TV drops stream, drops sound

Question

Level 1

8 points

TV drops stream, drops sound

Model No: FC572LL/A

Software: 6.2.1

My older apple tv drops streams in the middle of a movie or program. This can happen with no warning on Netflix, Hulu, HBO and any of the networks. The program stops and I get the twirling ball. Then it reconnects to the TV, but not to the program or service. I have to re-choose Netflix or etc., re-choose the movie I was watching. It's not the provider because it doesn't happen on other streaming devices in the household (amazon or roku or playstation), so it's not the speed. It can happen late night when no one is streaming anything. This started about 6 months ago. Before that, it worked fine.

Also, sometimes movie starts with no sound and I have to stop and start it again or, if that doesn't work, reboot. Is there a flaw in this model?

I checked all cables, rebooted the device and it doesn't help much.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.2)

Posted on Dec 16, 2015 10:24 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Dec 16, 2015 11:56 AM in response to lindro

Intermittent problems are often a result of interference. Interference can be caused by other networks in the neighbourhood or from household electrical items.

You can download and install iStumbler (NetStumbler for windows users) to help you see which channels are used by neighbouring networks so that you can avoid them, but iStumbler will not see household items.

Refer to your router manual for instructions on changing your wifi channel or adjusting your multicast rate.

There are other types of problems that can affect networks, but this is by far the most common, hence worth mentioning first. Networks that have inherent issues can be seen to work differently with different versions of the same software. You might also try moving the Apple TV away from other electrical equipment.

The following article(s) may help you.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections

Recommended Wi-Fi settings

Sources of Interference

Wifi Diagnostic Software (for Mac users)

You may also find some help on this page, where I’ve collected some of the more unusual solutions to network issues.

Reply