Q: Netflix quality HORRID after update

62.5 chance that Latoya was lying to get you off the chat.

I concur with your skepticism. Here are snippets of my conversations...

Netflix can, in the least, allow the CSR to "see" connected devices tied to the Netflix account that he/she is chatting with and monitor the server side of traffic. Telecoms do this very well with features like caller id, location push/pull techniques, Accounting streams for data access, etc. .

I'm in.

bizringer wrote:

 

I started a chat with Netflix and linked this thread on Dec 30th.  I requested Netflix to escalate the issue with their engineers & Apple directly on their customer's behalf. I told them that Applecare was unwilling to even acknowledge the issue and was downright unwilling to help me at all.  I started a follow up chat a few minutes ago, and asked them to look up the status of my request.   Here's a grab of the chat window...

There was a petition post deleted from this thread.

Wow, you're right! I guess that means Apple is watching this thread so they HAVE to know there's an issue...

My atv has been working fine for awhile, goes right to 5800 at any time now. Dont understand why some are still having trouble.Comcast,Indiana, 25mb down,6.02 3rd gen atv. When i test it shows 5800 right off, on build up.

ericfromin wrote:

 

My atv has been working fine for awhile, goes right to 5800 at any time now. Dont understand why some are still having trouble.Comcast,Indiana, 25mb down,6.02 3rd gen atv. When i test it shows 5800 right off, on build up.

Mine's working fine too. Last evening I watched one of Netflix's new releases in beautiful SuperHD with all of the excellent reliability I've had (before this flap) in my three years of owning ATV's. Been this way for about three weeks now.

Some have a hard time accepting this, but it's clear as a bell that the problem is caused by Netflix's inadequate distribution arrangements with some ISP's. The fact that this continues to be a regional problem proves it.

Netflix must take the lead in resolving this, rather than stonewalling as they are.

OK, bodosom, your turn.

jimpal wrote:

 

Some have a hard time accepting this, but it's clear as a bell that the problem is caused by Netflix's inadequate distribution arrangements with some ISP's. The fact that this continues to be a regional problem proves it.

Again, you repeating bad information doesn't make it true.  Lots of people get full-bandwidth (as limited by the client) to all devices except the Apple TV.   I've repeatedly asked how your view of the problem explains this.  If you don't want people to reject your speculation out of hand tell us how it fits with the observed behavior.

Which to remind you is:

1. Reasonably consistent client limited maximum bit rates to devices like Android phones, iPads, iPhones, TiVos, PS3s and PCs no matter which CDN is being used.
2. Reasonably consistent low bit rates to the ATV unless streaming from Limelight.

bodosom wrote:

 

Again, you repeating bad information doesn't make it true. . .

bodosom, let's get constructive. I don't recall that you have ever said what you think the problem is.

Repeating that I am wrong doesn't make you right. More and more reports support my point of view.

But, enough of that. I've noticed that throughout this thread you have consistently criticized others' postings, but never offered an opinion on specific cause yourself.

You seem to be well informed about streaming issues. We may all profit from what you think is the cause. Please tell us, who and/or what do you think is causing this problem? And what should they do about it?

I've offered my opinion. Please tell us yours.

jimpal wrote:

 

Some have a hard time accepting this, but it's clear as a bell that the problem is caused by Netflix's inadequate distribution arrangements with some ISP's. The fact that this continues to be a regional problem proves it.

I respectfully disagree.  In my opinion, this is not a regional problem or a distribution issue isolated to certain ISPs.  Here's why for me personally:

1. Initially when the ATV broke Netflix service, I was living on the east coast running AT&T DSL (6mb down).  Since late Nov I have moved to a different state and purchased Internet from Time Warner Cable (50mb down).  I have also plugged the ATV into different ISPs from friends networks when I took it with us over the holidays.  Exact same problem regardless of region or ISP.

2. Netflix runs perfectly on my iPhone, iPad, and other windows and mac computers with good 3000+.  I'm not a an expert but I find it difficult to explain why Netflix, Apple, and multiple ISPs would be able to singularly isolate the Apple TV device from having a reliable stream. 

3. Most tech support folks either from Netflix, Applecare, or ISPs will immediately assume your local wifi network is to blame.  However, I have tested on multiple routers (everything from ISP routers/combos, to Airport Express).  I have turned on/off encryption, experimented with WPA/WPA2/WEP, and run 802.11b,g,n in all various options.  Lastly, I have isolated the network and as many others have stated in this forum, by hooking up the ATV directly to the modem via ethernet.  

