Cannot Save ANY Signatures -- Just Me?

Legacy Seas0nPass
1

After the 5.3 Untethered jailbreak in January, I have been mostly out of the Apple TV jailbreaking scene.  

But recently, I've had occasion to jailbreak both new and older versions of the firmware -- and I'm completely stumped.

Whereas it used to be SIMPLE to save pre-5.3 signatures via Seasonpass, and possible to save 5.3 signatures on iFAITH, I cannot seem to get ANY Apple TV signatures saved AND SHOWING on the iFAITH server.

Although I DO receive successful messages that my signatures have been saved -- both in Seasonpass (for my 5.2) and in iFaith (for the 5.3), NEITHER version's blobs shows when the server is queeried for saved signatures.  Bizarre.

And MOST importantly, after successfully saving my 5.2 signatures via both iFaith and Seasonpass, I am unable to jailbreak on SP when choosing 5.2.   Instead, I receive the dreaded "Ineligible Version" message.

James.... ANYONE?

Surely, others must be experiencing this... 

In the immortal words of the legendary Green Bay Packer coach Vince Lombardi:  "What The Hell Is Going On Around Here?"

2

Not sure about ANY signatures - but could not save signatures for 5.3 on either Mac or Win7 with latest seas0npass.

Get an error saying it can't be saved, and then the unit goes into "permanent" DFU mode.  On my Mac, when I tried, it went into DFU permanently, and I couldn't do anything with it on my Mac.  Had a Win7 laptop, so installed iTunes 10.7.4(?) (Have 11.2.2 on my Mac).

Once on the PC, was able to force restore it to 5.3 with iTunes.  Loaded seas0npass, and it immediately asked me if I wished to save the sigs/SHSH/blob.  I said yes, it uploaded a couple files, and then gave me error that it couldn't save the signature.  It's in permanent DFU mode again.  I'm going to try and complete running seas0npass, and see if it will download the JB firmware - but I'm not so sure.  Why, oh, why can't I point it to an existing 5.3 ipsw file that I've ALREADY downloaded, and just have it use that to JB, instead of downloading again?  A real time-waster.

3

[quote="timu.6069"] Why, oh, why can't I point it to an existing 5.3 ipsw file that I've ALREADY downloaded, and just have it use that to JB, instead of downloading again?  A real time-waster.

[/quote]

 

it should see it if it's in the seasonpass\downloads folder

4

[quote="Carpenter940"]

[quote=timu.6069] Why, oh, why can't I point it to an existing 5.3 ipsw file that I've ALREADY downloaded, and just have it use that to JB, instead of downloading again?  A real time-waster.

[/quote]

 

it should see it if it's in the seasonpass\downloads folder

[/quote]

And why not just allow me to select it (File/Open)?  As opposed to dredging through posts and forums trying to find out where the files are stored - and then hope they are correct, and then hope it works (not a "documented" feature to do that, and no official mention I've found).

5

[quote="timu.6069"]

Not sure about ANY signatures - but could not save signatures for 5.3 on either Mac or Win7 with latest seas0npass.

Get an error saying it can't be saved, and then the unit goes into "permanent" DFU mode.  On my Mac, when I tried, it went into DFU permanently, and I couldn't do anything with it on my Mac.  Had a Win7 laptop, so installed iTunes 10.7.4(?) (Have 11.2.2 on my Mac).

Once on the PC, was able to force restore it to 5.3 with iTunes.  Loaded seas0npass, and it immediately asked me if I wished to save the sigs/SHSH/blob.  I said yes, it uploaded a couple files, and then gave me error that it couldn't save the signature.  It's in permanent DFU mode again.  I'm going to try and complete running seas0npass, and see if it will download the JB firmware - but I'm not so sure [/quote]

 

[quote="timu.6069"]

Not sure about ANY signatures - but could not save signatures for 5.3 on either Mac or Win7 with latest seas0npass.

Get an error saying it can't be saved, and then the unit goes into "permanent" DFU mode.  On my Mac, when I tried, it went into DFU permanently, and I couldn't do anything with it on my Mac.  Had a Win7 laptop, so installed iTunes 10.7.4(?) (Have 11.2.2 on my Mac).

Once on the PC, was able to force restore it to 5.3 with iTunes.  Loaded seas0npass, and it immediately asked me if I wished to save the sigs/SHSH/blob.  I said yes, it uploaded a couple files, and then gave me error that it couldn't save the signature.  It's in permanent DFU mode again.  I'm going to try and complete running seas0npass, and see if it will download the JB firmware - but I'm not so sure. 

