintage nCube server and Oracle Media Server software (which is what they used) but came up empty handed. . The Apple ITV netbooted from this sytstem. I wonder if that could be set up on something else?
Note: the jack in the back is not standard ethernet so that makes it a bit more difficult too.
Note: the jack in the back is not standard ethernet so that makes it a bit more difficult too.
You need the last revision of the ROM on the ROM stick, and a few other things I can't remember, along with the STB specific extension for System 7, but it can be made to work, it just takes quite a bit of effort. But then you have a System 7 machine that can be hooked up to a TV as a monitor, which is kinda neat.
Anyone got any links on how to do that? I don't have a STB, but i was always under the impression that no one had got video out of one of the box's under system 7
I don't know enough about it but I would try harder if I had one of course.
There are a few articles that discuss it scattered around the internet. You should be able to pull them up through Google. That's where I have found them in the past.
Yeah I don't think anyone actually got video out to work. Somebody posted the system extensions for a whole bunch of E1/T1 and MPEG stuff but nothing for video out. I believe the first rev (STB1) prototypes can be booted with the proper hookup though.
This is a good resource if anyone is interested
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1122&page=1
Also some photos of the STB1
http://maceffects.net/oldfiles/old/stb/
I know UK ones work with video out since they were production models. A couple cable companies in the UK used them for distributed interactive TV systems long before the modern systems we have now. They were ahead of their time.
Would the software and/or ROMs of a UK model work on a prototype US model, enabling video output?
c
c
Of interest to anyone who has or is looking to get a Apple Interactive Set Top box: http://www.applefritter.com/node/8591
Although now unavailable as linked in the Applefritter forum topic, the Apple Interactive Set Top mentioned in the article still exist on my HD.
Although now unavailable as linked in the Applefritter forum topic, the Apple Interactive Set Top mentioned in the article still exist on my HD.
That is re-cap hell right there. }
Why did no one tell me this? I would have bidded on the couple I have seen on ebay over the years if i knew that....
(actually, I did sort on know this, i have seen pics of them showing the BT splash screen, but never made the connection that these might give me video under mac os...)I'm actually still kicking myself for not at least following the one i saw on ebay about a year ago, oh well, guess another one will show up one day
Edit, just noticed it has pads for what looks like a internal floppy drive, which seems a bizarre thing to leave in there to me (or perhaps it's something else using a 20 pin header)
I've finally had a little time to dig out the ROM chips for the Apple TV Box, and thanks to Strimkind for sending me the extensions... I'm going to try and mess around with it next week as I've got some time off.
You havent seen a mitsubishi DLP chassis, And this is not the exact one I had to work on.That is re-cap hell right there. }
are a lot of those 47uf 16v?
Alright, let's get one of these little guys going
TA DA!!!!!!! All it requires is the correct ROM chip in order to work. Sequence to boot:
1) Turn on Power
2) Wait for Red power light to turn orange
3) Hit power again
4) Plug in to TV
Now with the extensions I have I should be able to put them on an external HD and maybe get it working past just having the error message on the screen.
1) Turn on Power
2) Wait for Red power light to turn orange
3) Hit power again
4) Plug in to TV
Now with the extensions I have I should be able to put them on an external HD and maybe get it working past just having the error message on the screen.
Ooh...so colorless.
The question is, what OS should I try? I've got the extensions, most of em, for the unit now as well. I really want to get this one fully booting. Is there anyone who has gotten it to produce a picture like that either? Let's make this happen for everyone.
that rom simm kinda looks like one of dougg3's
just made a little different.
just made a little different.
Yeah thus far I've only gotten a red light until I plugged that bad boy in... then boom. I about pissed myself when an image came on the screen. I actually never tried to plug it in before to see if anything happened but figure the message about the green button wouldn't come up unless the box is booted with a green light. Let's try to get these bad boys working!
Try Mac OS 7.6, I wouldn't mind burning a dougg3 with a lc 475 image on it.
How many of those boxes do you have?
I've only got one of the boxes but you saw all the ROM chips I have. I didn't test them all. I figured the highest ROM rev had the best chance of working. Plugged it in, saw it turn orange, pushed button again and boom. I'm going to work on it next week as I'll have a lot more free time.
I'm a fan of 7.1.
Ok I'll try both but start with 7.1 then move to 7.6.
when i said 7.6, there wasn't really any thought behind it, other then because its an 040 you know its a 32 bit clean machine.
and that 7.6, in my thought process might have more built in support for the H/W that is soldered onto that PCB.
But then if i keep going with that thought process, maybe 8.1 might be a good OS to try
and that 7.6, in my thought process might have more built in support for the H/W that is soldered onto that PCB.
But then if i keep going with that thought process, maybe 8.1 might be a good OS to try
If you are looking for the Disneyland server software, I'd bet my home, car, job, and wife that its A/UX Based and ran on a Quadra 950 with TV Input boards and a 10GB Monter of a SCSI Hard Drive with compressed videos on it. You can store a lot of video at 240i resolution with 14k sound
7.6 is essentially 7.1 with some reworked PPC code and a bunch of extra bells and whistles piled in, isn't it?
Either way, anything in the 7.x.x series should be fine (especially 7.1 or later). 8.1 might be pushing it a bit, but I see no reason why it wouldn't technically work (especially if the thing is '040 based).
If/when you do get it working, I'd like to see it in action sometime!
c
Either way, anything in the 7.x.x series should be fine (especially 7.1 or later). 8.1 might be pushing it a bit, but I see no reason why it wouldn't technically work (especially if the thing is '040 based).
