Global mode too slow to load Netflix/Hulu

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Global mode too slow to load Netflix/Hulu

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#140894 23-Feb-2014 22:26

We signed up to Slingshot with the knowledge we may save on paying the $5 or so to Unblock-US as our netflix/hulu access solution, but Global Mode often does not work with Netflix (does not load, results in a Silverlight Installation Problem 2105), and makes all internet traffic far too slow just for regular browsing. On Hulu it constantly is buffering to the point of it not being watchable.

Is anyone else experiencing these issues?

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4243 posts

Uber Geek

#993047 23-Feb-2014 22:30

im confused, could someone explain to me why people pay for a VPN when Hola works fine and is free, Am i missing something?

Common sense is not as common as you think.

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#993054 23-Feb-2014 22:40

vexxxboy: im confused, could someone explain to me why people pay for a VPN when Hola works fine and is free, Am i missing something?

1) Hola is 'P2P' meaning your connection is being used by a third party all the time. Some people might not like that.

"

How is Hola free?
Hola is the only service of its type that is free because Hola’s technology does not require us to have actual servers — as more people join the network, they pool their resources to help each other to make a better Internet for all, and thus we have no additional costs per user. And that cost savings is translated in to a free product. We plan to make our money from premium services we will offer in the future.

"

2) Hola only works on a browser, so is no good for watching Netflix on your PS3, Apple TV etc etc, which is the only way access most of the HD content and Super HD

Neori

82 posts

Master Geek

2degrees

#993084 24-Feb-2014 00:29

Make sure you are using Slingshot's DNS settings while using Global Mode or performance can vary.

Primary: 202.180.64.10
Alternate: 202.180.64.11

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Vocus

#993085 24-Feb-2014 00:51

Neori: Make sure you are using Slingshot's DNS settings while using Global Mode or performance can vary.

Primary: 202.180.64.10
Alternate: 202.180.64.11

Hmm but if OP wasn't using their DNS servers, Neflix, Hulu Plus et al would not work at all.

What you have here is a general performance issue -- I would suggest reporting it to Slingshot in the first instance. Wouldn't be surprised if someone from their lot responds on this thread to help you out.

driller2000

935 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#993106 24-Feb-2014 07:47

have ss adsl2 with global mode activated

netflix works fine on several pcs and also my samsung tv - incl hd on the pc and "superhd" + dolby digital 5.1 on the tv after 20 secs or so of initial buffering

(note: hulu works ok on pc - but gets blocked by my tv - this is a geo issue - not a ss issue as it worked with the unblock-us dns server numbers)

so yeah - i am thinking it has more to do with your connection then global mode...

Salad

10 posts

Wannabe Geek

#993370 24-Feb-2014 14:49

Try it without Silverlight. You don't need silverlight to use netflix anymore. Not with Firefox anyway. Probably same with Chrome.

If you're trying it with IE then you're probably going to have the make the switch to a real browser.

sonyxperiageek

2958 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#993383 24-Feb-2014 15:31

NonprayingMantis:
vexxxboy: im confused, could someone explain to me why people pay for a VPN when Hola works fine and is free, Am i missing something?

1) Hola is 'P2P' meaning your connection is being used by a third party all the time. Some people might not like that.

" How is Hola free?
Hola is the only service of its type that is free because Hola’s technology does not require us to have actual servers — as more people join the network, they pool their resources to help each other to make a better Internet for all, and thus we have no additional costs per user. And that cost savings is translated in to a free product. We plan to make our money from premium services we will offer in the future. "

2) Hola only works on a browser, so is no good for watching Netflix on your PS3, Apple TV etc etc, which is the only way access most of the HD content and Super HD

I think they restrict your streaming hours to 2 for the free version now since it was bought by someone else to load spyware or malware into your computer recently.

Sony

Equinox IT

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macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#993384 24-Feb-2014 15:33

Hulu is working much better during the day, Netflix is also working really well on my Apple TV.

It seems in the evening this all falls apart.

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#993390 24-Feb-2014 15:43

Salad: Try it without Silverlight. You don't need silverlight to use netflix anymore. Not with Firefox anyway. Probably same with Chrome.

If you're trying it with IE then you're probably going to have the make the switch to a real browser.

I've always had Prefer HTML5 enabled in settings, and I'm on a Mac at the moment. Silverlight on all three browsers (chrome, safari, firefox) doesn't work and Netflix doesn't switch to HTML5. Apple TV is working fine for Netflix so it may be a Netflix software issue. Regardless, in the evening the performance is terrible! :)

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#993407 24-Feb-2014 16:00

Tell me you aren't using WiFi...

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#993624 24-Feb-2014 20:51

Netflix is now buffering every 3 seconds using Apple TV! :(

This was a local ping test,

During the day I did the same speed test running at 16Mb/s!

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

Uber Geek

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Vocus

#993678 24-Feb-2014 22:00

You really need to call Slingshot, something's not right there.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#993692 24-Feb-2014 22:07

I will ask again (need to confirm this): you are using ethernet, not WiFi, right?

macuser

2120 posts

Uber Geek

#993724 24-Feb-2014 22:49

freitasm: I will ask again (need to confirm this): you are using ethernet, not WiFi, right?

Using WiFi. Rang a ping test and was getting really high pings to the router (Eg 10ms) via WiFi so am going to check with a wired connection tomorrow evening. Even with the router changed to a unused WiFi channel.

I think I might be eligible for fibre so may upgrade to that rather than spending a week doing line checks.

The Apple TV is wired though and still suffers from similar issues.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#993726 24-Feb-2014 22:51

Yes, please test with an ethernet connection before going to ISP.

It could just be that your WiFi is suffering interference from other wireless networks around... Some neighbours might turn their APs only in the evenings causing this problem at that time. If speeds are ok on ethernet you should try different WiFi channel.

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