I player and Multimax

[Ragged Robin]

,A few days ago I was unable to access an I player programme - it kept coming up with the helpful message: "The Content does not seem to be available. Try again later". Tried again later, same result, tried several other programmes, same result. Went back to browser and tried I player again - ditto. Everything else seemed to be working, although Outlook had been a bit slowish and kept needing refreshing. I dont use anything except I player that needs high speeds.

In desperation I remembered the advice to disconnect internet connection and router, without much hope as I assumed the problems was BBC not internet connection Did this and the screen said unable to connect to Internet, fortunately I managed to find an icon which said "repair wireless connection" which it did, went back to I player and got the programme, which actually played with less buffering than usual. Next day I got the "Content not ..." message again, but programme came on after third try. Next day it didnt work and I tried disconnecting:reconnecting again, this time I had left the "content" message on screen and by the time I got back to the Pc the programme was actually running!

Same thing happened this evening, except that with the "unable to connect to Internet" there was asmall red notice "reconect": clicked it and all came back and I had over an hour of TV with only one seconds long buffering.

Please can someone explain what is happening .? I am not internet literate, but from what I have read here it seems that Multimax must be having intermittent problems and - or for some other reason - keep changing the base station?

I normally only watch TV for an hour or two in the evenings and its a time consuming to keep going through this procedure to get it - also I dont think it is good for my blood pressure to be alarmed that I wont be able to reconnect and access vital emails.

[erol]

These kind of issue are extremely hard to diagnose definitively especially from the kind of description given above and without knowing your Multimax customer name I can not even do routine checks on your connection either (if you pm your MM customer name I will check your connection from our end). From the description given above it sounds like different things happening to me. The issue with having a connection but iplayer saying 'content not available' is different from 'unable to connect to internet' message. So I would love to be able to give you a simple explanation and solution such that you never again have any problems but unfortunately the world and especially the 'uk TV over the internet' world does not work that way.

One thing I would say and I say repeatedly to those using BBC iPlayer is - DOWNLOAD. Yes it is a bit more 'effort', but really if you want trouble free viewing it is the best and simplest solution. Just pick what you want to watch for the following evening and leave it downloading overnight or during the day. Then once it has downloaded you can watch the it without interruption of any kind even if you have no internet connection at all (after it has downloaded).

[Navek]

We use a Roku 3 to watch BBC iPlayer,
not had any problems for a while now, months
It's wired directly to the router.
Might be an option, for non buffering streaming.
Navek

[PoshinDevon]

We nearly always download from BBC I player the night before. Then its there ready to view at convenience with no interruptions.

Have on the odd occasion watched live and in the main it has worked, albeit with some buffering and also speech sometimes out of synch.

Much prefer download, most programmes available for a good number of days if you happen to build up good downloaded list or would prefer to sit outside with a brandy sour on a balmy, warm evening.

[Keithcaley]

We use a Roku 3 to watch BBC iPlayer,
not had any problems for a while now, months
It's wired directly to the router.
Might be an option, for non buffering streaming.
Navek

Hi, I assume that you are using the Roku here in TRNC?

Did you set it up in the UK before bringing it out (as once suggested by Groucho) or did you just plug it in here, straight out of the box?

Or are you using some form of VPN?

[Navek]

Hi Keithcaley,
Yes, using it here in Esentepe.

The BBC iPlayer comes pre loaded as standard, on all models,
Was using a Roku LT, hard wired, until upgrading to Roku 3.
No VPN required for Roku boxes.
Runs straight out the box.

Got an IceBox 2 quad core STB.
Which runs far better via Wi-Fi.

Also Sky Go on laptop.
Hard wired.
VPN required for that.

Have a MAG250 on loan, which works perfectly, hard wired.
Bought and installed the new MAG254 today,
Will get new sub when MAG250 sub runs out.
VPN can be run on this box too.

I have 2 routers in the house, set up by my ISP.
one in the hall, and one under TV in livingroom.
They are hard wired to each other, so no drop in signal strength.
Wi-Fi very strong throughout the house and up to app 40+ metres outdoors.

As mentioned above, some units work better via Wi-Fi,
Some hard wired.
Best thing to do is test each unit for best results.
Hope this helps anyone with buffering problems.
Navek

[Ragged Robin]

Thank for the replies. Unfortunately I cant afford, even if I understood, all these gadgets. Normally a couple of hours (less somtimes in summer)is all I need, and if buffering gets too bad, I put a DVD on!

Erol : thanks I am emailing you