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Level 4

1,290 points

Why is local video streaming to Apple TV jerky?

Video streaming to Apple TV (v 3) has always been smooth. No matter what the online source -- from YouTube to Netflix -- the video is consistently good. Video streamed from Macs, though, is jerky to the point of unwatchable. Even when I stream it from a a Mac connected by ethernet with wi-fi off, the result is unwatchable. I cannot think what the problem could be. My wi-fi signal is strong (from two bridged Apple Extreme units) so when I stream wirelessly network shouldn’t be the problem, and I’m just a few feet from both ATV and AE.

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10), MacBook Air

Posted on Mar 8, 2015 4:06 PM

Best reply

vazandrew

Level 8

40,366 points

Posted on Mar 8, 2015 7:18 PM

Have you tried connecting Apple TV via ethernet?

To see a status of your network go to istumbler or similar, this will give an accurate representation of signal strength along with noise any nearby networks

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33 replies

dmitry64

Level 1

11 points

Jun 25, 2015 1:13 AM in response to Satchmo

I have the same issue streaming from Mac to Apple TV. The video is somewhat jerky. I've tried changing network settings, tried ethernet instead of wifi, tried different tv's, routers, macs and apple tv's. Nothing helped. The video quality is not perfect enough. It's sad though that apple tv won't buffer the video streamed from mac just like it buffers video streamed from iTunes. I'm subscribing to this thread in hopes that there might be some solution with settings on existing hardware.

Hedgewig

Level 1

9 points

Aug 3, 2015 6:31 PM in response to dmitry64

I believe there has to be a problem with the latest OSX or my MacBook Pro Retina latest gen full spec, or some configuration parameter of either. I can stream 1080p smoothly and flawlessly from my iPad to the Apple TV but 1080p video is quite jerky from the MacBook to Apple TV. Network settings are the same on both devices. disabling Bluetooth makes no difference. I have spent an enormous amount of time trying different suggestions from forums etc but without success. Surely there has to be a solution to this. Come on Apple, I have been in the process of converting my family and friends from PC to Apple but I am now seriously wondering if this is wise.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,366 points

Aug 3, 2015 8:08 PM in response to Hedgewig

Note: this is a user forum, you aren't addressing Apple.

Mirroring is working just fine from my Mac and for most users. Have you done any diagnostics reports for the network? Tried Ethernet? Tested on a different network?

Hedgewig

Level 1

9 points

Aug 3, 2015 10:39 PM in response to vazandrew

I have tried the Macbook and the iPad on a different network with a different Apple TV at a second property and experienced the same result. I have done basic diagnostics on the network at the primary property - router settings etc, following any recommendations I have found via Googling the forums. I have not yet tried a direct ethernet connection between the Macbook and the router - thanks for that tip. I will try and report back.

Hedgewig

Level 1

9 points

Sep 19, 2015 4:06 PM in response to Hedgewig

I just realised, of course I can't connect the Macbook via Ethernet to the router and stream in a "wired mode" using Airplay. I misunderstood you when you asked if I tried Ethernet. I need to stream wirelessly to the Apple TV, which is connected by Ethernet, which is what I have been doing all along. Wasn't thinking as I am recovering from major surgery and the meds are messing with me. So I still have the jerky video problem. I guess I will have to rely on Airplay from the iPad which works flawlessly on the same network, same Apple TV etc in 1080P. Why the most expensive Macbook Pro available doesn't is a mystery. Hopefully someone smarter than me can suggest the solution, otherwise I am afraid will I have to give up for a while.

Sep 19, 2015 4:05 PM in response to Hedgewig

I have exact same problem. Mirroring to Apple TV from MacBook Pro jerky. But fine from iPhone, iPad, etc. Using latest Netgear Nighthawk Router (and problem was on previous router also), have 152MB/s broadband, latest software installed throughout etc. Given every other form of mirroring works it is the MacBook Pro that's the only issue - and therefore must be an OS issue (most likely) or hardware (less likely)...El Capitan is days away - wondering if that will fix.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,366 points

Sep 19, 2015 3:16 PM in response to Geoff_139

Other devices working doesn't rule out the network, and mirroring a Mac is more intensive then an IOS device. This is over the local network so internet speed is not relevant.

Satchmo Author

Level 4

1,290 points

Sep 19, 2015 4:04 PM in response to vazandrew

vazandrew wrote:

Other devices working doesn't rule out the network, and mirroring a Mac is more intensive then an IOS device. This is over the local network so internet speed is not relevant.

Sure it is relevant to compare the possible speeds of broadband with a local network. There is no good reason why a Mac should not be able to send data via either ethernet or local wifi faster than it can come across typical cable broadband.

I'm quite sure Hedgewig was expressing frustration rather than imagining that he/she was addressing Apple.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,366 points

Sep 19, 2015 4:38 PM in response to Satchmo

The internet doesn't factor in as this is an exchange over the local network. There is a big difference between streaming video and pushing out a computers display in realtime. If there is an issue its due to something in the individual setup and proper troubleshooting needs to occur. This is not the place to vent or rant as per the TOS agreed to upon signup.

Satchmo Author

Level 4

1,290 points

Sep 20, 2015 5:40 AM in response to vazandrew

vazandrew wrote:

The internet doesn't factor in as this is an exchange over the local network. There is a big difference between streaming video and pushing out a computers display in realtime. If there is an issue its due to something in the individual setup and proper troubleshooting needs to occur. This is not the place to vent or rant as per the TOS agreed to upon signup.

You have contributed nothing of value to this thread. If you have a complaint about the nature of the comments, report them to Apple. You obviously don't get my point about the comparison of speed of broadband to the local network. Why don't you leave the discussion to people who are wrestling with this problem, and who offer substantive help if such a thing can be had? I can see no reason for you to be in the thread except to wag your finger at posters, and I'm not quite sure how the TOS addresses that.

vazandrew

Level 8

40,366 points

Sep 20, 2015 5:57 AM in response to Satchmo

That would be projection on your part. It will be up to the individual to troubleshoot the network as that is where the issue lies. If you have something to offer then I suggest you do that.

Jan 25, 2016 12:04 PM in response to vazandrew

I still have this same issue - iPad streaming perfectly, MacBook very jerky and unwatchable.

Did anyone make any progress ? (please - I'm not interested in hearing from anyone who just wants to defend their initial assumptions - just looking for progress ... )

vazandrew

Level 8

40,366 points

Jan 25, 2016 3:46 PM in response to Harajuku Juju

The issue lies with the network, proper troubleshooting needs to take place.

Satchmo Author

Level 4

1,290 points

Jan 25, 2016 6:22 PM in response to vazandrew

vazandrew wrote:

The issue lies with the network, proper troubleshooting needs to take place.

Thanks, but that's like saying, "Fix it." My network channels are not congested and I have no other problems. What exactly needs to be troubleshot?

Satchmo Author

Level 4

1,290 points

Jan 25, 2016 6:27 PM in response to Harajuku Juju

Harajuku Juju wrote:

I still have this same issue - iPad streaming perfectly, MacBook very jerky and unwatchable.

Did anyone make any progress ? (please - I'm not interested in hearing from anyone who just wants to defend their initial assumptions - just looking for progress ... )

I can stream wel to ATVl from an old iPod, but not from much newer Macs.

Why is local video streaming to Apple TV jerky?