Front Row v. Apple TV

I've just got a mac mini and have hooked it up to my new LCD television. I love the fact I can use Front Row on it but one thing is bothering me. When I want to listen to music on it the screen remains static as the music plays. Now I've used Apple TV before and when you play music on that the screen flips and moves things around to prevent screen burn in. Why is this feature not available in Front Row? Is there anyway to make Front Row do that? And if there is no current way to do that, anyone know if the new Mac OS will have this feature for Front Row?

Well, there's no way to change the settings now. I would send Apple some Mac OS X feedback:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/feedback/
For what it's worth, the next version of Front Row, included for all Macs with the upcoming Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), looks much more like the Apple TV interface.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/leopard/features/frontrow.html
-Doug

Similar Messages

Front Row without Apple Remote

Is there a way to open Front Row without the apple remote?
Mac OS X (10.4.8)

~*~ You can also press the command key and Esc and front row will open :P Hope this helps ~*~

ISight, Front Row and Apple remote problems

I've been using my iMac G5 with the built in iSight for a month now with no problems, however a few days ago I tried to pause iTunes with the remote and nothing happend.
I have since tried to use Front Row and cannot launch it with the keyboard shortcuts, or indeed, find it anywhere on my hard drive. Very strange as I have certainly not deleted it and only updated it to 1.01 recently.
I have also tried to use my iSight to test the remote using an Apple help sheet but when I launch iChat AV it tells me I have no camera installed! I know it did work as I took a photo of myself when I first set the Mac up.
Apple's advice on deselcting the 'Disable remote control infrared receiver' checkbox in 'system preferences>scurity' confuses me further as I cannot find this checkbox anywhere.
I have performed all the updates with Software Updat, repaired permissions and checked the disk with no problems found.
Any advice?
Thanks in advance. Jon
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Front Row will be included with the next version of Mac OS X to come out next year, version 10.5 (Leopard). Until it's released, there is no legal way for you to use Front Row. Also, until it's released, we won't know what hardware will work with it (as far as remote controls). If history is any indication, it will be a $129 upgrade for your current Mac mini.
There are a couple of options for you right now, though. There's a shareware program called Media Central that will work similar to Front Row for you.
-Doug

How to start Plex instead of Front Row, using Apple Remote?

Is it possible to start Plex instead of Front Row, using the Menu button on the Apple Remote?

Try out remote buddy to configure the apple remote to lots of things.

Front Row Apple TV

Why doesn't front row function the exact same way as Apple TV. I don't have a TV to buy an Apple TV for... but I do have a large monitor that I use for everything. I would probably be buying videos from Apple were I able to buy them through Front Row.

I too am disappointed that Apple have again allowed Front Row to fall behind Apple TV. For a very brief period when Leopard was first released, it looked like they were going to get in sync.
_Things Front Row is missing that Apple TV does have_
No YouTube support
No Rentals
No AirTunes support
No remote iTunes artwork support
No Flickr support
No .Mac web gallery support
No Closed Captions/Subtitles
However things are not all bad, Front Row does have the following which Apple TV does not.
Support for VIDEO_TS folders
Support for more video formats
The list of what Front Row does not have is however getting bigger
Personally, I have had to regard both Front Row and Apple TV as too limited, and instead (shock, horror) I use Microsoft Media Center!
+(At least I run it on a Mac.)+

