Solving playback issues

[Cleinds]

BonkedAgain, I’ve been trying to figure out as to why my TCL model # 75R648, was having problems with constant buffering on YouTube TV only (I have 5 other TCL Roku TV’s and they are fine.  Like you, this was a pricey TV so I spent the $30 on the Roku stick, and problem solved!  Very odd, but it works fine.  Question: have you found a way to not use 2 Roku remotes? I’m like you and only steam YouTube TV on the stick, and all other apps on the TV.  Just wondering, and thanks for the tip on fixing!!!

[BonkedAgain]

Cliends, In my case the Roku stick remote works for everything. I can turn the TV off and on using the Stick remote and, any that ime I use the Stick remote (push any of its buttons), it will automatically switch to the Stick app.  I can switch to other apps using the Stick remote although you may have to sign in to apps when opening them with the Stick remote, but only once and then it works from there as normal.

I don't think I did anything special, just went through the entire setup procedure as guided by the Stick-- I found that the Roku stick was very "smart" (I'm guessing because the TV is a Roku as well and they connect very easily)-- once I set it up the remote paired to the TV automatically. 

One caveat: we do need to use a separate remote for volume control- that is because we use a TCL soundbar that for some reason can't be controlled by any of our TCL remotes. 

[bamashooter]

Made no difference on my 2 Rokus. Appreciate it though. As stated, all other non-YTTV apps work fine. Might do a trial of others though when purchasing YTTV, I may have used up my trials.

[jontalk]

@BonkedAgainHave you tried installing WiFi Analyzer for Android or something similar for iPhone? I mention this since buffering can be associated with channel congestion. Once installed, check to see how many others are using the same channel then log into the router and select one with less congestion. If using the 5 gHz band channels 1, 6 and 11 are best but also popular. You might also try the 2.4 gHz band if the router is located in another room. Hope that helps

[JeffInFL]

>>Go to the profile icon, upper right-hand corner of the YouTube app > settings > 5.1 Audio > Surround Sound OFF. 

I have struggled with this issue for MONTHS/YEARS! This fixed it. Not only that... everything plays faster (like when you FF and hit play again). 

[Beng_63]

Hello, 

I am having issues with buffering only on oay channel Here tv.  All my other pay channel are fine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.   

Ben

[BonkedAgain]

My issue was only with one app ("channel"), YouTubeTV.  I don't know the technicalities of it but I'm assuming different apps have intricate differences in how they stream AND that my particular model of TCL smart tv did not handle it well. By using the Roku stick instead of running YouTubeTV directly through the TV it fixed all of my issues. I don't know about the channel/app you mentioned but it could be the same fix. Its worth giving it a try as the Stick is relatively inexpensive. 

[bamashooter]

Having frequent, intermittent buffering issues. Especially happens with ESPN watching college football. Then it transitions to any channel I flip to. But it also does it on other channels without having been watching any sports. This happens only with YTTV. All other apps are gtg. I can watch a live channel on another app with no issues. That same live show on YTTV will be buffering. No doubt the nexus is YTTV.

[RokuEmmanuel-D]

Glad to have you join us here in the Roku Community, @bamashooter!

Thanks for posting about your experience here with YouTube TV. We're here to help you sort this out. 

For starters, since this is only happening to YouTube TV, we would recommend doing this simple fix below:

1. Remove the channel: Highlight the channel tile on your home screen and press Star to open the Options menu. Select Remove channel and confirm.
2. Restart your Roku device: Go to Settings > System > Power > System restart > Restart Now.
3. Re-install the channel: After your Roku device restarts, visit the Roku Streaming Store and add the channel again.

If that doesn't work, you can find more troubleshooting steps here.

Let us know if this helps or if you need additional tips to speed things up!

Best,
Emman

[DJL_TV]

To BonkedAgain, I have (almost) the identical issue, except that the problem is limited to 4K broadcasts on YTTV.

Everything else works perfectly, including non-4K programming on YTTV and 4K programming on YTTV that I view in non-4K, as well as everything else that's not YTTV at all, including 4K programming from other sources.

My broadband connection and wi-fi is very stable and way more than fast enough to support 4K programming.

I've rebooted/restarted everything.  I tried the "turn off the audio 5.1" trick.  I did everything recommended and more.  The problem persists--buffering every few seconds, always, for both live broadcasts and DVR'd ones.

I too have a TCL Roku TV, model 75R615 - a very expensive TV.

I suspect there is a problem with YTTV that affects me (this TV) specifically.

How did you learn of the problem you found about affecting your TCL model?

Your workaround isn't really a true solution, and if you know this to be a YTTV issue, YTTV must know it too.  What are their plans to fix this?  Do you know?  Do they have plans to fix this?