Blu-Ray Samsun Frustration Continues
by Theabyss3 - 3/10/11 6:11 PM
In Reply to: Frustrated by Barnabizer
The following will probably be pretty long, and I don't know if it will copy correctly or be easy to read... but I thought I'd try to share what the live Samsung tech fellows sent me via a link:
Netflix Movie Does Stream, But Playback Is Slow
Since your Blu-ray, Router, and Modem are able to stream Neflix, we know all components
are connected and working. However, if playback is slow or your video quality is poor this
can be caused by several different factors such as:
? Bandwidth fluctuations
? Router settings and firmware
? Signal Strength (Router)/ Distance
Bandwidth Fluctuations
Bandwidth refers to the rate at which traffic is carried by your network. The video quality
of the movies and TV programs you stream vary based on your actual internet connection
speed. For example, in order to stream HD titles from Netflix a high speed internet
connection, typically 5 Mbps or higher, is required. DVD quality streams require at least 2.4
Mbps.
You can diagnose your internet speed by performing a speed test, however, keep in mind
that a momentary test of bandwidth does not indicate bandwidth availability throughout a
full length movie. Bandwidth can fluctuate for several different reasons including:
? Downloading music, streaming media, and online game playing can reduce the
amount of bandwidth available for streaming a Netflix movie or series. Doing all or
any of these while trying to watch a movie will reduce the amount of available
bandwidth.
? Additional usage on the ISP network may affect your bandwidth availability
(especially in cable broadband networks, as residences in the same neighborhood
share ISP bandwidth), so as more of your neighbors go online, the amount of
available bandwidth goes down.
? Satellite ISP's may enforce more stringent 'fair use' policies than other ISP's so you
may experience more drops in bandwidth. Meaning that the Satellite provider equally
divides the amount of available bandwidth to you and other users as demand
increases.
To perform a speed test click here, your browser will be redirected to McAffee website.
Make sure you have no other connections using bandwidth at the time of the test for
accuracy. Also perform the test at different times of the day and week to get a better idea
of the amount of bandwidth available. Stop any of the following online activities before
performing your test:
? Online gaming
? Using any P2P (Peer to Peer) or file sharing software like Kazaa
? Using any social networking sites like Facebook
SAMSUNG's Digital World - Support Page 1 of 4
http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber/popup/iframe/pop_troubleshooting_fr.jsp?idx=15435... 3/10/2011
Remember, speed tests may show a momentary test of bandwidth and are used as a
general tool in understanding bandwidth availability. For example, you may see an increase
in your internet speed at later times such as 2-3am, when the average internet traffic is
the lightest and your local loop is not over burdened.
Contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) that provides your DSL, Cable, or other
broadband network service and ask what speed you should be receiving under your current
plan, and whether you are actually receiving that speed. Some providers can provide a
signal boost at the source if you're not receiving the speed that you should.
Router Settings And Firmware Updates
Settings
Most routers have settings for Transmit rate and QoS (Quality of Service). Transmit Rate
lets the router work at a specific speed for wireless transmissions and should be set to
AUTO. QoS refers to the different priorities you can set, so that a certain level of
performance is obtained. For example, you can set the priority to a streaming device as
higher than you would for a Blue-tooth device, printer, portable, etc.
Each router manufacturer has a unique configuration tool, along with documentation and
instructions for configuring your network. To enter the configuration tool, you must open
your web browser and enter the router's IP address in the address bar. You will need to
know the user name and password to enter your routers configuration page. The default
username and password varies by manufacturer, often the username is left blank and the
password is admin, or vice versa. Check the bottom of the router for default settings or
check the documentation that came with the router.
Due to the multiple router manufacturers, router configuration, and liability we can only
provide general information, however, here is a list of popular router manufacturer sites
that offer technical support. If your routers manufacturer is not listed here, please perform
a search using your favorite search engine. Clicking any of the links below will redirect your
browser to the site selected.
? Belkin: 192.168.2.1 Belkin: Technical Support
? D-Link: 192.168.0.1 D-Link: Technical Support
? Linksys: 192.168.1.1 Linksys: Technical Support
? Netgear: 192.168.0.1 Netgear: Technical Support
Firmware Updates
If performance from you router seems sluggish, freezes intermittently, or drops
connections, it may require a firmware upgrade. Firmware upgrades are free downloads
provided by the router manufacturers, to implement network and security protocols, apply
a fix, increase network connectivity, etc.
To find out if a firmware upgrade is available for your router, visit the manufacturer's web
site and follow the instructions exactly as provided by that manufacturer.
Warning: Firmware upgrades are model specific, you may cause your router to stop
working if you apply it incorrectly, or for the wrong model. For these reasons, we cannot
provide further instructions, nor can Samsung be held liable for issues resulting from a
router firmware upgrade.
SAMSUNG's Digital World - Support Page 2 of 4
http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber/popup/iframe/pop_troubleshooting_fr.jsp?idx=15435... 3/10/2011
Signal Strength (Router)/ Distance
There is no way to know the exact range of your wireless network, and performance varies
depending on wireless network hardware, physical barriers or signal interference from other
radio devices.
Distance
Wireless devices have limitations when it comes to their range. For devices running on 2.4
GHz, the range can be as far as 100-150 feet. If your wireless network is above its range,
consider relocating the device. Distance is directly related to signal strength. The further
you are from your router, the weaker the signal strength.
Physical Obstructions
Wireless routers are affected by obstructions that may lead to weak signal strength. Signals
can be affected by obstructions such as cabinets, mirrors, metal or glass objects, and thick
walls or ceilings. Every obstacle placed between a wireless router and a wireless device will
create signal loss. If you have any of these objects between your wireless router and
wireless device, consider relocating your wireless router to get around the obstruction and
make sure the antenna(s) are pointing towards the BD Player.
Wireless Interference
Neighboring wireless networks or any appliance that operates on the same frequency as
your wireless device (ex. 2.4 GHz) may cause interference and may affect your wireless
connection and signal.
Common sources of interference are:
? Neighboring wireless networks
? Microwave ovens
? 2.4 GHz cordless telephones
? Bluetooth devices
? Wireless baby monitors
Try changing the channel as this may eliminate interference affecting only one channel.
Preferred channels to use are 1, 6 and 11 since they're considered non-overlapping
channels.
Due to the multiple router manufacturers, router configuration, and liability we can only
provide general information, however, here is a list of popular router manufacturer sites
that offer technical support. If your routers manufacturer is not listed here, please perform
a search using your favorite search engine. Clicking any of the links below will redirect your
browser to the site selected.
? Belkin: 192.168.2.1 Belkin: Technical Support
? D-Link: 192.168.0.1 D-Link: Technical Support
? Linksys: 192.168.1.1 Linksys: Technical Support
SAMSUNG's Digital World - Support Page 3 of 4
http://support-us.samsung.com/cyber/popup/iframe/pop_troubleshooting_fr.jsp?idx=15435... 3/10/2011
? Netgear: 192.168.0.1 Netgear: Technical Support
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