Cracking Open the Apple TV 2012
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Apple TV 2012 teardown
ntIts release may have been overshadowed by the 3rd generation iPad (launched at the same event), but the 2012 Apple TV should please fans of the Cupertino company’s streaming media player.
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ntI cracked open the 2nd generation Apple TV in 2010 and was curious to see the new chips inside the 2012 model. Follow along as I crack open the 2012 Apple TV.
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ntFor a detailed analysis of the teardown, check out my article and video, Apple TV 2012 Teardown: Upgraded processor, wireless chip.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Features and price
ntThe 2012 Apple TV has a revamped user interface and supports 1080p video, Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n, iTunes, AirPlay, and Netflix. It lacks some streaming services, such as Hulu Plus, HBO Go, Amazon Instant, and Pandora. The 2012 Apple TV retails for $99 (US)
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Box contents
ntAlong with the actual Apple TV player, the box contains the Apple Remote, power cord, and product documentation.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Dimensions and weight
ntThe 2012 Apple TV weighs 0.6 pound and measures 3.9″ (wide) x 3.9″ (deep) x 0.9″ (high). Its overall design (both inside and out) is identical to the 2010 Apple TV.
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ntPhoto by: Bill Detwiler / TechRepublic
ntCaption by: Bill Detwiler
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Ports
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 1st generation vs 3rd generation
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Bottom
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the bottom cover
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Internal hardware


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Disconnecting the power supply from the motherboard
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Disconnecting the power supply from the motherboard
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the power supply screws
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the power supply
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Power supply


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 3.4V 1.75A Power supply - Delta 614-0492
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 3.4V 1.75A Power supply - Delta 614-0492


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Disconnecting the status LED from the motherboard
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Disconnecting the status LED from the motherboard


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the motherboard and heatsink screws
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the motherboard and heatsink screws
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the motherboard and heatsink


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Empty case with status LED still attached
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Empty case with status LED still attached
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard and heatsink
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the heatsink
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Heatsink removed
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard without heatsink
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Removing the EMI/RFI shields
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard - Front
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Motherboard - Back


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: A5 package-on-package (PoP) system-on-a-chip (SoC)
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: A5 package-on-package (PoP) system-on-a-chip (SoC)


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Single-core application processor and DDR2 SDRAM chip sandwiched on top of each other
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Single-core application processor and DDR2 SDRAM chip sandwiched on top of each other
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: 8GB Toshiba NAND Flash
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Apple 343S0479
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Apple 338S1040


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Broadcom BCM4330 802.11a/b/g/n MAC/Baseband/Radio with Integrated Bluetooth 4.0+HS & FM Transceiver
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Broadcom BCM4330 802.11a/b/g/n MAC/Baseband/Radio with Integrated Bluetooth 4.0+HS & FM Transceiver
ntThanks to our friends at iFixit, I know that there’s a Broadcom BCM4330 under this shield, which is soldered to the motherboard.
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Delta 8456B-R 1206


Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: SMSC LAN9730 Hi-Speed Inter-Chip (HSIC) USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet Controller
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: SMSC LAN9730 Hi-Speed Inter-Chip (HSIC) USB 2.0 to 10/100 Ethernet Controller
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Unknown chip
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Remote IR receiver
Cracking Open Apple TV 2012: Completely disassembled

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