[/quote]

Well, 82nd time is the charm, I guess.  No matter what, the current version of Seas0npass will send my ATV2 into perpetual DFU mode any time I try to save the SHSH blob, either at the beginning when it asks me, or when I ctrl-click the "Create IPSW" button and select save at that point.  The unit is complete toast under Mac running iTunes 11.x.  No, I'm not about to screw my entire iTunes library up by downgrading to 10.x. Had to do that once, and had a complete mess for days.  Going over to the PC, it would allow reflashing the firmware, even when it was in perpetual DFU mode.  The Mac wouldn't even recognize it (talking Seas0npass OR iTunes here on the Mac).  I had to restore it back to 5.3 on my PC 3 times before I finally got it JB.

Another thing I noticed that is different between the two (PC and Mac) - when running Seas0npass on the Mac, it would take 5-7 MINUTES before Seas0npass would recognize the ATV, and then begin the download.  It took about 20 seconds on the PC.  Wondering if the USB libraries are very sound on the Mac version of Seas0npass.

Another thing - the instructions to use Seas0npass (after nearly 2.5 years of personal use using Seas0npass, jailbreaking my ATV about 5-6 times, and using aTV Black) - the instructions for jailbreaking are still messed up.  And yes, I've emailed the "contact form".  More than once. No mention at the beginning of connecting your ATV to USB cable in step 1.  Somehow it magically figures it out by osmosis?  I've waited, and it always times out and fails.  You MUST CONNECT the ATV to USB at the beginning - period.

Second - I've NEVER been successful on my Mac using Seas0npass, and going into DFU mode, without connecting the AC cord.  Simply will NOT go into DFU mode without connecting the AC cord. 

Yes, I know the forums are repleat with mentions of the above, YouTube videos showing how, different instructions, etc. Why won't the devs/Firecore update the instructions?  It may require a different process - one for PC, and one for Mac.  I don't know that I can trust instructions posted, when one poster calls another an idiot, or they didn't read the OP's question, obvious the poster has no clue, or whatever.  Just too much back-and-forth, when a simple update to the instructions posted at http://support.firecore.com/entries/387605-Jailbreaking-101-Seas0nPass would clear things up once and for all.  If, on the Mac, 10.x is either preferred or necessary - MENTION IT.  I shouldn't have to wander through forums and postings and other websites and YouTube videos in an attempt to "figure it out".

Why am I being pedantic about this?  It's jailbreaking <epithet regarding your intelligence here>.  I'd prefer not to brick the unit.  So I'm going to be VERY careful and follow instructions - exactly as written.  If you didn't write it - I didn't do it.  I had real concern I'd bricked my unit this time.  I spent several hours yesterday trying to get out of perpetual DFU mode. I attribute much of my issue to:

  • Incorrect (or incomplete) instructions
  • Necessary to use iTunes 10.x on a Mac?  (Why?  The new Seas0npass doesn't even use iTunes to load the JB firmware on the device - it does it itself.  Prior version of Seas0npass used scripting to select the firmware, and then instruct iTunes to reflash the ATV.  This doesn't appear necessary anymore).
  • The feature to save SHSH blobs is completely broken on this version of Seas0npass.  It sends my unit into perpetual DFU mode, and will never get it out of DFU mode. (However, once JB, the feature WITHIN the "Maintenance" section of the software WILL work - it seems).

I guess I'm getting cranky in my old age, as I've had to be meticulous as a software developer in making sure that other devs had the correct documentation, the support staff did, and many times had to sometimes write instructions/procedures for end users.  As the old saying goes - "the job ain't over until the paperwork is done".

 

6

I feel your pain and honestly have no idea why this forum seems like it has gone to H**L.  

But when neither James as a representative of Firecore, nor any of the unaffiliated help seem to care about legitimate issues being posted, why would any new reader take this place seriously?

I must agree:  It is absurd that the jailbreaking instructions posted really don't apply -- and haven't for a very, very long time.  

Unfortunately, my original issue of saving firmware signatures remains unanswered:  I knew that 5.3 could NEVER be saved with any version of SP -- just another unanswered absurdity.  However, saving signatures for earlier versions never used to be an issue -- at all!  

Some may think that we are ungrateful for all that is offered here -- for FREE!  And for one, I am EXTREMELY grateful!  The newest version of SP works flawlessly for 5.3 and without the need for iTUNES.  Kudos for making it so simple!

