Following these directions to boot OS X from a USB drive I was able to modify the AppleTV filesystem to enable SSH. Running SSH allows for just about anything:
- Added Quicktime components to enable DivX, Xvid, WMV and just about anything else. #
- Added a plugin to browse files on the AppleTV. Otherwise you won’t be able to play those DivX and Xvid files. #
- Ran a afp:// mount in order to browse the media files on another system/server. #
- Enable VNC. #
I can’t wait for some more plugins. I might install the RSS plugin if they get video RSS rolled into it.
I have to say that the Apple TV is by far the best media player for size, cost and user experience; with or without the hacks.
I’ll be uploading some pics on flickr of the external USB OS X booting and running on the AppleTV soon.
