Why is Netflix so poor on ATV?

[whooleytoo]

If you are on a month to month plan with your ISP, i suggest doing a little experimeny, by upgrading to 12mb/s and see what happens.

Good luck!

That might help, but I was seeing the same issues and I'm on a 30Mbps connection. (For me, the problem now seems to have gone away, for 4 or 5 days now).

Edit - oh well, I spoke too soon. It had been perfect for the last few days, then last night I was playing and it stalled 3 times (for perhaps 20 seconds each time) in the first minute of an episode, and quality dropped to the SD stream. Booooooh!

 

[Bralley]

I know someone mentioned earlier in the thread about changing out your HDMI cable though I didn't see your response if you had tried that.

I don't have Netflix at the moment, but I was having a flickering issue while watching my iTunes content that I was able to resolve by swapping to a different HDMI cable. Maybe this could help?

Hope you get your problem resolved.

 

[whodatrr]

A month or so ago, I'd get a 5 second buffer, on a 30 minute show. Now, I get a 5 minute buffer, for every 5 minutes of NetFlix. This issue is getting worse, and not better, for me. NetFlix works great on: iPad, iPhone, iMac, Kindle Fire, and Roku.

It's horrible on both my ATV2 and my ATV3. Really, it's frustrating and unusable. I give up, and I just ordered a 2nd Roku. As much of my video viewing is Hulu, anyhow, I'll get that too.

If it wasn't for Airplay, I'd ditch my ATV boxes. I have a few Airplay docks, so that may be hard. But I am now in the process of looking for an AirTunes alternative. It was bad enough that there was no Hulu, but horrible NetFlix performance is the last straw. I am not paying 99 cents an episode, on the Apple Store.

Oh, and speaking of Airplay/iTunes - iTunes now crashes every hour or so, when I'm using Airplay. That's an exciting new development, as well. It's starting to feel as if Apple now has quality issues... again. This Apple TV is starting to feel like my old LC II... LOL

 

[Rideherhard]

Netflix sucks on the AppleTV2, it's a very poor picture, on XBox or PS3 it's prefect in HD.

 

[gopnick]

Oh, and speaking of Airplay/iTunes - iTunes now crashes every hour or so, when I'm using Airplay.

For some reason, I can't play videos via AirPlay from my wife's iPhone 4S. Multiple restarts for phone and ATV have proven fruitless. The newest software revision has some serious problems.

I am not paying 99 cents an episode, on the Apple Store.

Try $2.99. Apple eliminated the 99 cent rental program. All you can do is buy, now.


OP: My ATV2 was great until this newest software revision. Now I have all sorts of problems streaming from iOS devices. My Netflix content never looked great, just because my 16 Mbps connection slows to about 2 Mbps in the evenings. But, that shouldn't affect iOS devices on my home network.

My advice, if you can do it, is to wait for the next software update. If you can't I understand, but integrating with the rest of your Apple ecosystem is pretty cool, and it's something that Roku can't do.

Good luck!

 

[Nychot]

Netflix sucks on the AppleTV2, it's a very poor picture, on XBox or PS3 it's prefect in HD.

Weird because its superior on my jail broken atv2 cimpared to my roku picture-wise.

 

[whodatrr]

Yeah, the integration with the rest of my ecosystem is a challenge. But I'm looking into ways I can do that. Or, I'm looking into ways of getting my library off Apple, entirely. Really, this bugginess is just getting worse.

On another note, I've now been streaming NetFlix and Hulu off of my Roku with ZERO buffer delays. Really, it's now weird to watch a video without any interruptions. Yes, zero delays! As in, I watch a 2hr movie, and it plays seamlessly, for two hours! This is like cable, but on-demand and free! Done with all the ATV NetFlix buffer delays and iTunes crashes...

My advice, if you can do it, is to wait for the next software update. If you can't I understand, but integrating with the rest of your Apple ecosystem is pretty cool, and it's something that Roku can't do.

