Solving playback issues

[AuntRobin]

I have a TCL Roku tv and the streambar.  Each has it's own remote, once I enable the streambar that remote controls everything.

[Troylbc]

I am also having severe buffering issues here in Socal when I view shows recorded and use the fast-forward function. This used to never happen until recently. Also, why is current time no longer displayed when you activate commands on the remote? It seems to have regressed!

[RokuJharra-Q · Accepted solution]

Hi community users,

Thank you for posting here in the Roku Community!

We understand that you're experiencing issues with your channels on your Roku device, and we're here to help.

Could you please let us know when the issue occurred and if it is happening with other channels? In the meantime, please try restarting your system and internet connection. To restart the system, go to Settings > System > Power or System Restart.

We look forward to hearing from you and looking closely into this issue.

Thanks,
Jharra

[Troylbc]

I am an IT person from a large engineering company. It just looks like a broadband problem on your side, but I will give it a try per your suggestion.

[renojim]

@Troylbc, Roku has nothing to do with the YoutubeTV feed, so it's not a "broadband issue" on their side.

[BonkedAgain]

UPDATE (again): I thought that I had solved the issue by disconnecting soundbar and using different sound settings, however the buffering & streaming issues continued immediately and non-stop. But good news, I found out many things and have FOUND A SOLUTION!

It turns out that my particular model of TCL Roku TV does have some kind of issue with the YouTubeTV app. I believe it has something to do with cobalt known issues, etc, but who knows. My model info: 

TCL model # 75R648

Software version 13.0.0 build 24062-AH

When I saw a post about a Roku Stick, that sparked the solution. I bought a Roku Stick+ 4K player and now it works perfectly. Basically, we use the Roku Stick to watch YouTubeTV and use the Roku TV to watch all other apps. I reconnected my soundbar, put back all picture and sound settings on the TV and YouTubeTV app....problem solved. 

I'm a bit frustrated that having to use a Roku stick on an already "high-end" Roku Smart TV is redundant, but it is evidently a failing of TCL or Roku or a combination of the manufactures and software. So if you have this TCL model, or you continue to run into buffering/streaming/playback issues, you may want to test out plunking down the extra $40 for a stick (you could also by a Fire Stick or AppleTV player, etc and likely get the same result).

I can't say that this experience has made me a Roku fan--my Smart TV is one of the more expensive ones Roku has on the market and the fact that this issue exists is a bad look on them and TCL. 

[dlbott]

I am trying cut chord. Using the small HDMI Roku devices on three TV's. Was going to order YouTube but remembered I did not do it during trial a few months ago because of freezing and buffering. I could never figure this out, attributed it to live streams on YouTube as it usually did not do it on demand stuff. I really need cut chord but need locals. I am out in woods so over air locals no go. Hurricane zone so need locals. Any help appreciated. I assume YouTube and fubo only two real contenders. But either case you need philo or something for missing channels. Don't want pay out 80 bucks if still freezing thanks  don

[Troylbc]

Actually, here in SoCal, we get all local channels with YouTube TV. Did you actually check all channels included in your area?

[dlbott]

Yes, I get locals in YouTube TV but when did trial few months ago it kept freezing and buffering on the small HDMI Roku devices, we have three of them. It wasn't internet cus we have starlink now and plenty bandwidth. Only happened with live stuff. I figured their algorithm for live stuff not so good and it must caused it. Not sure though. All three TV's can stream at same time no problem. Cept Netflix in kids room, too many walls I think lol. It crazy, had DTv since birds launched, very long time but I can't afford on social security and raising two toddlers grandkids lol. Hate to plunk out 75 or whatever and it still not work and still have to get philo for missing channels lol. Socal, should have no problem picking up hd over air there huh. U have no issues YouTube TV freezing

[dlbott]

It isn't broadband issue. Happens here with starlink and bandy to spare. I don't have way to see the width necessary or that they, YouTube, is trying send with live TV but it appears that bandwidth necessary for many of their live stream is too large. I personally believe this maybe due to google/YouTube constantly trying to adjust to best possible picture as bandwidth fluctuate.

I don't know if it possible to just force it to send say 720p etc and stop trying to fluctuate or adjust or not. They do appear to have software issues in this area opposed to others. Kinda surprised being how large google is, maybe they just don't care lol.

I did test streaming same live program thru two different apps and it is a google/YouTube issue. Now this was few months ago, trying to cut chord and needed to know if freezing with Roku devices still issue for YouTube TV

Thanks