Problem with Apple TV and Netflix

[Jnesbitt82]

I have a very odd problem with my Apple tv. Whenever we are watching Netflix on our Apple tv and I turn on my Macbook Pro, the Netflix app crashes and the Apple menu appears. It doesn't matter where I am in the house when the MBP is turned on, it always crashes Netflix. Obviously the problem could be with Netflix, Apple firmware, or a setting built into the home sharing option. What are your guy's thoughts?

 

[laurim]

I have a very odd problem with my Apple tv. Whenever we are watching Netflix on our Apple tv and I turn on my Macbook Pro, the Netflix app crashes and the Apple menu appears. It doesn't matter where I am in the house when the MBP is turned on, it always crashes Netflix. Obviously the problem could be with Netflix, Apple firmware, or a setting built into the home sharing option. What are your guy's thoughts?

Have no idea. I have at least one MacBook Pro on the same wifi at all times when I use my ATV 2 with no problems. But, I don't use home sharing for anything so maybe that's your problem.

 

[dlondon]

Well keep your Macbook closed when watching TV! Only kidding, I'm exactly the same. it sounds like something either to do with WiFi (because when you switch your Macbook on, one of the first things it does it connect to WiFi), Airplay or home sharing.

It's a bit trial and error but you can narrow it down by trying the following:

• Use a wired connection for Apple TV (if possible) and see if the same problem occurs when you open your Macbook
• Try switching off WiFi on your Macbook, closing it, switching Netflix on and then try opening your Macbook
• Try using Airplay on Macbook and see if that works ok on Apple TV
• Try switching off Airplay on your Macbook and see if that works
• Make sure Apple TV has latest software
• Does the same thing happen with other WiFi devices (computer, iPhone, iPad etc)?
• Switch off home sharing and/or close iTunes and try Netflix then.

You should be able to identify the problem depending on what happens on the scenarios above. It could something as simple as changing WiFi channel or switching off something in settings. I have two Apple TVs (one wired and one wireless) and a Macbook and I don't experience any problems with Netflix.

 

[Jnesbitt82]

Well keep your Macbook closed when watching TV! Only kidding, I'm exactly the same. it sounds like something either to do with WiFi (because when you switch your Macbook on, one of the first things it does it connect to WiFi), Airplay or home sharing.

It's a bit trial and error but you can narrow it down by trying the following:

• Use a wired connection for Apple TV (if possible) and see if the same problem occurs when you open your Macbook
• Try switching off WiFi on your Macbook, closing it, switching Netflix on and then try opening your Macbook
• Try using Airplay on Macbook and see if that works ok on Apple TV
• Try switching off Airplay on your Macbook and see if that works
• Make sure Apple TV has latest software
• Does the same thing happen with other WiFi devices (computer, iPhone, iPad etc)?
• Switch off home sharing and/or close iTunes and try Netflix then.

You should be able to identify the problem depending on what happens on the scenarios above. It could something as simple as changing WiFi channel or switching off something in settings. I have two Apple TVs (one wired and one wireless) and a Macbook and I don't experience any problems with Netflix.

Found the problem! There's a conflict between the Apple software on the Apple tv and an instant message program created by Blackboard for colleges. Every time my computer boots and launches the program or I send a personal message to my instructor, it crashes the Apple tv on the same network. I have three networks at home but if I place the Apple tv on another network, I won't be able to access our purchases that are stored on my MBP. I don't have a media server yet so I'm stuck.

 

[dlondon]

Found the problem! There's a conflict between the Apple software on the Apple tv and an instant message program created by Blackboard for colleges. Every time my computer boots and launches the program or I send a personal message to my instructor, it crashes the Apple tv on the same network. I have three networks at home but if I place the Apple tv on another network, I won't be able to access our purchases that are stored on my MBP. I don't have a media server yet so I'm stuck.

Glad you found out what it was. Quite an odd fault.

 

[Jnesbitt82]

Glad you found out what it was. Quite an odd fault.

Very odd. lol If it wasn't for the fact that I was PMing my Psychology teacher at the same time my girls were watching My Little Pony in the living room, I wouldn't have figured it out. Sure enough, every time after hitting the send button, the Apple tv would reset back to the home screen. lol

 

[adbe]

Found the problem! There's a conflict between the Apple software on the Apple tv and an instant message program created by Blackboard for colleges. Every time my computer boots and launches the program or I send a personal message to my instructor, it crashes the Apple tv on the same network. I have three networks at home but if I place the Apple tv on another network, I won't be able to access our purchases that are stored on my MBP. I don't have a media server yet so I'm stuck.

If your college has a VPN you can set your Mac up to use that when running the Blackboard IM. That'll mean keeping the IM closed when using your Mac as a media source, but it'll stop the IM from bugging the AppleTV.


That said, this seems like a really dodgy IM system, as the only reason the ATV would be paying attention to those packets is if the IM is broadcasting (indiscriminately yelling at every device on the local subnet). If that's the case, and since it's clearly not necessary otherwise the IM would never work off campus, you might be able to do some local firewalling on the Mac to suppress the broadcast chatter[1].

[1] If this is outside of your comfort zone, don't go experimenting as you could create a bit of a mess on your Mac. Your IT support at your college *might* be able to help.

 

[StillCallsMeSon]

Found the problem! There's a conflict between the Apple software on the Apple tv and an instant message program created by Blackboard for colleges. Every time my computer boots and launches the program or I send a personal message to my instructor, it crashes the Apple tv on the same network. I have three networks at home but if I place the Apple tv on another network, I won't be able to access our purchases that are stored on my MBP. I don't have a media server yet so I'm stuck.

I have the same issue! My wife is an instructor online and whenever she uses Blackboard Instant Messenger, it stops Apple TV streaming. This is so strange, and I wonder if there is a solution. Did you ever get it fixed?

 

[jakradice]

Blackboard IM and Apple TV dialog

I'm having a similar problem. I'm using Blackboard Instant Messenger on a Mac. I don't have an Apple TV but every time I use Bb IM, the Apple TV login dialog box appears and "takes over" meaning that it's a struggle to use IM as have to keep cancelling. I use Bb IM ALL the time so this is a real pain in the bottom! Any thoughts as to how to sort it gratefully received!

 

[RToddar]

I have a very odd problem with my Apple tv. Whenever we are watching Netflix on our Apple tv and I turn on my Macbook Pro, the Netflix app crashes and the Apple menu appears. It doesn't matter where I am in the house when the MBP is turned on, it always crashes Netflix. Obviously the problem could be with Netflix, Apple firmware, or a setting built into the home sharing option. What are your guy's thoughts?

 

[RToddar]

I have the same problem. So far I've noticed it w Netflix app only not movies or music (these are the only apps I use). It usually happens in the first 10 mins then not again for the duration of the show.