Apple TV stuttering when streaming video on MacBook Pro

As far as I can see it, the issue is not how close the MacBook Pro is to the Apple TV, but how close Apple TV and MacBook Pro are to the WIFI router/modem, which acts as a go-between. If the video stutters when the Apple TV is connected via Ethernet to the router/modem, it may be that the Ethernet cable is of an old category, which allows only 10 or 20 Mbs, and you may have to get a Cat. 6 Ethernet cable.

I believe Diana means these kind of options when they are available.

And yes they may well help because it reduces the to-ing and fro-ing the stream has to do before getting to your TV, however you should still be able to mirror your desktop without any problems, so you likely still need to resolve any networking problems that you have.

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.

Hi kelownagurl. Since you're streaming web video, have you tried using basic AirPlay instead of screen mirroring? Tap the AirPlay icon in the video player controls, as described in this link: Use AirPlay to display video from your Mac on an HDTV - Apple Support instead of using the one in the main menu. Basic AirPlay sends the video URL to Apple TV, which streams it direct from the site, removing the computer from the loop.

kelownagurl wrote:

It's on the other side of the wall, maybe 5 feet away? (Wood/drywall)

How do you know I'm using 5ghz wifi? Because I told you the channel number??

I do have 2.4ghz as well but the telus guy said the 5 was faster.

Yes, it's the channel number, those numbers aren't available to the 2.4 GHz band.

5 GHz may or may not be faster it depends under what conditions it's working, generally speaking, it's less prone to interference but more susceptible to distance and obstruction. Choosing the right one is simply a matter of trial and error.

It doesn't matter if you don't get full green bars, but you should have a reasonable signal strength, although do be aware you can still have full signal strength and interference.

The airplay icon would be visible within the video player controls (if it's compatible). Otherwise you will need to mirror. Look for signal strength and noise within the istumbler report, you may need to switch to 2.4 as well.

I see you are using the 5 GHz band for wifi, are you sure your equipment isn't too far away from each other, 5 GHz is best used over short distances and where the signal is unlikely to be blocked.