Good luck!

 

[striker33]

For some reason, I can't play videos via AirPlay from my wife's iPhone 4S. Multiple restarts for phone and ATV have proven fruitless. The newest software revision has some serious problems.



Try $2.99. Apple eliminated the 99 cent rental program. All you can do is buy, now.


OP: My ATV2 was great until this newest software revision. Now I have all sorts of problems streaming from iOS devices. My Netflix content never looked great, just because my 16 Mbps connection slows to about 2 Mbps in the evenings. But, that shouldn't affect iOS devices on my home network.

My advice, if you can do it, is to wait for the next software update. If you can't I understand, but integrating with the rest of your Apple ecosystem is pretty cool, and it's something that Roku can't do.

Good luck!

I'm way past the returns period anyway for it. The only way to get a refund would be directly through Apple, and I doubt they'd go down that route without a fight.

Till Netflix is working, I'm simply renting blu-rays via LoveFilm and ripping them and using iTunes as a media server, with all my iTunes content stored on a 2TB NAS drive.

It takes just as long to convert the rips to a smaller MP4 file as it does to convert MKV to MKV, so I figure I may as well get something out of my ATV. There isnt another streamer on the market which is as quick as the ATV when it comes to navigating, and I couldnt use the WDTV purely because Netflix was broken completely thanks to the latest firmware. At least Netflix works on the ATV, albeit, only in SD.

I still tend to watch my SD content on the ATV due to the better interface, but for HD, the PS3 really is the only device I can use atm.

Still havent heard anything back from Apple, so I will be firing off an email pretty soon to check for any updates.

 

[whodatrr]

Well, the Airtunes/iTunes integration is still a good thing. But I can't tell you how goo it is to stream NetFlix, without delays. And My God, Hulu Plus looks amazing, on my Roku. The interface is different, but I've now gotten used to it. And there are some things about it I really like (eg. only have tiles for "channels" I watch). I bought the $90 model, but I suspect the $60 model would have done me just fine.

So now, my ATV is my home media library device. And my Roku is what I use for streaming. It sucks to have two devices, but I guess that's life for now. Even if Apple got the recent NetFlix issues sorted, I'd still use my Roku for Hulu. And I now realize how much of my ATV content was degraded, as the video on my Roku is simply stunning. If the Roku would work out Airplay/iTunes, I could throw my ATVs away.

Grrrr.... there is no one solution.

Oh, BTW, I also tried jailbreaking my ATV, for a bit. But it made the UI lame, and didn't help with my streaming issues. I just wish all this stuff was simple. Apple could be there, but their proprietary closedness (eg. Hulu) and bugginess are hurting them. No way in Heck I'd ever but an iTV, after dealing with this frustration.

Now really loving my Roku!

I'm way past the returns period anyway for it. The only way to get a refund would be directly through Apple, and I doubt they'd go down that route without a fight.

 

[striker33]

No way in Heck I'd ever but an iTV, after dealing with this frustration.

To be fair I wouldnt go near an Apple TV set anyway if the reports are to be believed. Plasma is the best way to experience movies in the home, and would surely be the best way to accompany the fancy new 1080p iTunes content that they'll try to sell you.

But they wouldnt do that. As LED makes things more shiny, and allows them to make a paper thin set.

 

[Space Moose]

Well according to Netflix, my issue is caused by my Apple TV connection to a VPN instead of directly to my ISP, which is causing the issues. However this is limited only to Netflix, as 1080p itunes content is fine. The VPN is called 'VPS Senior Gift Solutions', and I have no idea what it is.

Apple havent ruled out calling my ATV in for further testing though, which I can see as being the only plausible way of finding a solution at the moment.

Hey, I've read your issues with the AppleTV stream being different quality than on the PS3, and I think there might be an explanation:

http://www.tvmutiny.com/threads/netflix-stream-seems-lower-quality-than-it-should-be.6/

Netflix uses a different streaming technology (presumably with different settings) for computers and the PS3 than it uses for other streaming devices (including the AppleTV).