Front row in Lion 10.7 issue (-70012) and video_ts not playing issue -solved

Hi all,
thought I just post my solution to the front row issues in 10.7. I looked for a solution for days, and when I found it, I thought it would make other peoples live easier if I combine everything in one post.
I actually had a couple of issues:
PROBLEM:
first front row stopped playing VIDEO_TS files in 10.6.
the second issue occurred when I thought upgrading to 10.7 would solve the issue; Front row still couldn't play the VIDEO_TS, because FRONT ROW was gone...
SYMPTOMS:
both issues always showed the same symptoms:
when a dvd-back folder was selected, front row would show a black screen, and then, caused by my frantic pushing the ESC button, front row would give me the dvd player not valid -70012 error.
CAUSE:
so what happened? I chose to buy my MBP 17" with the smallest HDD (yep sorry, was cheap-s-ing). Then later that year, I decided to buy the HDD caddy and switch my internal superdrive for a SSD. I ended up placing the original HDD in the hdd caddy, which I then put in the Superdrive's slot, and I placed the SSD in the slot where the original HDD was residing first. I now had a MBP 17" late 2011, with vertex3 SSD. I forgot, I also put in 16 GB, replacing the 8 GB.
So, when I back-upped all my favorite DVDs as VIDEO_TS files, (no I did not download dvds through usenet), grabbed the popcorn, and started Front Row, the disappointment began. No VIDEO_TS file would play, always the same -70012 error message. So after a lot of internet research I stumbled upon a guy who said: yeah, you have to upgrade to 10.7. After the upgrade my FRONT ROW was gone.
SOLUTIONS:
In 10.6:
As Apple's DVD player is always looking for the internal dvd player as a prerequisite to start, Front Row, which uses Apple's DVD player as video player, will throw up the -70012 error. 'Cause it finds the HDD in the HDD Caddy instead of the SuperDrive. So in 10.6 (and in 10.7 also) you can use the following solution:
(I got this solution partial from http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20070591-263.html)
1: modify the DVDPlayback framework that the DVD Player uses so that it will recognize external drive as a valid DVD playback device. (The HDD Caddy came with an external casing for the SuperDrive)
2: download a hex editor (I used Hexedit 220 from http://hexedit.sourceforge.net/ )
3: Go to the folder /System/Library/Frameworks/ and back up the file "DVDPlayback.framework."
4: Open Hexedit_220 and use it to open the following file:/System/Library/Frameworks/DVDPlayback.framework/Versions/A/DVDPlayback.
5: Using the editor's find&replace through COMMAND-F, replace "Internal" with the text "External" and save the file. Note that Hexedit also saves a backup automatically.
6: Close the file once saved, and then run a permissions fix on the boot drive using Disk Utility. Then restart the system and you should now be able to play DVDs off the external drive using DVD Player. That is, If you use an external dvd player (which I don't use).
7: I inserted a very small USB stick in the MBP with no data on it, and Front Row and Apple DVD Player accepted this. I could now play my backupped DVDs.
ofcourse, I still wanted to upgrade to 10.7, so here's the solution to 10.7
10.7:
upgrading was a simple click with the mouse, worked like a charm, Office still worked, and some minor updates installed through software.
Front Row however, gone...
I used the steps outlined in http://osxdaily.com/2011/07/21/front-row-for-mac-os-x-lion/ to get Front Row back:
- first get the package from Madhatter: Download the free package installer by MacHatter
- install, or customize the install
- all done.
Then I used the steps from step 3 through 7 outlined above in solution 10.6.
Catch:
So I did not find a solution to fooling the DVD Player / Front Row with the USB stick. So everytime I watch VIDEO_TS in Front Row the USB stick must be inserted. But, the good news, I can still use my remote control for something.
Hope I helped some guys out there with this solution.
Regards,
Johnno

The issue has previously hit Apple TV owners. I think people came to the conclusion that it was a HDMI handshake problem. Basically the process where the device and TV greet each other, make up some rules about communicationg and what their secret key is and so on.
I haven't tried this yet, but my local service center says that basically I can do one of two things:
- Downgrade to 10.7 and then download the 10.7.1 update from Apples website. To do this without having a Mac OS X Lion disc, you can hold down CMD + R when the computer boots to be able to access the recovery partition on newer Macs that come without the OS disc.
or..
- Put something in between the computer and TV. For example, if you're using an amplifier as a part of your home theather set up, this will probably work. The service guy said he has his Mini connected to the amplifier, which in turn is connected to speakers and a projector. The inverted colors still appear, but only once per night (i.e. after the first problem is reset by resetting the link then it's fine).
For now, I'll do my little dance of changing the source on the TV from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 and then back again to reset the link... But, I'll probably try downgrading in a few days.

I have just upgraded to Lion and have lost front row. How do you get it back. This is a critical app for me

Having updated to Lion I have lost front row. Apple have taken out a critical app. What is the use of a computer with out the abilitl to play a dvd. How do I get it back

Front row is no longer supported in Lion.
There are workarounds though
http://9to5mac.com/2011/07/19/os-x-lion-kills-front-row-heres-how-to-get-it-back /

AppleTV or Mac Mini with Front Row?

I'm trying to decide whether to get an Apple TV, or a Mac Mini running Front Row. Cost is not the main issue. I live in The Netherlands where Apple has no movie rental service. I have a large DVD collection that I am slowly ripping to an external hard disk for use in iTunes. Any thoughts on which is the better approach?

Yes - I had actually stumbled across Plex since posting my original question and have been playing with it on my iMac. It is very nice indeed and a whole load more functional than Front Row yet with a very nice user interface. The information and graphics it automatically downloads on movies in your library is especially impressive. Apple would do well to consider taking over this project and incorporating it into the next release of Front Row and Apple TV! Incidentally, I see that it is a port of the popular XBMC application, that started life as the open source home theatre application for the X-Box, but has since gone on to be the main home theatre applications for Linux. Indeed, Plex has swung it for me - it is a class above what the Apple TV can provide and justifies the extra expense of the Mac Mini. In terms of user interface, it is no more difficult to use than Front Row, but because of the power of system it is more complex to set up (but not by any means impossible). Integration with the iLife apps is automatic.