But that doesn't excuse a basic level of reponsiveness and professionalism that is now missing here.

If you are going to sponsor a site and offer a forum that is ostensibly monitored by Firecore staff, you have a duty to manage it.  

It's certainly not like there are so many posts to keep up with...

What's happened here?  This used to be such an active and vibrant place to ask questions and receive helpful answers.  

Now?

Why would any prospective customer of FC's aTV Flash feel like support would be available THERE?

Just doesn't make good customer service or business sense.

7

[quote="Wodehouse1"]

I feel your pain and honestly have no idea why this forum seems like it has gone to H**L.  

But when neither James as a representative of Firecore, nor any of the unaffiliated help seem to care about legitimate issues being posted, why would any new reader take this place seriously?

I must agree:  It is absurd that the jailbreaking instructions posted really don't apply -- and haven't for a very, very long time.   [/quote]

Yeah - I received an email saying they had updated the instructions - I've just checked - and it's still the old crap that doesn't work.

[quote="Wodehouse1"]

Some may think that we are ungrateful for all that is offered here -- for FREE!  And for one, I am EXTREMELY grateful!  The newest version of SP works flawlessly for 5.3 and without the need for iTUNES.  Kudos for making it so simple!

But that doesn't excuse a basic level of reponsiveness and professionalism that is now missing here.

If you are going to sponsor a site and offer a forum that is ostensibly monitored by Firecore staff, you have a duty to manage it.  

[/quote]

Well, we didn't pay for SP - however, we have all paid to use aTV Flash.  I've got a lifetime update, and that wasn't free by any means (even if I did get some discount on it).  This IS, last I checked, the site for Firecore, which happens to also have links to download SP.  But the instructions are Firecore's instructions - plain and simple.  It's been demonstrated dozens (if not hundreds) of times through this forum that the instructions for SP don't work.  Others have to correct and tell the users what to do. 

[quote="Wodehouse1"]

It's certainly not like there are so many posts to keep up with...

What's happened here?  This used to be such an active and vibrant place to ask questions and receive helpful answers.  

Now?

Why would any prospective customer of FC's aTV Flash feel like support would be available THERE?

Just doesn't make good customer service or business sense.

[/quote]

Yeah - however, it seems "all" JB type forums are that way.  Go over to XDA where Android is the OS du joir to jailbreak, and you'll see threads that have HUNDREDS of pages - not replies - PAGES.  I've seen many with 250-300 PAGES.  The threads go back, in some cases, YEARS, and sometimes cover umpteen different jailbreak versions.  You simply don't know what is relevant anymore, and asking any question, some idiot (ok, I said it), will tell you that the answer is post #47 on page 5 - of a 300 PAGE LONG THREAD.  And then wonder why you didn't read all 300 PAGES before you asked a question.  Problem is - you simply don't know what's relevant anymore, and all too many other idiots don't follow the instructions - so they get a bricked device, and then 3 pages are spent trying to get someone's device unbricked, etc.  And you've got someone with all of 30 posts replying about how it should be done.  Yeah, I'm gonna listen to some nit from somewhere with 30 posts on how to fix my problem that the dev hasn't yet responded to?  And sometimes DOESN'T respond - since the 30 post nit somehow "hit it"?  They can't even say "that's correct"?  So you get the same effect - the dev doesn't update their instructions, or start a new thread (locking the old one), to deal with "version x".  (And all the more disturbing when the "dev" posts 3-4 new versions within a single 24 hour period to deal with basic, simple, fixes that should have been tested prior to posting.

What has happened to common sense?

ok </rant off>

 

 

 

 

8

And to explain to those who may be wondering "now why did he JB his ATV2 4-5 times, and put back the official Apple firmware, just to JB it again"?

Basically because JB the ATV really doesn't give me any features I REALLY USE, and each basic release of aTV Flash, I would try it a few weeks, only to find it really didn't give ME much.  I don't get excited by XBMC.  The recent infusion of Infuse into the Firecore firmware gives me a few things I like.  I realize many of you are exicted by XBMC.  But with the slowness of even Infuse - XBMC is simply much worse.  I've got a Mac mini to run XBMC on (and do, occasionally).

So, the reason for my (hopefully final) JB of my ATV2 is the announcement that IOS8 will NOT move to the ATV2.  So, there will be no new features for the ATV2 coming from Apple.  I decided to JB quickly, since they could remove the signing of the older 5.3 version.

