iPad or Samsung tablet: via HDMI to TV? (Apple TV laggy).

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automaton

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Topic # 180947 27-Sep-2015 17:47

Hello all.

I am looking for some advice. We have decently performing Vodafone VDSL.

We get excellent results streaming Netflix to our Macbook Air and then on to our Samsung TV by HDMI (via adaptor). However we want to free up the Macbook so it can be used at the same time as streaming video.

We have tried an Apple TV for Netflix (LAN direct to Apple TV without wireless), but find it laggy and sluggish, with frequent "Netflix is currently available" errors. It is fine about 50% of the time, but laggy/crashy enough to be very frustrating. By contrast Netflix via the Macbook is lightning fast and 100% reliable. The problem is obviously with the Apple TV.

We have looked at Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire, and neither are right for us.

We are planning to buy a tablet some time soon for the kids (iPad or Samsung).

My question is: Is Netflix --> iPad --> HDMI (by adaptor) --> Samsung television a viable option? If so, we can happily ditch the Apple TV and our problems are solved.

Alternatively, would a Samsung tablet be a better option?

Our main priority is fast, reliable Netflix.

Thanks!

chiefie

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Reply # 1395369 27-Sep-2015 20:35

Strange. We are on wireless with our Apple TVs and on Vodafone Cable.

Another thing worth trying is pause or stop the current running show, and back to the Netflix episode guide view and start again. It could be trying to buffer but not enough.

I'd keep Apple TV as it could be the hub for your Airplay if you chose to get iPad for Airplay streaming - or from your MacBook Air if you choose so.

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gregmcc

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Reply # 1395374 27-Sep-2015 20:53

why don't you just use the netflix app on your samsung TV?

macuser

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Reply # 1395386 27-Sep-2015 21:30

Buy a chromecast. That way you can use your phone or almost any device to control Netflix...and it's $59...

It will also good for letting the kids watch youtube on the TV

Wade

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Reply # 1395392 27-Sep-2015 22:00

macuser: Buy a chromecast. That way you can use your phone or almost any device to control Netflix...and it's $59...

It will also good for letting the kids watch youtube on the TV

And assuming you are on Android, you can use ES File Explorer to play locally stored video files direct from device to TV wirelessly

automaton

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Reply # 1395464 28-Sep-2015 07:43

gregmcc: why don't you just use the netflix app on your samsung TV?

Thanks for the replies so far. I should add that my Samsung TV is older, and not a smart TV.

Keen to hear from people who have run Netflix on iPad (or Samsung Tablet) --> HDMI --> TV.

Thanks!

chiefie

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Reply # 1395467 28-Sep-2015 07:52

automaton:
gregmcc: why don't you just use the netflix app on your samsung TV?

Thanks for the replies so far. I should add that my Samsung TV is older, and not a smart TV.

Keen to hear from people who have run Netflix on iPad (or Samsung Tablet) --> HDMI --> TV.

Thanks!

Less than ideal, it is no different than trying to Airplay Mirror from iPad to AppleTV (which you already have), except with the convenient of wireless - so that's eliminate the need of having Lightning-Digital AV adapter. As mentioned earlier, keep what you have right now, and use iPad and give that a try. You're not losing anything by adding another iPad to the mix.

Or, use your MacBook Air and Airplay it to your current AppleTV and just as good. The AppleTV will be your hub for Airplay. It's easy!

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davidcole

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Reply # 1395468 28-Sep-2015 08:03

Which roku do you have? I've just switched my roku 3 to UK account for uk channels. But it's primarily used for Netflix, and while it takes a little time for it to start an episode (about 20 seconds - it's sits on 99% for a while) I've found it pretty rock solid on a 4.5mbps sparm adsl connection.

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Handsomedan

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Reply # 1395482 28-Sep-2015 08:49

I use the Apple TV in the lounge and an adaptor and HDMI cable in the bedroom for Netflix...

Both work, but the ATV is by far the better option. Im only on 10/1 ADSL as well.

Must be an issue with your ATV. Have you tried plugging it into the router directly?

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automaton

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Reply # 1395550 28-Sep-2015 09:50

Handsomedan: I use the Apple TV in the lounge and an adaptor and HDMI cable in the bedroom for Netflix...

Both work, but the ATV is by far the better option. Im only on 10/1 ADSL as well.

Must be an issue with your ATV. Have you tried plugging it into the router directly?

Thanks. Yes I have the ATV plugged straight into the Huawei HG659 (not wireless). There are a lot of reports online about the "Netflix is currently unavailable" error with ATV's. I guess it could be a problem with my unit, but if so, the fault is pretty widespread.

The frustrating thing is that Netflix works like a charm straight out of my Macbook (via HDMI) to the HDMI port of the Samsung. So I know my connection is sound, and the potential for a smooth service is there.