Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

HBO Max Working on App Fix for Playback Errors on Apple TV 4K Devices

MacRumors

MacRumors

macrumors bot
Original poster
Apr 12, 2001
67,504
37,790


HBO is working on a fix for "can't play title" errors that some users have been encountering in the HBO Max app for Apple TV, according to The Verge.

hbo-max-apple-tv-shadow.jpeg

The issue, which has been widely reported by users, appears to occur on all generations of Apple TV 4K running tvOS 16.1 and the latest HBO Max app version 52.50.1, released November 16.

While some users have found the problem to be intermittent, others are unable to stream content at all without encountering the playback errors, although some have found workarounds that include force quitting the app, logging out of the app, reinstalling it, or restarting their Apple TV.

HBO's SVP of communications Chris Willard told The Verge that they are aware of the issues and working on a fix that will be included in an upcoming update to the app.

Until then, two temporary troubleshooting tips suggested by HBO Max customer support include turning off HDR support (in Settings -> Video and Audio, change the Format to SDR, and disable Match Content, Match Dynamic Range, and Match Frame Rate options) and changing the resolution from 4K to 1080p or 720p.

Article Link: HBO Max Working on App Fix for Playback Errors on Apple TV 4K Devices
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2022/11/24/hbo-max-app-playback-errors-apple-tv/
  • Like
Reactions: decypher44
I was wondering what was going on. I recently dropped HBO though, they were good when they were doing same day theatrical releases during COVID but with all their reported issues behind the scenes with their parent company WB, uninteresting (to me) new tv shows, and weak new releases scheduled I couldn't justify it. Additionally, I have a feeling once WB releases the new HBO+Discovery combined plans the price will undoubtedly increases because that's apparently the formula these days for subscription models.

No doubt, pirating will be coming back with the way things are going.
 
  • Like
  • Love
Reactions: SFjohn, dustin_, 1557750 and 2 others
Wasn’t aware of this hmm. Just use my PS5 for HBO Max. Hope a fix comes soon for those affected.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1557750
It does get annoying when it happens, glad they're finally getting around to fixing it. I have HBO as a freebie through AT&T, probably the only reason I still use it.
 
iDarth_Betar said:
For me, even pausing a title for a few will cause the error “this title cannot be played” to pop up. I have to back out of the app, select the episode again to get it to play. Very annoying.
Click to expand...
It happens to me too. Instead of backing out of the app, try to play another show entirely (not another episode of the same show). It should work again also.
 
  • Like
Reactions: cast1glion1, Rastapopoulos, decypher44 and 1 other person
Not been having any problems. Wonder if it is sensitive to network conditions since many the ‘workarounds’ would seem to be trying to reduce the bitrate. If I was having issues, I certainly would not disable HDR for one service!
 
archi penko said:
Shutting off HDR at main level is not a fix. The whole point why people bought this Apple TV version is because it has HDR/Dolby Vision, now you’re asking them to turn it off, which affects other platforms too?!
Click to expand...

Exactly. Nor is watching content in 720p. Didn’t even know that was an option in 2022.
 
  • Like
Reactions: dustin_, osplo and tonyr6
archi penko said:
Shutting off HDR at main level is not a fix. The whole point why people bought this Apple TV version is because it has HDR/Dolby Vision, now you’re asking them to turn it off, which affects other platforms too?!
Click to expand...
I’ve got a better workaround: Uninstall the app and cancel your subscription until HBO releases an app that a actually works.
 
  • Like
Reactions: pauloregan
wbd said:
Not been having any problems. Wonder if it is sensitive to network conditions since many the ‘workarounds’ would seem to be trying to reduce the bitrate. If I was having issues, I certainly would not disable HDR for one service!
Click to expand...

I don’t think so…I have the issue intermittently and get a consistent 300+ Mbps.
 
Since the last TV update, I've not only experienced that HBOMax issue at times, but anything on Hulu pauses at about two minutes into the stream and you have to hit "play" again. For no clear reason.
 
  • Like
Reactions: decypher44
Well, at least HBO admits it. On the Apple Discussion Forums users immediately jump to the conclusion it’s a bug in tvOS and start trashing Apple mercilessly. And yes, I have experienced this but a second try usually succeeds.
 
Hbo has never been known for their quality software, not a surprise. Given that each platform has a set of tools to make it easy for developers, hey let’s write our own that doesn’t work, cause why not? And doesn’t everyone want a different interface on every streaming app?
 
  • Like
Reactions: sumarlidason and 0134168
It’s rather annoying and hopefully they can get it resolved sooner than later.
 
The fix I found was to find something else to play for just a moment. So far, newly added titles will play the most. Then, stop watching and go back to play the title you wanted.

So glad they’re addressing it!
 
I’ve had this error multiple times but only when I’ve left a show paused for an extended period of time, typically long enough that the TV powers off from inactivity. When I turn the TV back on HBO is on that error screen whereas most apps like Netflix or Hulu would let you resume the show as soon as the TV is powered back on. However, I just select OK and start playback again and it’s fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back