Honestly, I've also gotten a Roku 3, since the ATV has been somewhat of a dissapointment.  Only working through an Itunes shared library is pretty limiting.  I would have expected by this time for Apple to have at least provided something akin to the library section of Infuse so that NAS devices, etc. could have been used.  But that is not the case.  I wind up using the Roku on my main TV much more now (the ATV being relegated to a bedroom TV).

9

Timu,

 

I think there are quite a few using XBMC on the ATV. XBMC works well for me. It handles the live streams I have in HD, and most addons perform well. The football replays, motor sports replays, Navi-X, Mashup, all perform quite well for me. 

I just want to say that I am am happy for my JB  and I hope Firecore continues to release new ones.

 

Thanks.

Rick

10

[quote="rick78"]

Timu,

 

I think there are quite a few using XBMC on the ATV. XBMC works well for me. It handles the live streams I have in HD, and most addons perform well. The football replays, motor sports replays, Navi-X, Mashup, all perform quite well for me. 

I just want to say that I am am happy for my JB  and I hope Firecore continues to release new ones.

 

Thanks.

Rick

[/quote]

I'm glad it does for you.  But consider, not everyone has 10-15Mbps internet connections.  I'm rural (2 miles outside of town), and while you can get cable within the town, and even some ISDN (blech), they won't come out the two miles to wire my area.  So TV is strictly satellite or OTA (and I live nearly 50 miles from the major city and it's broadcast towers). I couldn't use Netflix, despite their attempt to adjust bandwidth during streaming.  Only a year ago (exactly 12 months), I was able to upgrade my system to get the "guaranteed" 2Mbps from my wireless internet provider.  Life sucks from the digital perspective "out in the country".  My provider currently maxes out at 3Mbps (with a hefty hike in cost).  Of course, they will provide a bajillion Mbps "any day now" (heard this for 7 years).  Of course, I have options - I can pay for about 10 phone lines to my house, set up a Linux "concentrator", and use 10 56K modems (if I can still find any that actually work, and find that many serial connections) to set up my SLIP/PPP "broadband" connection, which will actually yield less than I get now.  And cost a LOT more for all those phone lines.  Or, I can go the the "NEW GEN 4 HUGHES SATELLITE CONNECTION WITH SPEEDS UP TO 15MBPS!!!!!!"  Yeah, right.  And it will cost more for satellite than I'm paying now, and as near as I can tell with others that have it - yield far less throughput than I have now.

I can now use Netflix virtually all the time with what appears to be relatively HD pictures.  That's from my ATV or Roku.  I'm not into sports much anymore (long story on why - but I got sick of the commercialization over 35 years ago).  Do like to watch some Formula 1 racing occasionally, or Isle of Mann TT, but not much else in sports these days.

HOWEVER, XBMC is far more problematic.  I can't stream most of the sources.  Seems too many will begin, and after a couple minutes (maybe up to 5) will determine your connection is simply too slow and drop the streaming.  And several sources are quite frankly, no different than what I can get on my ATV or Roku.  If you aren't a cable subscriber - you don't get anything more than you'd get from the website (CBS/ABC/et.al.), and forget HBOGo, etc.  Many of the other XBMC "channels" simply don't work, or have the crappiest captures I've seen (many seem to be 320x240 at about 150kbps or less).  Now - these are the channels I'm interested in - your channel selections may be different, as well as your internet connection - all of which gives you an entirely different experience with XBMC than I have.

Satisfaction with XBMC is really dependent on - your internet connection, whether the content is what you want (admittedly, with Navi-X, it becomes much broader), and probably a few other items - YMMV.  Just not much to interest me.  I'm not knocking XBMC - it just doesn't "float my boat".

 

 

11

[quote="rick78"]  

I just want to say that I am am happy for my JB  and I hope Firecore continues to release new ones.

[/quote]

And I'm not knocking Firecore, or the jailbreak either.  What I have issue with is incomplete and incorrect instructions after at least 2 1/2 years.  And I hope they get properly corrected, and I also hope Firecore adds even more functionality to the device(s).  

 

12

Know how you feel, I’ve wasted a day on this forum. No proper or relevant manual, posts mired with anything but clear responses to the support questions upped. Developer(s) that seem indifferent to the endless pleas for help resulted from the clearly obsolete instructions. Over and over I keep barking to myself, why is it so hard to find any useful information (the polite version)?! It’s true, attempts to save signatures on a mac fail, on windows the same occurs and locks the device in DFU. I think I may have had success with say, the 15th attempt in windows 7 but I’m not confident enough to proceed. It’s been a very frustrating day… wish I could sit back at watch a flick…