14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has posted a useful knowledge-base article on its Support web site outlining how Apple TV (second-generation owners) can get third-party content provider information, including the provider’s home page, means of contact, etc.
Thanks to the last Apple TV firmware update (iOS 4.3 build 8F455) customers can now access and stream any TV show episodes previously purchased using the iTunes Store account that they use to access iTunes through the Apple TV.
A listing for TV shows has been added to the “Purchased” tab. The update also adds support for Vimeo, the popular video-sharing web site.
Of course, Vimeo is just one of many content providers that support Apple’s hobby. Other big names include MLB, NBA, YouTube, and Flickr.
“In addition to being able to view content from the iTunes Store or your own iTunes library directly on your Apple TV (2nd generation), you also have access to content from third-party content providers, including Netflix, MLB, and the NBA,” says Apple.
“Learn how to get information or support from a third-party content provider,” Apple adds, and offers up a list of content providers with their respective home sites, support sites, phone numbers, email addresses etc.
The company behind Mac OS X adds that “Content from these services is streamed directly from the third-party content provider and may be subject to issues, such as service outages, that are beyond Apple's ability to control.”
In other words, this Support document has been posted precisely for such events, suggesting people have been calling Apple support for a while now to trouble shoot their problems with their third-party content providers.
That’s just a theory, of course - Apple could simply be taking a precautionary measure.
The company’s disclaimer also enforces this: “Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users.”