apple tv won't play purchased or rented movies

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Level 1

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apple tv won't play purchased or rented movies

Our Apple TV (2nd gen) recently started refusing to play purchased or rented movies. The purchased movie list is visible and when you select a movie the preview screen (with "play" "special features" "music") comes up. After we click on PLAY it shows the word "Loading" and spins forever without ever starting.

We have tried testing the network, unplugging/plugging back in, updating Apple TV software, and all other suggestions we could find. Netflix on ATV works fine, so we don't think it's a problem with the internet connection. This seems like an iTunes problem, but is very specific. Is anyone else having this issue? Any suggestions on fixing it??

AppleTV 2

Posted on Sep 1, 2015 5:31 PM

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Answer 1

vazandrew

Level 8

40,348 points

Sep 1, 2015 5:49 PM in response to Whyme98

How did you test the network?

Netflix adapts to the connection whereas iTunes is at a fixed rate and needs to load a portion before playback begins

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Answer 2

Whyme98 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 1, 2015 5:56 PM in response to vazandrew

We ran the network test option found on the menu on apple tv. It reported that all was well.

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Answer 3

vazandrew

Level 8

40,348 points

Sep 1, 2015 9:47 PM in response to Whyme98

The network test on the device doesn't account for issues.

Make sure DNS is set to auto (settings-general-network)

To see an accurate representation of your network you need a network report from istumbler, netstumbler or similar. This will show accurate signal strength along with noise and nearby networks.

If on WiFi try Ethernet

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Answer 4

Whyme98 Author

Level 1

5 points

Sep 2, 2015 5:07 AM in response to vazandrew

Thanks for your replies vazandrew. We are on Ethernet but will check that those other settings are what you suggested. We've had this ATV for a couple years now and have used it in 4 different locations with no issues. It just started refusing to play purchased and rented movies about 2 weeks ago. Very strange and frustrating.

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Answer 5

Sep 3, 2015 4:33 PM in response to Whyme98

Exact same thing has happened to us....what's the solution Apple?!?!?!

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Answer 6

vazandrew

Level 8

40,348 points

Sep 3, 2015 5:19 PM in response to Slambresi

This is a user forum, you are not addressing Apple. You need to troubleshoot as above.

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