Front Row on other infrared laptops?

I have a Powerbook Pismo with infared. Is this usable for front row?
and if so...
I know it won't install on this older model, but is there a way to get this app over to it over to it, or is this considered pirating?
sj
imac G5 1.9-10.4.8/Pismo(G4'd)550-10.4.8/B&W G3(G4'd)500-10.3.9 & 9.2/Ipod mini

Front Row is Apple software that has a license only for the computer it was purchased with. Copying it from one computer to another would be software piracy.
When Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) is released this spring, it will include Front Row for all computers. So, you may be able to get Front Row legally this way. However, the system requirements for Mac OS X 10.5 have not been released yet, it's possible you won't be able to run it on a G3-based computer even if it has a G4 upgrade.
You might consider using a third-party alternative like .
-Doug

Front Row - distorted audio

Since installing Leopard, the new Front Row plays audio in a distorted manor. The track timing is fine just the sound is hideous. I fear it has insulted my Bowers and Wilkins somewhat I noticed iTunes had an enhanced audio mode, not sure how long that one has been there, but have turned it off. Although now Front Row seems independent of iTunes, unlike before where you could switch between a iTunes and Front Row and the track would remain playing. So this suggests there must be some audio settings for Front Row? But where are they?
I hope someone would be as kind to have a look into this for me.
Something not strictly unrelated...I have noticed when plugging a USB device or my MBP into TV, I get really bad interference on the audio. It's not like any of the cables are touching. I have tried with the power cable unplugged too but it's still there.

Thanks for your diligence. I'm going to go ahead and mark this resolved because I think the answer was pretty much obvious from the beginning, viz., that Front Row is lost to us now. I was hoping there would be some kind of fix, but that was just wishful thinking.
Maybe if I had taken precautions the same way you did, maybe then I would be able to restore iTunes 10 and would be able to use Front Row a little while longer. But in over 20 years of being a Mac user, I've never felt it necessary to take such precautions before an update/upgrade of Apple software in the event I would be truly dissatisfied with the new version or would actually lose functionality. So even if I had backups, I've never downgraded software before and don't even know how.
The truth is, if it hadn't been iTunes 11 that broke Front Row for me, it would have been something else eventually. And since Snow Leopard is now 2 generations behind and I'm going to have to trade up at some point, I might as well admit defeat and forget about Front Row.
Apple wins this round, but I'll be more prepared next time so I don't get screwed out of a perfectly good application.

10.5 Front Row - diffs to 10.4 Front Row

Hello *,
now I'm on Leopard and I'm very unhappy using Front Row, because it is adapt to Apple TV's Front Row.
Apple has somthing changed. The following steps are working in 10.4 Front Row, but no more in 10.5 Front Row.
- Front Row works in background. There seems no way to ask, if Front Row is active (visible or frontmost)
- Front Row stops playing music, if exit the music folder: No way to do both playing music and watching photos. Playing music and watching photos is possible if start iTunes first, play a song, switch over to Front Row and start the photo show.
- If I switched away from Front Row (and therefore quit), iTunes wouldn't continue playing, and then (and this is important) if I switched back to Front Row it wouldn't still continue playing the track.
- If I quit iTunes, the Front Row process also quits. (/System/Library/CoreServices/Front Row.app/Contents/MacOS/Front Row). If quit Front Row, Front Rows process does not quit.
- If starting iTunes, play a song, switch over to Front Row, enter the music folder, the song playing in iTunes still continues. But if slelect another song within Front Row too, I here both tracks together, the iTunes song and the Front Row song.
Do Apple know how 10.5 Front Row works ?
Do Apple plan to spend 10.5 Front Row the same funkctions as in 10.4 Front Row ?
Regards
x11max

Yep, search the forum as the differences have been discussed infinitum
Daz

Headless mini disagrees with Front Row

FYI. I'm running a Mini Intel headless via Timbuktu. With no monitor attached the remote does fine controlling iTunes, but when one tries to invoke Front Row, either via the keyboard or the remote, it results in a blank white screen. This was news to Apple, so I thought I'd post the info.
Mini Intel Core duo Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Interesting, I've never tried Timbuktu with Front Row but Apple Remote Desktop works fine.

