Netflix pausing/buffering issues

I've never seen a pause to rebuffer on my Apple TV, and only rarely on my PS3. My HD TiVo occasionally exhibits frequent rebuffering, but I think that's a device problem as every time it was cured by a reboot. One time I did notice that my PS3 switched to lower resolution, while my Apple TV was able to play the same show at higher resolution just fine, which fits with the idea that the Apple TV may be more reluctant to go to a lower resolution (although in the case I saw, that was a benefit).

My goodness. I am puzzled completely. After Apple and maybe Netlfix made some changes that completely solved this problem for my Apple TV for about 3 or 4 days , the problem has now reoccurred. Why the delay before reoccurring?

I think it's gotten to the point where the device does not work as promised. We would never have bought it if we knew Netflix wouldn't work. (Stopping 3-10 times during every movie or TV show definitely is NOT working.)

We didn't return it because we figured we'd find out what was wrong and fix it. It really never occurred to us that it would simply fail to function.

I'm furious about it.

BTW, my speeds are 18Mbps download, 1.9Mbps upload, 28ms ping.

It's NOT an issue with network speed.

Is it just netflix or do you have problems streaming other content? It could be throttling or something with your network other than the speed

Netflix is really the only usable content as getting anything from iTunes is out of the question due to the length of time it takes! YouTube content works but I have to admit, I use it mostly for netflix.

Rebecca,

Having the same issues. I'm currently working with a senior support advisor and he has a request into engineering to check it out. Do you use Netflix on any other devices, computers, etc? Try calling Netflix to see what bandwidth you're getting over those devices vs the Apple TV. Here's what Netflix told me:

iMac 20mbs
PC Laptop 7mbs
Apple TV 0.9 mbs

Everyone seems to be having this same issue with the Apple TV getting way too low bandwidth, but only on Netflix. I'd like to see as many people as possible call and get this info from Netflix, and then post it in the forum. I want to see what everyone is getting and report it to Apple.

Apple says the streaming bandwidth should match your network bandwidth, but in every case I've seen, that's not what's happening. It has to be a software issue.

thanks for that post...did you have all the devices running to get netflix to check them? be good to know the process so we can all check. are netflix keeping a list of devices and the bandwidth they are sent? not quite clear what to ask...

I have to report that after two weeks since the update, I have had no pauses at all with netflix, after spending dec-feb with a useless box, its now perfect, but i would like to help figure it out.

They keep a 2-3 day history of all your devices on your account. Just ask the advisor to look at the bandwidth on your different devices. I'd love to know what you're getting since it seems you don't have any problems now.

one of the following methods worked for me . kind of wary of messing with it to try and break it, but ATV now works,,heres what I changed:


When I upgraded to the latest software last week,i also tried a few things from desperation. i should have changed one thing at a at ime...

i disabled 'DNS masq 'on my DD-WRT router, after reading it here.

i entered the DNS numbers into the ATV as well as the router (previously my ISP said i didn't need to enter the numbers at into my router all, just leave it blank,) .

i also did the download test on the ATV and chose the 2.0-4.0 setting, a bit slower than i can download.

since that time, the ATV has behaved perfectly, for over 2 weeks of nightly viewing..wish i knew what did it, or whether it was something from Netflix's end, or even my ISP.

The one stutter i have had in a weeks viewing was when i had a 5.1 soundtrack and an HD movie, probably beyond my D/L speed, although watching HD seems fine.

I hope this helps . I was really shocked that it works now.I have not tried itunes movies yet, after at least 4 failures before.

Trailers also load faster now, more like 15-30 seconds instead of 2-3 minutes and podcasts are good too.

hope it helps....the main problem now is that i have become addicted to terrible old sci -fi movies and I think my wife is about to pack her bags !!

Message was edited by: catman2

Message was edited by: catman2

Glad it's working good for you now. The real test would be to see if Netflix is getting better than 1 mbs. Best I've seen on mine is 1.3 and they recommend a minimum of 1.5 and 3.0 for HD content.

like you craigmag, I had a ps3, ipad , macbook pro and a macbook all working perfectly..it was only the ATV that could'nt perfom. I knew my internet was fast enough even though i was only getting 3-5 meg download speed on speedtest.net. I am mystified why it suddenly started working for me.

@craigmag143 - Your post has been the most helpful so far. I think it would be great if everyone would run a similar test with Netflix and then post the data (and send it to Apple). I will do this as soon as possible.

I just spent quite a while on the phone with a Netflix tech and she told me that ALL DEVICES USE THE SAME STREAMS. Therefore, this MUST be on the Apple TV side.

Why would the Apple TV be connecting at a slower speed? This is what we must ask Apple to figure out.

Please run craigmag143's test and post the results I will call Apple for help afterward. And seriously, the more people that call about this problem, the more likely it is to get fixed. We're hot on the trail now!!

I have had absolutely no problems streaming NetFlex or Utube...none. I have the Apple Airport Extreme router and a early 2009, 24" iMac. I run a 6meg DSL and wirelessly stream from the computer in the bedroom to the main TV in the living room. I get a constant full bar signal strength to the ATV.

Just lucky I guess,
Virg

KC. Well if it isn't just netflix then it would point to a network issue. I can attest that all services are working and do stream. Talk to support.