Netflix on TiVo: Update

Jan 05

RyanMovies, tech, television , , , No Comments

This is an update from my previous post regarding Netflix on TiVo. Since that post, the Netflix service on TiVo has gone downhill. Anytime I try to watch a title in my Instant Queue, the video constantly buffers.

When a title loads, the video starts downloading and picks a video quality (which is always low). Once this initial buffer is done, the title plays for no more than 5 seconds and then buffers again. This goes on repeatedly until I decide I’ve had enough and can’t stand 5 seconds of video and 10-30 seconds of buffering.

Initially, I thought it was my network, or my broadband connection with Comcast. I did multiple bandwidth tests and even powered down everything on my network (except the TiVo) so as to alleviate any other processes that could be taking up bandwidth. No improvement. I also have the latest TiVo firmware.

Since the Netflix software on my PS3 works flawlessly (and has more features), I finally realized it must be the Netflix software that is on the TiVo. Or perhaps it is the TiVo server I am connected to which provides all my subscription information. This is unfortunate. Netflix on TiVo, and being able to stream music and photos to my TV, was the main reason I purchased the TiVo box and the subscription.

Now I wonder why I pay for the monthly TiVo service if I can get the same and more features (which seem to work better in my case) on my PS3.

Has anyone else had similar performance issues with their TiVo and Netflix? I welcome any comments regarding this issue.

Netflix on Tivo

Dec 10

RyanMovies, tech, television , , , 1 Comment

Overall, I am very satisfied with this new feature! This is one of the main reasons I bought a Tivo and it is finally here.

The activation process is very easy and straight forward. Once you get the activation code from you Tivo box, simply navigate this address: http://www.netflix.com/Activate and activate to view your queue.

Two things that need improvement.

  1. The ability to view all available titles that can be viewed instantly. Currently, you can only view your Instant Queue titles. I have two separate queues (one for me and one for my wife) and I can only see the main queue. Would be nice to see both Instant Queues. It would also be nice to see all titles that are available for instant viewing.
  2. There is an issue if you are streaming a title and your Tivo is also recording. This was especially apparent when both tuners on the Tivo were recording AND I was streaming a movie. The streaming movie stopped playing and the Tivo box went directly to Tivo Central. This happened a few times, but didn’t occur again once the recordings stopped. It wasn’t a big deal since you can simply go back to your Instant Queue, select the movie you were watching and resume playing from where it stopped playing previously. Hopefully this is a minor glitch that will be fixed in the next firmware.

With that said, it is very easy to add titles to your queue if you goto netflix.com or use the mobile version for your iPhone or iPod touch. The changes are immediate on your Tivo as well.

This is a great feature to Tivo, the first release is amazingly polished. I hope they work on fixing a few minor glitches.

Netflix Community Makes A Difference

Jun 30

RyanMovies , , , No Comments

Netflix ProfilesI can’t say how relieved I am to get an email from Netflix letting me know that due to popular demand from the Netflix community, they will not remove the Profiles section for members.

Sa-weet!

I was very upset when I got an email last week that this service would no longer be available. I was actually considering canceling my account. It seems I wasn’t the only one that loves the Netflix Profiles feature. One look at the comments on the Netflix community blog will show how much we love our Profiles!

This is such a wonderful feature that Sarah and I use constantly. We like different types of movies so having two queues works out great. I was really dreading the point when we would have to combine our queues when the September deadline came. But now I don’t have to worry and can continue enjoying my subscription, unaltered.

Thank you for listening, Netflix!