Netflix pausing/buffering issues

I'm really curious what routers people are using.

Are the majority of people having issues with AppleTV and Netflix when the AppleTV is...

-wired to the router

-wireless using 2.4GHz G

-wireless using 2.4GHz N

-wireless using 5GHz N

I wonder if this may be a QoS issue in particular routers.

Not all routers are created equal. That $40 N router you bought can usually handle 2-3 devices doing basic internet stuff but starts to choke when you start streaming.

If rebooting your router fixes the problem temporarily this tells me you may need a better router.

for me (with recurring apple tv/netflix problems), wired connection to airport extreme 802.11n (5th generation). netflix is the only thing on apple tv that gives me problems.

Thanks, Sharkey! I am using the latest Airport Extreme (5th Gen), but had it set up using a cabled connection which went through an older 3Com 8-port switch. Once I switched to 802.11n wireless, the problems went away.

I guess it's time to upgrade that switch!

However, it is curious that my ATV2 was working just fine on the old switch before the latest software update. I guess that's progress.

I'm having trouble with Netflix on my new Apple TV (and only my new Apple TV). The show/movie will pause every 30 seconds or so - almost like it is buffering. I've tried watching things with a direct connection and over wi-fi. I should also add that I get between 25-35 Mbps down and 5-10 Mbps up. I've tried Netflix high definition and standard definition. Both pause constantly. Streaming should not be a problem with my connection speeds - especially with standard def.

I've also switched content sources on the ATV3 and tried things like iTunes shows or movies in high definition. They all work flawlessly. Finally, I've tried swapping out my ATV3 with my ATV2 when the Netflix content starts pausing. The ATV2 handles it fine.

I have a Samsung Blu-ray player with Netflix on it and I've never been a fan of the Netflix app it had. However, with 30MB down hardwired into my router, it never buffered after the initial download. I've watched 100s of hours via that device. I just installed an Apple TV (v3) a week ago and I love the new interface. However, like others here, it buffers every few seconds watching Lie to Me and Life. So I tried running the Samsung Blu-ray player at the same time as the Apple TV and the Blu-ray player continued to work flawlessly, however the AppleTV kept up its issues.

The blu-ray player will downgrade the format if HD isn't flowing successfully. But in my tests it was HD all the way. If I had to guess, I'd say its an Apple issue. Probably trying to get people to pay via iTunes for content (but that's just the conspiracy theorist in me).

Dozens, possibly hundreds of times, I have looked for a solution to a problem online but I then just go about my buiness once I find it. Just wanted to take the time and say thanks for the post. Your solution worked like a charm! Stress free for the rest of the day.....

My Apple Tv has issues buffering as well. I have decided to use Airplay via the Netflicks app to resolve this issue. It works quite well, and I have more control over navigation. However, this doesn't solve the buffering issue with the app itself. I found if I reset Apple TV, it sometimes can help with the buffering. The only downside to using the Ipad to mirror the content is the battery drain, and the ugly bright red screen. I think they should design the app to allow you to browse, while the content is being streamed to the TV set. It isn't an issue with my router, because my Asus G73 can handle netflicks streaming without a problem. My xbox also does not have this issue, nor my PS3.

You could also use Splashtop to remote into your PC while mirroring to your Apple TV, and pull up a web browser to view Netflicks. This seems like a lot of hassle, but it could work. 😁

I had the same hair pulling frustration that I'm reading about here. Is it my Apple TV, and if so why don't I have similar issues with movies rented on iTunes? Is it Netflix, and if so why don't I have similar troubles with movies watched on my iPad? Is it my router? Is it Comcast?

I'm sure it could be any of these things but for me it was Comcast. Even after multiple visits from their support techs who couldn't find anything wrong (sometimes it's intermittent) there are 2 things that made all the difference:

1) Continuous Internet connection monitoring with Network Uptime Monitor (http://www.netuptimemonitor.com/) which logged when my connection quality fell. I provided results showing the time and duration of 315 failures in a 24hr period.

2) Writing a polite email to we_can_help@comcast.net providing the results from #1 above. Unlike calling the regular customer service number they leapt into action. I'm thoroughly impressed with their response.

While I think that part of the problem is that Netfilx doesn't buffer enough, when combined with an unreliable Internet connection (even if lightning fast) the issue is really compounded.

I have this same buffering/pausing problem on my AppleTV. I have two other ways to get Netflix, directly through the TV, and through my PS3, and neither one has these problems. With AppleTV, using the same network, same settings, it's constantly buffering and pausing and is a very frustrating experience. But for folks who wonder if it's AppleTV or Netflix, I can tell you that Netflix app runs fine on my other two devices.

It's almost getting silly at this point. Everyone relates the same issues, notes proof that it's not a network or internet issue due to Netflix working perfectly on every other device in the home, and then asks what's the problem with Apple TV with no response from Apple. Someone should remind them that they lost their place as the premium pc device back in the 80's due to a somewhat arrogant attitude about their products, and it's not inconceivable that the same may happen again with the growing alternatives to Apple's offerings in the media distribution arena. Apple's big hook is that their products are supposed to simply work (and it is a big hook) but when they don't the premium price and commitment to a narrowly adopted os starts to lose its luster.

This is a user forum, Apple will not respond here. Plus, it has to do with specific servers and ATV. Give feedback to both companies

The solution posted earlier (sorry can't find the poster now) of copying your IP's DNS server numbers manually into the AppleTV settings does seem to have worked for me to resolve the Netflix streaming issue. At least for tonight.

Carl buddy, that solution is fleeting at best.

Well thank you so much for that pointless "lesson". Apple has not fixed the problem nor given an adequate response why it has not fixed the problem. The server excuse is just that, every other device but Appletv seems to do just fine.