HT204492 The Apple remote doesn't open front row

I just bought this Apple remote from the Apple Store, the volume works on it but when I press the menu button nothing happens, no front row or anything.
I have an iMac late 2009 model

If you want complete remote control of your iMac and you own an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, try this.
http://regularrateandrhythm.com/apps/rowmote-pro/
or look at these for complete remote of anything Apple of recent.
This
http://www.amazon.com/Satechi-MediaRemote-Bluetooth-Multi-Media-Control/dp/B0082 4948U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364400088&sr=8-1&keywords=Satechi+remotes
OR this
http://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Bluetooth-Pointer-Presenter-Control/dp/B00A3WRM5G/ ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1364400088&sr=8-2&keywords=Satechi+remotes

How can I use apple remote with Mountain Lion? Any Front Row alternative?

Hi All,
I recently upgraded from Snow Leopard to Mountain Lion.
All great except for my Apple Remote control.
Before, I could effectively control my iMac media with Apple Remote by using Front Row (music, photos, videos, good integration with iTunes and iPhoto).
Now, as I understand, Front Row is expired.
So, my Apple remote still works but with very limited options (just music, forward, backward and volume), and it's a real pity.
Any of you Guys know how to restore Front Row?
Otherwise maybe suggest an alternative (sth similar, should allow iMac media control by Apple Remote)?
So far I tried to restore all Front Row files by a Time Capsule Snow Leopard backup (as indicatred on some other Communities).
To restore was easy, but then, no way to launch it.
Any advice will help!
Thanks in advance/all the best.
Marco

Thanks Klaus1 for your prompt answer, although I went again through a dated discussion.
I also got the feeling that somehow they want to push Apple TV..
But, respectfully speaking towards our Friends at Apple, is it fair to promise what you don't deliver?
I have choosen apple because I percive it's different.
At currently published link: http://store.apple.com/uk/product/MC377Z/A/apple-remote
they do promote the following:
Apple Remote with Mac
The Apple Remote gives you total command of your music, photos, videos and DVDs from anywhere in the room. It works with Front Row - a menu-based, full-screen interface - to make accessing the digital content on your Mac as simple as navigating your iPod. When you press the Menu button, your desktop fades and the sleek, Front Row interface takes its place, to give you control over your music in iTunes, your photos in iPhoto, the videos in your Videos folder and your DVDs. Turn up the volume. Shuffle. Skip to the next chapter on your DVD. Play a slide show, a home video that you made in iMovie, even a film trailer.
Compatible with Apple products introduced in 2005 or later that have a built-in infrared (IR) receiver. Not compatible with MacBook Pro with Retina display.
Cost for this is 15£ (19€).
Now, I have iMac and Mac Book Pro (no retina display) both with Mountain Lion installed, and I understand both of them are not compatible with Front Row.
Actually I adore apple tv and I got 2 at home nicely working on 2 different TVs.
So I accomplished twice their wish of selling this product to me.
Why shall they deceive me (and many others, as I read) by killing a still promised service?
Should I read all forums before buying a trusted-brand-product like apple, to ensure that id does what declared?
Don't get me wrong, I'm an enthusiast user of the whole apple family, since many years, and still I am.
Just politely complaining for this decision, which creates to Many an easy avoidable disservice.
Cheers
Marco

Just stop already Front Row, I'm tring to use my APPLE TV!

I've searched the support threads and a few pages in this discussion group but missed what has got to be an easy fix. My Macbook pro is often either open and being used, or closed but still sitting in between me and my Apple TV. Whenever i use my apple TV remote, my Macbook- as it should- launched front row. Annoying especially when it is closed and in sleep, and now wakes up. How do I stop Front Row from launching when I am really working my apple tv. I rarely use it on my Macbok so I don't mind having to manually launch the application.

How do I stop Front Row from launching when I am really working my apple tv.
You will need to "pair" each of your two remotes with each device.
Pairing and Unpairing the Apple Remote with Apple TV
Pairing an Apple Remote with your computer (Note, this info is available directly in Mac OS X Help.)
-Doug

Universal Dock, Apple Remote, non-Front Row Macs

I know it's possible, using a third-party workaround, to install Front Row on older Macs that don't have the infrared sensor built-in, that's not a problem.
What I want to know is if it's possible — by connecting the USB Universal iPod Dock with Infrared Sensor — to control these older Macs using the Apple Remote Control? Are there any third-party apps or plugins which will let you use the Universal Dock to launch Front Row on these non-infrared Macs?

One IR receiver that works with the Mac Pro is from Twisted Melon, Manta TR1. As you have discovered the Mac pro does not include any sort of IR and the iPod dock with IR does not work. The Manta TR1 works flawlessly with my Mac Pro.
Their website is http://twistedmelon.com/mira/

Front Row v. Apple TV

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