Apple TV is a Joke when downloading movie from iTunes

ATV2 does not store content. If the device is powered off or you access other content the rental will be flushed and require reload.

The time it takes to load is dependent on your network. For starters, 6mbps is required for instant HD (www.speedtest.net)

You can change to SD in the settings.

Video streaming is not as reliable as other methods for watching movies.

Remember, video streaming depends on a complex and fragile infrastructure that is subject to the demand of others.

Personally, I like apple TV for watching missed TV shows and music. But for movies (especially HD movies) I find it is far more reliable to put in a DVD or Blu-ray DVD and watch a movie uninterrupted with rocksolid reliability.

Using Xfinity with an ethernet speed of 17mg/sec download, I've had no issues renting or watching an HD movie.From the moment I requested a rental, it would take 15 seconds to say it was available to watch. Press Play and it would start immediately. No stopping or image issues. Actually bought the Apple TV to not have to purchase Blu Ray DVD's anymore since we would purchase the digital copy versions so we could have them on our iPad/iPhone. The wifi connectivity on the other hand would drop to a 6mb/sec connection and that would cause the movie to pause a few times.

It may have to do with the way your configuration is set up on your network. Open the ports suggested by Apple for connectivity may help. View the link attached to the configuration I have made and see if it may work for you. So far after perfoming this configuration, Apple TV has been working great.

Re: Solution for Apple TV 2, Xfinity router, Ethernet connection and Home Sharing

That is likely contributing to your issue. Especially if it is not consistent. 6mbps is required for instant HD, you can check to SD in the settings. Did you check for interference via ethernet and www.istumbler.net or how did you come to that conclusion?

Here is some info on DNS

Verify DNS and network settings

If you are experiencing abnormal wait times when attempting to purchase or rent on your Apple TV, it could be due to changes made to your network settings (such as the DNS address on your Apple TV and/or router or base station). You should use the default DNS entry supplied by your ISP, on both your Apple TV and router. Changing the DNS entry may result in a longer time before playback begins. Also, you should configure your Apple TV to use DHCP for the network setup, unless you have a custom network with specifically-assigned IP addresses.

To configure your Apple TV to use DHCP, from the main menu, go to Settings > General > Network > Configure TCP/IP. In the Network Setup page, select the "Automatically" option.

Once you've confirmed that your Apple TV and router or base station are using DHCP without a custom DNS entry, power-cycle your Apple TV, router or base station, and broadband Internet modem.