(this guide is a work in progress)

requirements:

Make sure you set your Apple TV colors to RGB high before installing Linux! 2 USB sticks (256MB minimum for Patchstick, 4GB minimum for Debian 12) USB hub

step 1:

format 2 USB sticks

step 2:

download atv-tomfoolery-usb.img and flash the img file to your USB stick

step 3:

flash a Debian 12 installer to your other USB stick (Ethernet does not work during setup, you must use a complete Debian installer. A direct download link is provided below)
debian-12.5.0-i386-DVD-1.iso

step 4:

connect your USB hub and 2 USB sticks to your Apple TV

step 5:

plug in your Apple TV and hold the Menu and Minus buttons for 6 seconds and wait for it to boot

step 6:

read the warnings and press enter to continue if you want to proceed with formatting your Apple TV’s hard drive

step 7:

install debian 🔥🔥🔥

post-install