Netflix pausing/buffering issues

Since the official NetFlix iPhone / iPad app is written in Cocoa, and since the Apple TV runs iOS, it seems like it would be pretty easy to do whatever works on the iPad for ATV.

There is no basis for such an assumption. I suspect the fundamental problem with the buffering issue has more to do with the ATV's networking capabilities than the embedded Netflix player itself. Solving the problem may require more than simply tweaking the player's code.

Maybe that means just making the video SD instead of HD (or giving us an option)....

See how many rant threads pop up here if Apple releases an update that eliminates the ability to stream Netflix in HD.

I guess the question is: is this a hardware or a software issue? Since iTunes content streaming works fine in HD, my guess is it's either a software issue or a result of Netflix being throttled but not iTunes.

Maybe they'll give us a choice between SD and HD like they do with iTunes content. I'd like that.

I guess the question is: is this a hardware or a software issue?

Probably both, but it would need to be fixed with a software update as there is obviously no way to upgrade the hardware without releasing another model. The embedded Netflix player is probably pushing the hardware to its limits, thus the frequent buffering, but I suspect they will be able to fix the problem with a software update, although it's anyone's guess as to how long that will take.

I do not think it is an issue where the ATV is getting pushed past the limits of the hardware. I can stream movies fine from my own server to the ATV with no issues at all. Hopefully Netflix upgrades the servers and it resolves the issue.

I can stream movies fine from my own server to the ATV with no issues at all.

You're not using the embedded Netflix player when you're not streaming video from Netflix. There has been enough posted regarding Netflix problems on the ATV2 to suggest that the hardware is not handling the load placed on it by the Netflix player, thus the proliferation of complaints regarding frequent Netflix buffering. I suspect there will be a software update at some point that addresses the problem.

This freaking blows. I have the same buffering issues, but it's worse in the evening hours. I called Apple and THEY tell me it's Netflix problem. Netflix tells me its Apple.

So Apple tells me to move my apple TV around or restart it. Basically, they were completely unhelpful. I bought it less than a month ago, I hope they take it back.

if only your name was rosie o'donnell then they would pay you more attention!!! my ATv is useless for now, love the interface, but it just cant play without pausing on netflix.

best hope is for a software update soon, as the problems seemed to occur right after the last update.

It really is awful. I can't believe nothing has been done. Apple TV uses Netflix in its advertising, so it is obviously a draw for the product. For them to then claim it is not their problem and turn it on Netflix is bad business. Look at the uproar with the iphones-they were right on top of fixing that, but nothing is done about this! It seems odd Netflix is settling for it. One of the companies needs to do something.

iPhone was blown out of proportion, never even experienced it. I would say it's more on netflix, they are trying to upgrade servers. I haven't seen any issues though.

The problems with the phone may have been blown highlighted by the media, but if you were dropping calls all the time you would not be happy about it. Apple was hyping the phone so much it gave the media something to latch on. Maybe it depends on the region of the country in which you live, but there is a problem with the phones. If you do not have the problem it may not seem like an issue, but to people who experience on a daily basis, it is one.
The point however, is that the company at least tried to do something to correct the problem with the phone and that has not been the case with streaming through Netflix. It is not plausible that the problem is from Netflix because people with ATV who have buffering/pausing problems with ATV do not have then when using Wii or other such game consoles. It is extremely frustrating for people who are loyal to the company.

If you look at threads relating to other devices there are many posts with the same issues. Thankfully I have never had an issue with Netflix but I wouldn't say it's a problem inherent to the ATV for those that do.

I have the same problem - severe buffering of Netflix content on ATV. Clearly this is an issue with the combo of the Netflix client on ATV. Netflix works flawlessly on other macs, PCs, iPhones, and a Wii. Apple needs to acknowledge this issue and work on a resolution immediately, as this is a key feature. They should pull Netflix in if necessary, but get it fixed.

I've also had the same problems. Needless to say, I am extremely disappointed with Apple. I purchased my AT2 a few days ago, and right out of the box had issues. Netflix is completely unwatchable, even though I spent the money for a new N wireless router and have a fast internet connection. HD streaming content from netflix works perfectly fine on my TV if I plug my computer into it with an HDMI cord, but the apple TV was a great way to clean up my entertainment center and make it so that I didn't have to haul my computer into the other room and plug it in. Thinking about just returning it and taking a loss on the 15% restocking fee... better than nothing. Makes me wonder whether this is a gimmick to get people to buy/rent more movies from itunes.

Guys, have you ever thought to check with our internet provider to make sure they are not hampering the ATV2? My cousin works for a local cable provider and told me that they are seeing impacts in revenue due to the influx of ATV2 devices (and Netflix in general). They will be implementing caps on bandwidth soon but also, I think they may be causing some of the issues- giving you a bad experience and thus giving you a reason to delay cutting Cable.

Next time you have buffering issues with Netflix, jump over to Youtube and see if you experience the same thing. Or, post a video on MobileMe and stream it back to the ATV. I wonder if my conspiracy theory is correct?

What you are describing is ISP throttling and yes a lot of them have started to do it.