4. For me personally, I detected this problem at a clearly defined moment. When the ATV upgraded software to version 6.  Prior to that, even my old slow cheap AT&T DSL could easily stream Netflix HD to the ATV reliably. 

Therefore, in my un-professional opinion I think it is a problem isolated to the device, software related. After very poor customer service experience with Apple, I have been asking Netflix to escalate the issue on our behalf.  I have also filed a BBB complaint and used the feedback tool with no response. 

Apple, what do you think?

Have we tried as a group to confirm which model specifically is affected?

I know it's primarily the Apple TV (3rd Generation). However, there are actually two separate models.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5823

Maybe the reason some people are reporting occasionally the problem is "fixed" while others are still having problems is that they have different models.  We can start adding model numbers to each post to look for a trend. 

It could also be isolated to certain serial numbers...Apple had wifi problems in the past with 3rd gen's. 

http://www.macrumors.com/2013/04/15/apple-initiates-replacement-program-for-3rd- generation-apple-tvs-with-wifi-connectivity-issues/

RUNNING MODEL: A1427

bizringer wrote:

 

I respectfully disagree.  In my opinion, this is not a regional problem or a distribution issue isolated to certain ISPs.  Here's why for me personally:

 

. . . . Therefore, in my un-professional opinion I think it is a problem isolated to the device, software related. After very poor customer service experience with Apple, I have been asking Netflix to escalate the issue on our behalf.  I have also filed a BBB complaint and used the feedback tool with no response. 

Thanks for your thoughtful comment. It's good to know others' opinions.

The question it leaves in my mind, however, is why my Apple TV service on Netflix has returned to outstanding, as it was before this problem, with no action on my part whatsoever: no software upgrade or downgrade, no changing DNS, no direct ethernet connection, no messing with my home wireless system in any way, etc. The only variable I see is Netflix streaming arrangements with ISP's. (I'm not blaming the ISP's as it's up to Netflix to make the necessary business deals with them to handle the increased streaming load they are providing.)

Mainly I'm pleased that now ATV streaming is back to super performance here. In my opinion Netflix got straight with Comcast to provide required service in our area.

Running the same Model A1427 you have.

It's good to see someone as I have exausted all I know to do to correct my issue with my ATV3.  I too have spend much time with Netflix's online chat option and spoken to Apple Care twice this week about my issue.  My problem too began after this last update.  I told that to the Apple Tech and that they (Apple) needed to check these Forums, that it's becoming an issue and Apple users are ******... If I plug my ATV directly into my ISP provided modem via ethernet cable it work's great.  But once my ISP service is routed thru my Apple Extreme Time Capsule whether wireless or wired it's back to the grainy picture.  I have 45-57 MBPS.  I have a 300 transmit rate...  and I basically begged the Apple Tech for them to look into this on their end since he told me he had no advice on a fix...  So thanks to you guys for contnuing to push hard on this.  It needs to be resolved...

And I would like to add that I have reset my Time Capsule and Apple TV back to factory settings and started over and both...

jimpal wrote:

More and more reports support my point of view.

 

No they don't.  Most reports are completely unsupported anecdotal evidence and don't promote any point of view.

jimpal wrote:

I've offered my opinion. Please tell us yours.

The last time I speculated was two days ago:

bodosom wrote:

Sure, but I think enough work has already been done and the results are quite clear -- the ATV3 client only likes Limelight and Level3.  Blocking nflxvideo worked for a short while

I don't have direct experience with pre-6.0.2 software but there seems to be evidence that some people started having a problem after that update.  Unfortunately no one was yet paying attention to the network looking for specific behavior.

However given that of all the iOS 7 clients only the ATV3 has trouble using nflxvideo it certainly suggests a platform specific issue.  Given that all my other (non iOS 7) clients also work as expected it's hard to avoid seeing it as an ATV specific issue and hard to see how it can be a content delivery/bandwidth issue.

But all I know about Netflix is what they've made public.  I have no special insight into their relationships with CDNs or major ISPs.  This makes me hesistant to speculate about causes.  I prefer to report the facts I see and of give credence to explanations that fit those facts and ideally allow prediction.  AKA the scientific method.