Q: Netflix Streaming --- AppleTV vs. Roku
-
Aug 28, 2016 3:39 PMby vazandrew,Interference isn't just from other networks, there are a lot of factors that can cause it within your network. Another device working doesn't rule that out and the signal strength shown on the device does not account for any issues either.
Download the speedtest app for ATV, if you haven't already, to see what it reports.
Make sure DNS is set to auto (settings - general - networks)
Try connecting via ethernet.
To see a current status of the network get a report from istumbler, netstumbler or similar. This will show an accurate signal strength along with noise and if there were other networks they would show up here. You can also try testing on another network.
-
Aug 28, 2016 5:44 PMby Curmudgeon10,I'll download the speedtest and see what it yields.
With regard to netstumbler, I installed it but it is not working on my Windows 10 machine --- I am getting a "no wireless adapter found." Researching this condition, I see that troubleshooting it may be at the edge of my technical abilities, or interest, or time available, or a combination of all three.
I appreciate your reply. However, the issue remains that whatever environmental conditions might be affecting the ATV's ability to stream Netflix content in my particular setting, those same factors don't affect Roku in the single example. The boxes are located physically right next to each other.
-
Aug 28, 2016 6:16 PMby vazandrew,Netstumbler is just one example, there are many others. You would need a network report to see the condition of your network or using Ethernet, testing on another network would also help verify any WiFi issues. The roku working doesn't mean the ATV is the issue, rather that one is picking up on the network problem. As such there are users who report the exact opposite (roku buffering, ATV or other devices working fine). I wouldn't place both devices right next together as that will project interference
-
Sep 4, 2016 11:42 AMby Curmudgeon10,Update to this thread.
Downloaded the speed test and installed. Just used it so far on the existing infrastructure (ATV connected via WiFi). I doubt I'll go to the trouble of moving the ATV to a place where it could be connected via ethernet (still not sure what info relevant to the problem at hand this connection would yield).
The Roku does indeed "step all over" the ATV4's download speeds. With Roku powered up and connected to the network, ATV4 is barely able to maintain connectivity at .1 to .2 Mbps. Unplug Roku, and ATV4 screams along at a respectable 40-50 Mbps, more than enough for any streaming I will ever do.
With regard to physical positioning, I've moved Roku as far from ATV4 as is possible in my media room, which is about two feet within a cabinet -- placing two intervening cabinet walls, and a PS3 in between Roku and ATV4. This makes no difference in the effect Roku has on ATV4.
There seem to be no ill effects going the other way --- ATV4 adversely affecting Roku.
This Roku generated interference was not an issue before we replaced the ATV3 with ATV4.
I'm just getting started figuring out if I can better manage the WiFi spectrum, having installed the home version of Inssider. One thing I know that could be contributing is the dual band signals of my Comcast Modem, which I was told (on installation) could not be turned off. My WiFi is provided by an ASUS Router but the Comcast modem just blasts away with its signals as well. Need to check with Comcast and see if that problem has been fixed. It's only been about nine months.