Further, if you tried the US DNS (or another VPN) like unblock us, but were using your international Netflix account, then it would be using the different protocol and catalogue for the PS3 and the AppleTV.

You need a US Netflix account to truly access US Netflix on an AppleTV, even if you're using a VPN/DNS solution. This is not the case if you are using a computer or PS3, where your UK account will truly access US Netflix with the VPN/DNS solution.

Could be the explanation you're looking for...

There's more details on the thread above. It may be helpful to try to track the issue down there.

 

[wxman2003]

Hey, I've read your issues with the AppleTV stream being different quality than on the PS3, and I think there might be an explanation:

http://www.tvmutiny.com/threads/netflix-stream-seems-lower-quality-than-it-should-be.6/

Netflix uses a different streaming technology (presumably with different settings) for computers and the PS3 than it uses for other streaming devices (including the AppleTV).

Further, if you tried the US DNS (or another VPN) like unblock us, but were using your international Netflix account, then it would be using the different protocol and catalogue for the PS3 and the AppleTV.

You need a US Netflix account to truly access US Netflix on an AppleTV, even if you're using a VPN/DNS solution. This is not the case if you are using a computer or PS3, where your UK account will truly access US Netflix with the VPN/DNS solution.

Could be the explanation you're looking for...

There's more details on the thread above. It may be helpful to try to track the issue down there.

This may be all true, but why does the Roku stream better than the ATV3 with Netflix? Granted, Netflix developed the initial Roku models, so perhaps they stream differently for the Roku as the do with the PS3. I don't it seeing getting much better between Apple and Netflix, especially since Apple is going after Epix which would be a major blow to Netflix as they could lose streaming rights to even more movies.

 

[striker33]

Hey, I've read your issues with the AppleTV stream being different quality than on the PS3, and I think there might be an explanation:

http://www.tvmutiny.com/threads/netflix-stream-seems-lower-quality-than-it-should-be.6/

Netflix uses a different streaming technology (presumably with different settings) for computers and the PS3 than it uses for other streaming devices (including the AppleTV).

Further, if you tried the US DNS (or another VPN) like unblock us, but were using your international Netflix account, then it would be using the different protocol and catalogue for the PS3 and the AppleTV.

You need a US Netflix account to truly access US Netflix on an AppleTV, even if you're using a VPN/DNS solution. This is not the case if you are using a computer or PS3, where your UK account will truly access US Netflix with the VPN/DNS solution.

Could be the explanation you're looking for...

There's more details on the thread above. It may be helpful to try to track the issue down there.

The PS3 and ATV use the same servers, streaming methods, etc, as one another. This has been confirmed to me many time by high level Netflix CS reps.

I have no idea what you're getting at with the US netflix thing. Streams perfectly fine in full HD on my PS3, SD on my ATV, the same as the UK Netflix. It makes no difference.

Like I said above though, as long as Apple refuse to fix the issue, I'll stick to ripping rented blu rays. It may be slightly illegal, but when companies cant deliver on their promises, this is what happens.

 

[maturola]

The PS3 and ATV use the same servers, streaming methods, etc, as one another. This has been confirmed to me many time by high level Netflix CS reps.

I have no idea what you're getting at with the US netflix thing. Streams perfectly fine in full HD on my PS3, SD on my ATV, the same as the UK Netflix. It makes no difference.

Like I said above though, as long as Apple refuse to fix the issue, I'll stick to ripping rented blu rays. It may be slightly illegal, but when companies cant deliver on their promises, this is what happens.

So using your logic, if you buy a car that promise 30MPG and you only get 24mpg, then you are just going to steal gas from the gas station???

 

[Space Moose]

The PS3 and ATV use the same servers, streaming methods, etc, as one another. This has been confirmed to me many time by high level Netflix CS reps.

