Question uying an Apple TV in Japan and bringing it back to the US.

Question

I currently live in Japan. I'm thinking about buying a Apple TV from a Amazon Japan. The Japanese Apple TV lacks some of the video services (as far as I know; no indication on Apple's description of the Japanese Apple TV that it has all of the US's video service features). So if I bring it back to the US, what then? For example, there is no Netflix in Japan, so there is no built-in Netflix app. Likewise, there is no built-in NBA TV app (at least no indication of one). So is there a way to restore a Japanese Apple TV (via the Micro-USB connection) to make it exactly like a US Apple TV (with all of the features offered on the US version)?
Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

AFAIK there are no 'regional builds' of the AppleTV software.
In UK I get the US Sports listings under Internet column and frankly I'd rather not have them as i have no interest - at least some of these US Sports services can be accessed outside of US if you have a valid subscription to them.
The other services available (TV Shows, Netflix, forthcoming iCloud intergration/itunes match etc and purchases) are determined by the Settings for your country of residence/location and selected international itunes store.  In general US has them all - other regions don't.
That does not necessarily mean you can access Netflix outside of US, but if you have an account you could try.
Apple's servers may/may not try to detect your location when providing the list of available services.  Even if they do some people have resort to techniques to hide their true location. I've not done this and have no idea how to do so.
Ensure you have the latest AppleTV software.  If you still think some options should be showing restore it via iTunes iwth a microUSB cable alone to see if that helps.
AC