If/when you do get it working, I'd like to see it in action sometime!
c
I think that 7.1 and 7.5 are going to have the best shot of working. After looking at the OS release dates, I think 7.6 isn't the best idea. Given it was released after the box, it might have some issues running. 7.1 was before this box probably started production and 7.5 was probably undergoing testing during the time the box was being developed. Not to say it isn't worth trying, just know that with my other proto's, they usually like the closest OS to what would have been on them stock at the time.
aux?
If I remember correctly, 7.1 on an external drive was the one that someone tested to work the best.
Good hit on the ROM, looks like you're well on your way to actually getting one of these suckers up and running
Good hit on the ROM, looks like you're well on your way to actually getting one of these suckers up and running
I think your best bet might be to find the OS released around the time of the ROM revision. Perhaps even a 7.5.x beta that was in development may have the correct code that would have been removed for the production releases.
Now that's interesting, I've never heard of one actually coming up to an Apple anything, the ones I've seen produce video show up with the nCube logo saying something is wrong.
Seems like with this ROM you have a good chance of actually getting it work as a real Mac.
Seems like with this ROM you have a good chance of actually getting it work as a real Mac.
Yeah I was really excited when I saw that pop up on the screen. Did a little jig in my back shed for sure. I'll keep everyone posted and hope we can get one of these working to get many more working soon.
Hey hap try and see if you have another one(simm) that works, just like the one you have installed. and send it to me so i can make an image of it? and i will send it back.
Ok sounds good. I got lucky and the first one I popped in worked. I assume the ROM chips with the same rev and version should produce the same results. I'm happy to send them on once I have a chance to confirm. Always fun bring back something from being dead 20 years! Thanks everyone
It's like finding a time capsule...
Exactly. When I saw the orange light on the box I knew I was close. Then button pressing took over and voila
.
.
This thread makes me sad that I sold my iTV years ago :-/
Hap, any chance you can try the other revisions too? I'm mainly interested in the differences of the startup screens and whatever info it dumps onto the display, a couple of the SIMMS are labeled 'debug' which might output some interesting info.
Hap, any chance you can try the other revisions too? I'm mainly interested in the differences of the startup screens and whatever info it dumps onto the display, a couple of the SIMMS are labeled 'debug' which might output some interesting info.
But of course. Just blind luck on the first one and I didn't have much time. I will be sure to post more here shortly.
Probably worth tracing the edge connector pins to the ROMs and identifying the ROM size/type while you're there. Just in case someone needs to make a new one in the future
Another one on eBay.
But this one has a video card I have not seen before. Or did I miss a post about it on here. I know mine never had one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iTV-Set-Top-Box-Developer-Prototype-with-factory-DB15-Video-Card-/271762146859
But this one has a video card I have not seen before. Or did I miss a post about it on here. I know mine never had one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Apple-iTV-Set-Top-Box-Developer-Prototype-with-factory-DB15-Video-Card-/271762146859
Of all the research I have done on this particular unit from Apple's history, I have never seen that video card before. That one piece there is unique. A pinout of that card vs the port would allow creative people here to figure out how it is used and possible craft an adapter.
I too can not find info on this card.
All I can say is that Micro Conversions closed in 1999 and was bought up by iWonder. Of course that seems to be a dead end too.
Micro Conversions, Inc. is closed.
5/27/1999
Micro Conversions, Inc. has ceased operations. All Game Wizard™ products, technology rights and support have been picked-up by iWonder, Inc. As soon as possible, details will be available at www.iwonderinc.com - 817-496-6337 - 817-496-6339 (fax) - toll free sales: 877-237-8622 (877-BestMac).
iWonder is currently developing additional really-cool Mac™ products. The iWizard™ line will be their flagship product until those new products yield.
Other Micro Conversions' products are still in negotiation for ongoing support. More details will become available over the next week or so. In any case, NuBus and PDS cards won't be made in the future and those were the _last_ of their kind. There may be an interruption in Game Wizard availability, so those in the channel should be bought ASAP.
Needless to say, the Micro Conversions' $40 Manufacturer's Mail-in Rebate is gone.
All I can say is that Micro Conversions closed in 1999 and was bought up by iWonder. Of course that seems to be a dead end too.
Micro Conversions, Inc. is closed.
5/27/1999
Micro Conversions, Inc. has ceased operations. All Game Wizard™ products, technology rights and support have been picked-up by iWonder, Inc. As soon as possible, details will be available at www.iwonderinc.com - 817-496-6337 - 817-496-6339 (fax) - toll free sales: 877-237-8622 (877-BestMac).
iWonder is currently developing additional really-cool Mac™ products. The iWizard™ line will be their flagship product until those new products yield.
Other Micro Conversions' products are still in negotiation for ongoing support. More details will become available over the next week or so. In any case, NuBus and PDS cards won't be made in the future and those were the _last_ of their kind. There may be an interruption in Game Wizard availability, so those in the channel should be bought ASAP.
Needless to say, the Micro Conversions' $40 Manufacturer's Mail-in Rebate is gone.
Well it sold. Time will tell if it was someone active in the community.
Wasn't me but without the correct ROM don't think it's going to matter. That card though, IS really cool. We are so close with the ROM chips I have I don't think it will be long before we get one working
I asked the seller for a couple more photos of the card since it sold. Not sure if they will be willing to. I just hate to see when things like this vanish into the collectors black hole. I understand some dont like to share, which I never understood.
Could it also be a serial port? Or network port? for games or controls of some sort?
The seller awesomely provided more picture of the unit. I have many more than this, but since its the card that is most interesting I have included some here.
I do remember reading about a video card that was used in DEV models, it allowed for output to a traditional monitor.