Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Apple TV (2) name, AirPlay dropouts and more.

I have 2 Apple TV 3's, each with a unique name. One located in the lounge, the other in a bedroom. Subsequently each named "Lounge" and "Bedroom".

I have run the same network and devices for almost 2 years, except for the addition of the iPad Air 2 and the iPhone 6. Apple TVs were on OS 6.x until the release of OS 7.x. During the period of OS 6.x i never ever had an issue with AirPlay from any Mac or iOS device. Which include MacBooks, Mac Minis, iPods, iPhones, iPads.


One Apple TV is connected via ethernet, the other is via WiFi (1 wall away which shows full signal when checked each time).


So i decided to update to OS 7.x when it came out and then i have been plagued with problems ever since, through each update 7.0, 7.0.1, 7.0.2 and 7.0.3.


There is three main problems with these 2 devices as a result of 7.x.

1 - Each Apple TV changes its name at random in regards to the number, one might be "Lounge" for a moment, the next it will be "Lounge (2)" or "Lounge (3)" and so on, usually reverting to "Lounge (2)", either during use or sleep mode.

2 - 90% of the time they will not wake from sleep for the AirPlay function from iPhone 6 on iOS 8.1.3, iPad Air 2 on iOS 8.1.3 or Mac Mini on Yosemite 10.10.2

3 - When it finally does wake, there are constant AirPlay drop outs, most of the time the AirPlay link will drop and some times disappear off the AirPlay devices list right afterwards.


Both Apple TVs produce the same issues, time and time again, i have restored them completely twice each, i have had one replaced for these issues under warranty, yet these issues still remain.


I have tried them on 4 different networks, i have even replaced my modem/router as part of this problem, and still these issues remain.

I even set up via a test with a personal hotspot from one of my iPads, so all i had was an Apple tv, iPad and iPhone on this wifi hotspot, the same issues were present there also.


During this time i have had iPad, iPhone and Mac complete restores for other issues which rules out issues with them i would like to think.


I have even tried AirPlay stability from my older iPhones, iPads and iPhones on iOS 6 and 7 - the same issues are present there also.


I have had many many cases with Apple Care opened, each case gets me no closer to solving generally because the "Senior Advisor" appointed to the case never responds to me after getting off the phone, despite them emailing me with their contact details to "follow up the case" so i don't feel any more efforts there will get me any closer at this point.


I have exhausted many options with no success.


Does anyone else have these same issues?

Has anyone ever found a fix?

Has anyone got any other methods of diagnosing the root cause of this?


I would love any info on this, I'm at my wits end with AirPlay.

Apple TV, Other OS, OS 7.0

Posted on Feb 22, 2015 12:46 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jan 25, 2017 6:54 AM

Apple TV doesn't exactly broadcast itself. It responds to queries over Bluetooth when you open the AirPlay menu on an iOS device or computer. Peer-to-peer AirPlay uses this mechanism for discovery, then creates a point-to-point WiFi connection for data transfer, independent of any network. It sounds like you would prefer to disable this on your Apple TV. You could suggest this to Apple here https://www.apple.com/feedback/appletv.html.

24 replies

Sep 29, 2016 2:07 PM in response to samaki

This is because Bonjour is a distributed system. Every device has its own Bonjour server, sort of like DNS, that keeps track of the services it has seen. And there's no specific way for old services to be removed. Eventually they are forgotten when the servers communicate amoung themselves. I think that if you restart your AirPort first, then restart the iPad (not just sleep, but restart), it may get a clear picture. If that works, you can reboot the other devices.

Oct 26, 2016 11:49 PM in response to Thomas-M

Thanks. I have an Airport Extreme (latest gen). I was an a call with Apple support and we were able to limit the issue to individual iOS and Macs... apparently, the Apple TV (4 gen) engraved itself into a database on all iOS and Macs before the update since even when I shut down all Airplay devices (ATV 4 gen, ATV 3 gen and a B&W Z2), shut down the Airport Extreme (and a Time Capsule) and have my Mac or iPad connected to the internet through my iPhone's hotspot, the "Apple TV (2)" still appears as the only Airplay device on the respective Airplay device selection menus. It's also user independent since I can create a new account on my Mac (macOS 10.12.1) but the phantom "Apple TV (2)" is still there. Could be that there is an Airplay related table deep inside in the system folder that keeps that phantom "Apple TV (2)" raising its head (well it always takes a while for it to appear and when I click on it says "Unable to connect to "Apple TV (2) because the wireless signal is too weak." - I get this same faux error message on my iOS devices too). Hmmm...

Oct 27, 2016 4:15 AM in response to Diana.McCall

Hi Diane,


Thanks, yes I have (several times - I know that this is the first thing one tries). BTW, I also did: reset of all Airport Extremes, Time Capsules, Apple TVs, iOS devices, Macs + updating tvOS, iOS, macOS and watchOS. This should be enough of rebooting... ;-)


Also, how would the mDNS server display the phantom "Apple TV (2)" when it's connected to the mobile network via my iPhone's hotspot (via iCloud/handoff) and all WiFi devices are shot down, i.e., the network is no longer available?


Cheers!

Apple TV (2) name, AirPlay dropouts and more.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.