After updating to tvOS 10, AppleTV repeatedly drops connection when receiving audio over Airplay

Question

After updating to tvOS 10, AppleTV repeatedly drops connection when receiving audio over Airplay

Since updating to 10.0, we're no longer able to stream audio to the AppleTV for longer than a few minutes at a time before the AppleTV drops the connection. We've tried streaming from iPhones, iPads and Macbook Pro - it's the AppleTV that is the problem (streaming to Airport Express etc works fine as always). Prior to 10.0 we could happily stream audio to the AppleTV without problem, and aside from the update nothing has changed with its setup.

We've tried power off the AppleTV, restarting the router etc. The AppleTV is connected to the router via ethernet, so it's not related to wifi issues.

Posted on Sep 25, 2016 10:38 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 26, 2016 2:50 AM in response to Michael Keith

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.

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Answer 2

Sep 27, 2016 10:08 PM in response to Michael Keith

So it turned out the main problem was actually with Airfoil, which I was using to stream Airplay over ethernet. The developer has given me a beta version which fixes this issue.

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Answer 3

Sep 28, 2016 2:17 AM in response to Michael Keith

Why don't you just do without it, these types of products have a long history of causing problems.

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Answer 4

Sep 28, 2016 12:07 PM in response to Winston Churchill

I've used it for a long time and haven't really had any trouble. It offers more flexibility (like being able to use iOS devices as speakers etc). Ideally I wouldn't need a solution like it at all and it could all be done through standard Airplay! 🙂

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