I have no idea what you're getting at with the US netflix thing. Streams perfectly fine in full HD on my PS3, SD on my ATV, the same as the UK Netflix. It makes no difference.

I'm sure the Netflix CS reps told you that, but as is often the case with CS reps, they likely were provided with an incomplete picture and are wrong. Unblock-Us is a service which has done a lot of testing and fiddling with the various streaming sources, and they have found that there is *absolutely* a difference at the Netflix server-side between the PS3 stream and AppleTV streaming methods. They use different protocols and have different connection and verification settings, especially with regard to non-US accounts. There's more details about it described in this thread.

You've been bashing your head against the wall trying to figure out the problem. If you're interested in figuring it out, and maybe helping others with the same problem, then this is your best lead.

----------

This may be all true, but why does the Roku stream better than the ATV3 with Netflix?

Streaming devices that are officially endorsed by Netflix, like the AppleTV, Wii, and Xbox all use a separate protocol with separate settings and checks. This is known and described in this thread.

It may be that the Roku isn't an officially supported/endorsed/whatever device by Netflix, and since Netflix didn't put it out, it simply hacks in to connect to Netflix via the PC/iOS/PS3 service.

I'd be interested in tracking down to see if it is the issue described. If you're interested, it may help to further a dedicated discussion here.

 

[wxman2003]

I'm sure the Netflix CS reps told you that, but as is often the case with CS reps, they likely were provided with an incomplete picture and are wrong. Unblock-Us is a service which has done a lot of testing and fiddling with the various streaming sources, and they have found that there is *absolutely* a difference at the Netflix server-side between the PS3 stream and AppleTV streaming methods. They use different protocols and have different connection and verification settings, especially with regard to non-US accounts. There's more details about it described in this thread.

You've been bashing your head against the wall trying to figure out the problem. If you're interested in figuring it out, and maybe helping others with the same problem, then this is your best lead.

----------



Streaming devices that are officially endorsed by Netflix, like the AppleTV, Wii, and Xbox all use a separate protocol with separate settings and checks. This is known and described in this thread.

It may be that the Roku isn't an officially supported/endorsed/whatever device by Netflix, and since Netflix didn't put it out, it simply hacks in to connect to Netflix via the PC/iOS/PS3 service.

I'd be interested in tracking down to see if it is the issue described. If you're interested, it may help to further a dedicated discussion here.

Actually, Netflix had their hands in the development of the Roku player. Didn't own it, but sure propped it up when Roku was the only device that could stream their service. So perhaps that is why it may work so well.

 

[spacepower7]

I'm sure the Netflix CS reps told you that, but as is often the case with CS reps, they likely were provided with an incomplete picture and are wrong. Unblock-Us is a service which has done a lot of testing and fiddling with the various streaming sources, and they have found that there is *absolutely* a difference at the Netflix server-side between the PS3 stream and AppleTV streaming methods. They use different protocols and have different connection and verification settings, especially with regard to non-US accounts. There's more details about it described in this thread.

You've been bashing your head against the wall trying to figure out the problem. If you're interested in figuring it out, and maybe helping others with the same problem, then this is your best lead.

----------



Streaming devices that are officially endorsed by Netflix, like the AppleTV, Wii, and Xbox all use a separate protocol with separate settings and checks. This is known and described in this thread.

It may be that the Roku isn't an officially supported/endorsed/whatever device by Netflix, and since Netflix didn't put it out, it simply hacks in to connect to Netflix via the PC/iOS/PS3 service.

I'd be interested in tracking down to see if it is the issue described. If you're interested, it may help to further a dedicated discussion here.

Space Moose, you can't argue with someone that refuses to acknowledge facts, you'll get nowhere

PCs, Macs, and Xboxes use Silverlight to playback Netflix. iOS devices do not.

I don't know about Roku, PS3, Wii etc..

There seems to be at least a minor something different in streams, even if it is just authorization protocols, that could change the communication between the player and the server. This could reduce the quality of the stream.

