Apple TV won't play my downloaded movie

Is this a movie in your iTunes library or one you are renting through the Apple TV?

If it's the latter then it isn't downloaded but it is buffering and starts once enough has loaded to play without interuption.

Check speedtest.net

Check istumbler or netstumbler for interference (try ethernet if on wifi)

Make sure you're on ISPs DNS

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 more smoothly on your Apple TV.

If this works for you, please buy a cup of coffee for a complete stranger or some other selfless, random act of kindness.

Are you in the Tv shows or computers section?

It sounds like you're under Tv Shows - purchased, which means its streaming from iCloud. The rules I mentioned before apply.

If you want to use home-sharing to stream local content from iTunes then you need to go to Computers

Sorry I meant movies - Purchased (not TV shows). If you are in the Movies section then you are streaming from iCloud and not using home-sharing. Go to Computers if you want to go that route.

For internet streaming

You need to check speedtest.net

6mbps required for instant 720p

8mbps for 1080p

You can change to SD in the settings

Make sure DNS is set to ISP's (Settings - network - congifure TCP/IP - Automatic)

BenFinklea

Re: Apple TV won't play my downloaded movie

Aug 30, 2012 6:47 AM (in response to jenmhewitt)

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 more smoothly on your Apple TV.

If this works for you, please buy a cup of coffee for a complete stranger or some other selfless, random act of kindness.

Like (0) Reply

This method worked for me! Thanks so much I am glad to be done with this issue.

I've got ATV 3rd gen, with the same problem: movies in iTunes did not play via my network (wired or wirelessly) Following BenFinklea's advice of changing the DNS to Google's public DNS servers (008.008.008.008) did the trick. Movies play almost instantly; no buffering time, no spinning wheel of boredom, just movie. Thanks for the tip!

For clarification if you are attempting this solve, when navigating to Settings > General > Network > Configure TCP/IP on your AppleTV, the DNS Address screen is the fourth setting; DO NOT change IP Address, Subnet Mask or Router address.

Thank you, thank you. I switched my DNS to Google's 8.8.4.4 (8.8.8.8 didn't work for me). My movie immediately started playing. Now it's stalled out at 2 minutes. We'll see...**** Apple. Why can't it just work?!

You need to use the ISPs DNS. Anything else will not be guaranteed to work. If you are still experiencing the issue after that then there are other areas to look into regarding the network

The person behind me at Starbuck's will be very happy because of you. Thank you for the quick fix on the buffering issue. It was driving me insane!!! You da man!

You are the bomb, Starbucks is on the schedule this week!