Netflix pausing/buffering issues

KF5CZO -- one other thing I would note about your blog post is that there is *far* more than 45 pages worth of postings on this problem.

See, for example, https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2597992?answerId=17860099022#17860099022

Thanks, I have updated my post to make it clearer that there are many more than the 45 posts on the Apple forums.

Regards,

KF5CZO

I have been running apple tv and netflix daily for over a year, and it has NEVER froze, skipped or buffered even once. The picture quality is always perfect. When beginning a program, it seems pixelated for a few seconds while it buffers but after that it's always worked here.

I've had the same problem for more than a year. Here's what finally fixed it for me:

Use Google’s Public DNS Server To Fix Apple TV Streaming Problems

1. Navigate to Settings >> General >> Network and select Configure TCP/IP.

2. Select “Manually” next to Configure IP.

3. Dont change the IP address or the Subnet Mask and Router Address. Just click "Done".

4. Set the DNS Address screen with the following: 008.008.008.008 and click “Done.”

You should now be able to stream Netflix on your Apple TV.

I agree with BenFinklea. I followed this exact tip 3 weeks ago, and I've not had a single buffering problem ever since.

I have yet to try what BenFinklea has suggested but I did purchase a used Roku LT for cheap on eBay to test it out. Since I've installed the Roku I have not had the buffering issues as I did with my Apple TV2 while watching NETFLIX. Towards the end the buffering was so bad it was totally unwatchable especially during peak hours. It wasn't always that either. For a year and half I never had this issue. Then it started happening two months ago. I did everything suggested in forums and from my ISP, increased bandwidth, moved the unit, ethernet instead of WiFi, changing the timezone, ect. Nothing worked. Later on when the buffering would start I'd switch to my cell and stream NETFLIX on it. Same Wifi at the same peak times with no issues. That's when looking at a different unit became a priority. I love apple products but they really dropped the ball on this on. FAIL

It's a shame that a possible solution is towards the end of 45 pages of posts on this issue...

@BenFinklea Your fix works perfectly! I haven't had any buffering issues since, Thanks.

Cool! Thanks!

If this fix worked for you then consider buying a cup of coffee for the person behind you the next time you're in Starbucks. You'd be amazed at how much it brightens their day. Don't go to Starbucks? Here're some other ideas: http://earlswynn.hubpages.com/hub/101-Easy-Ways-You-Can-Make-The-World-A-Better- Place (I'm not in any way affiliated with that blog - it's just what came up first in Google.) Or, if this somehow offends you, then don't! I'm happy that your Apple TV works. 🙂

Cheers!!

@oeight74Yeah, I'm considering buying the Roku so that I an stream from my Plex server to the TV. As it is now, I've got to go through my iPad or laptop and mirror it with Airplay. Not ideal. I'm still working my way through Breaking Bad and Doctor Who so I'm content with Netflix at the moment. Come on Apple! Don't make me jailbreak this...

Will do, BenFinklea!

I really like the Roku LT unit I purchased. It was resonably priced and offers lots of channels. Also, Apple doesn't offer a remote app for Android phones whereas Roku does. I really dislike the Apple remote simply because it's so easy to lose in the couch cushions, lol! So having an app installed on my phone is a big plus. At this point, (thanks to your fix), I'm using both units for now. If your thinking of getting one I don't think you could go wrong, especally for the price. The Roku website has the best deals I've found with free shipping unless your looking for a used unit! I thought about jail breaking my Apple TV but decided to buy a Roku instead. If you decide to jail break yours let us know how it turned out. Good luck.

Hi BenFinlea - sounds like you have some good advice - but where do I go to change these settings?

We just got our ATV last week & have had nothing but problems - I am planning on returning it tomorrow but thought I'd check the boards first. I'd like to try your settings change since others agreed that it worked - but I have no idea WHERE to find that menu to make those changes - 😕

Thanks in advance!

Today Sept 2012 i watching a show on netflix about 15 mins into the show netflix stop leaves the app. I play it like 4 times and it say netflix network try again.

netflix needs a new update for apple tv 3 streaming problem, menu and saftey also it needs to add netflix setting on/off the search feature.

Apple TV. Buy one and welcome to a whole new dimension of frustration and troubles.

This surprisingly worked for me too! I tried just about everything else, reset, restore etc etc etc I was reluctant to try this as I thought it would affect the picture quality, but it hasn't all. Netflix on my Apple Tv was initially cutting out after every hour and a half. With the new update it was cutting out every 2 - 10 mins which is VERY annoying. It's defintely Apple TV and not Netflix, as I watch Netflix on my Ipad and Mac Pro with no issues whatsoever. So yeah! Switch it to Standard definition. It works! Thanks Roose! And shame on you Apple for shoddy work.