Content buffering despite high speed connection.

[gb2012]

I've a BDP-S370 which seems to be randomly stalling on playback of web content, particularly iPlayer.  Interestingly cBeebies programmes seem to be unaffected and BBC 2 seems to have the most issues but this may just be a red herring.  Does anyone have any recommendations?  I'm with ISP Zen.

Message was edited by: Catmambo

[KenwoodLad]

We have the same problem on a new BDP-S370 BluRay player.

ISP: Be

Download: 6Mb

Haven't tried any other services apart from iPlayer

Latest firmware

We can usually watch a couple of programs then it starts to buffer. If we use iPlayer on our PCs (wireless connection), it runs fine without buffering. The Sony box is connected to BeBox with ethernet cable.

I'm convinced it's the Sony box.

[TaxmanTim]

I too have this same problem. Speedtest.net shows I have a solid 10Mb+ connection (via O2) so there is no ISP issue.

I contacted the BBC regarding the frequent stalling/loading and today received the following reply:

"Thank you for contacting the BBC iPlayer support team.

I understand that you’re having problems accessing BBC iPlayer content via your Sony BluRay Player.

We’d been made aware of an issue which has since been resolved, if you continue to have an issue then I’d suggest contacting Sony directly or referring to your user manual.

Nevertheless, I have fully registered your comments on this issue. They have been made available to those responsible for maintaining the BBC iPlayer service."

I have tried using iplayer since receiving this message but still have the same problem.

On the assumption that someone from Sony is monitoring these forums, would they please confirm on this board whether it is a problem caused by Sony, as suggested by the Beeb or whether it is caused by the BBC.

[rmoore3904]

Hi Tim, it's definitely not fixed! Mine has now become totally unwatchable even in SD and that's despite a near constant 15Mbs via BE and a short lead, direct lan connection.

I think from reading this and other boards that the issue is almost certainly a change made to the way the BBC delivers iPlayer content from mid December last year (ties up with my experieince over Christmas) and that it affects our S370s, Sony Bravia TV's and other makes' blu-ray players, set top boxes etc.

Could I ask for Catmambo or someone from Sony to confirm that this is understood by them, that they're in direct communication with the BBC to try to work out what to do about it, and that there will be a fix or firmware update forthcoming in the near future.

I'm happy to accept that this is not Sony's fault but just give us a bit of good proactive info guys, yeh? You don't want us S370 owners to go all 'Cairo' on you now! 

[theskyboy]

Just wanted to add my name to the list of people who seem to be having the same problem.

ISP: o2

Speed: 8mb

BDP-S370

Problems with iPlayer and from time to time LoveFilm as well.

Quite frustrating really as it works fine through my PC and Mac.

tsb

[jonpca]

Exact same problem here

O2 14Mb, BDP-S370 and BBC iplayer unwatchable and has been for weeks.

Found this thread after several weeks of back and forth with O2, with them monitoring my broadband speed, and getting me to factory reset my router. I now know why there was nothing they could do to fix it! But glad it's not just me! Hoping Sony can work it out quickly with BBC!

[gb2012]

Given the ever growing list of people with exactly the same problem it points to Sony's product not being fit for purpose.  That being the case I wonder what Sony plan to do to rectify the problem?

[paddywacx]

Wanted to add my name to the list of people who are having the same problem with HD or SD programs.

I only noticed it after Christmas.  Had the unit since about 16th Dec and had worked fine then.

ISP: o2

Speed: 10mb

BDP-S570

Problems with iPlayer only.  HD or SD.

My workaround is to go into the video settings in iPlayer and set to "Normal Quality".

I then watch a HD or SD program in "normal quality", this causes the visible screen to shrink, zoom once and you are back to full screen.   Quality of picture drop is noticable but no issues with buffering.

Its not perfect, but it gets me by for now.

BQ

[dave97]

I get the same problem.

About a third of the way through watching iplayer it starts to buffer.

Using 50mb wireless connection with Virgin.

No problem using iplayer on my PC.

Dave

[Cascy24]

Hi

I've had the same problem since Christmas too. I-player starts buffering after 10 mins and then does the same every 10 mins.

I bought the BDP-S370 in June 2010 and it played I-player perfectly until Christmas when the buffering problem started.

In the end I found that the I-player Beta on my Sony 37EX 503 will play programmes with no buffering trouble at all, although it has inferior I-player picture quality (slightly worse than standard quality on my BDP-S370) and its I-player Beta doesn't do BBC radio.

ISP: O2

Connection speed: 12.5 mb

I-Player (haven't it used for other internet TV) SD and HD programmes

Firmware: MO3.695

As I-player was the main I bought this player (and recommended it to members of my family) I am disappointed that there seems to be no satisfactory response from Sony or I-player. It obviously isnt a bandwidth problem as all the posters have testified, so Sony and BBC over to you...

[mackthen]

This is ridiculous. Over a month since this stopped working. This product no longer works as advertised and they're still selling it!

Feel sorry for people buying one of these today, taking it home and finding it doesn't work, and that it's a known problem.
Can't even sell the piece of junk on until they fix this issue either. Never buying Sony again.