I swear that somewhere, maybe in this thread, that some devices use adaptive streaming but maybe the AppleTV does not.

Why doesn't the op return his device, Apple will surely refund it even after the 30 return period.

To OP
Get a refund and hold off repurchasing until they get your issues sorted out. If your customer service rep refuses to refund, ask for a manager, and if they refuse, ask for their boss. In 99% of cases Apple will do you right, refund or replacement. You'll be amazed what Apple CS will do for you if you are persistent.

 

[striker33]

I cant get a refund, as I didnt buy it direct from Apple. The authorized reseller I got it from will simply send it back to Apple for repair and issue me with a replacement.

 

[chiefpavvy]

One trick (may have already been mentioned) is to go on the web to your settings page on Netflix and confirm that "Highest" video quality at all times is selected. Just beware if you are using Netflix on a mobile device or limited data plan this will shoot it all to hell real fast!

Netflix has been great for me on Apple TV 2 and 3. Never had any issues, and I find the interface to be one of (if not the) best out there.

PS my connection is crap too a 7Mb DSL line which barely qualifies for "HD" content to begin with!

 

[Ipadlover29]

I recently upgraded my router from Dlink dir 655 to linksys e4200v2. I no longer have any issues with apple tv 2 with streaming Netflix. I no longer get pixilation, artifacting and stuttering.

 

[Duff-Man]

Duff-Man says...just another user piping in - I picked up an ATV3 and tried out the Netflix this weekend. Started a program and about 30 seconds in got some buffering and thought "uh oh" but that was the only instance (and we've seen that on the other Netflix devices on occasion) and we've now done 4 programs smoothly, so I'm happy. Great little box - love being able to stream the stuff from 3 computers to the big room....oh yeah!

 

[MattG]

Sorry to hear you're having problems. We have two ATV3s here, and we're on a 10MBit Internet connection. We've been watching TV shows in HD streamed over Netflix for the past couple of weeks, and overall it's been great. The picture looks good, and we've only had brief buffering issues once or twice. Hope you're able to get things sorted out!

 

[CSpackler]

Sorry to hear you're having problems. We have two ATV3s here, and we're on a 10MBit Internet connection. We've been watching TV shows in HD streamed over Netflix for the past couple of weeks, and overall it's been great. The picture looks good, and we've only had brief buffering issues once or twice. Hope you're able to get things sorted out!

Same here. Unfortunately for those having issues, the problem is probably on your end. Could be:

-something wrong with your network setup
-something wrong with your isp (weak cable signal, low speeds, DSL)

Just remember that your rated speed is usually nowhere near real world speeds. I have 20mb/s and it just keeps up with high quality Apple streams.

FYI I got my cable modem replaced about a month ago, everything was starting to download in short bursts resulting in lots of buffering on my ATV. Fixed the problem instantly.

 

[Lindsford]

I'm new to ATV, found an ATV3 open box at bestbuy for $89.99 and had a $50 gift card, so decided to grab it.

Netflix works perfectly, and looks better then it did on my 360...However the iPad/iPhone mirror feature is why I got the ATV over a Roku or another similar product, which for me is an absolute let down. Lags terribly when paired with my iPad 3rd gen. Can hardly handle streaming music / video. Browsing the web works ok though. Any suggestions?

 

[striker33]

Same here. Unfortunately for those having issues, the problem is probably on your end. Could be:

-something wrong with your network setup
-something wrong with your isp (weak cable signal, low speeds, DSL)

Just remember that your rated speed is usually nowhere near real world speeds. I have 20mb/s and it just keeps up with high quality Apple streams.

FYI I got my cable modem replaced about a month ago, everything was starting to download in short bursts resulting in lots of buffering on my ATV. Fixed the problem instantly.

Nah its nothing to do with my end.

I could tell you why but I've explained the specifics loads of times in this thread

I should really update my original post with my later posts to avoid any future confusion.