Amazon streaming quality - unmitigated garbage

[CZroe]

I'm pleased to read the op.
Recently I cancelled an accidental purchase of Amazon video, because I won't pay for video that I have to re-download (stream) every time I want to watch it.

Dear Amzn,

Plz bring bak Unbox.

Thx, bye​

Amazon does let you download to eliminate buffering or mobile data usage. Probably useful even on metered connections to avoid rebuffering when you scrub through.

 

[Strk]

I just watched a few episodes of Bosch and it looked great for me. I think the problem is on your end.

 

[Hoober]

No issues with Amazon, Netflix, or Comcast streaming.

May be you, bro.

 

[bbhaag]

Amazon does let you download to eliminate buffering or mobile data usage. Probably useful even on metered connections to avoid rebuffering when you scrub through.

Are you sure? I thought they only allowed dl'ing on their mobile devices. They killed the Unbox service for pc's a few months ago. It made me sads when they did....I loved the Unbox for my pc.

 

[SSSnail]

Even Amazon streaming interface is an unmitigated disaster. Every time I want to look for something, I have a kitten near by so I can punch it in the face, so I don't break the TV.

 

[Strk]

Even Amazon streaming interface is an unmitigated disaster. Every time I want to look for something, I have a kitten near by so I can punch it in the face, so I don't break the TV.

For such a big company, Amazon can't seem to make an interface to save their life.

 

[quackagator]

I have a sony smart tv and amazon went south. I called them and they sent me a fire stick for free. Works great now.

 

[CZroe]

Are you sure? I thought they only allowed dl'ing on their mobile devices. They killed the Unbox service for pc's a few months ago. It made me sads when they did....I loved the Unbox for my pc.

That's what I'm saying: use a mobile device to stream to a ChromeCast, AppleTV, TiVo, smart TV, etc. It works for me.

 

[lupi]

never had an issue on either fire tv or through xbox.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Let's rant!

From what I can see on the intarwebz, I'm not the only one who constantly experiences absolutely unacceptable streaming quality from Amazon. Regardless of whether we are watching Prime or purchased/rented content, regardless of time of day, regardless of actual available bandwidth, I'm lucky to get 480p. Streams are constantly interrupted to buffer. How can one of the internet's biggest clouds deliver such horrific bandwidth to customers who are paying for the service? Do they have their video servers attached to carrier pigeons?

They used to offer refunds on paid content that they couldn't deliver properly, but now they don't seem to offer that anymore. Perhaps because they knew they'd have to refund every single stream they sell?

Meanwhile, Netflix is bulletproof 1080p even during prime time, and Hulu and Youtube are nearly as solid.

WTF, Amazon?

awwwwwww

 

[SNC]

No issues here. We sometimes have 4 streams at one time going.

 

[bbhaag]

That's what I'm saying: use a mobile device to stream to a ChromeCast, AppleTV, TiVo, smart TV, etc. It works for me.

Oh that was my bad. I misread your post. I thought you were talking about Unbox for pc's not for mobile. I miss Unbox for my pc. It was awesome...:|

 

[Midwayman]

I have the same issues. Amazon is crap, but netflix works great. Weird thing is if I'm using an amazon device (fire stick, or fire tablet) the streaming works great. I think they QoS their own hardware or something.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

I have a sony smart tv and amazon went south. I called them and they sent me a fire stick for free. Works great now.

What do you mean went south? The app stopped working?

 

[yinan]

You shouldn't be having this problem because Netflix uses Amazon's cloud... Aka the content is coming from the same location.

 

[clamum]

You have to select it from a list at the Amazon site. In my case they didn't have my exact model number but I picked one close and it works. My TV was bought at Costco and the model number may have been exclusive to Costco. The model numbers were very close.

Hmmm. I don't get HD streaming from Amazon either cause it says my device isn't supported or whatever. I normally just stream through my browser on my desktop PC. I have a Radeon 7870 video card and a 27" LG monitor. Apparently that's not sufficient to stream HD? I just looked through my Prime Video settings and didn't quite see where to add anything. I saw where you could browse through set-top boxes, TVs, Blu-ray players, etc but that isn't really what I'm using (just a desktop PC). Just a ridiculous system limitation if you ask me.

But in regards to the OP's streaming issues, I don't have any with Amazon nor Netflix (only occasionally with YouTube; seems to be ISP-related I'd guess).

 

[thomsbrain]

This is a PS3 through Comcast, for reference.

Interesting about Netflix running from the Amazon cloud. In that case someone is definitely QoS'ing somewhere, whether it's Amazon punishing my non-Amazon hardware, or Comcast punishing Amazon for not paying their fast-lane tax.

Anyone on Comcast have solid Amazon streaming? If so, what device are you using?

 

[Genx87]

Something has changed on Amazon within the last 2 months for PC streaming. It hiccups a lot on my laptop when it didnt used to. On a firebox or PS3 no problem.

 

[boomerang]

Comcast punishing Amazon for not paying their fast-lane tax. Anyone on Comcast have solid Amazon streaming? If so, what device are you using?

I'm on Comcast. I've streamed right through my router to the TV both wireless and now wired. My TV has an Amazon app that I use.

 

[quackagator]

What do you mean went south? The app stopped working?

Yes it did. Tv might have updated and messed it up. Don't know for sure.

 

[drebo]

You shouldn't be having this problem because Netflix uses Amazon's cloud... Aka the content is coming from the same location.

Uhm, no. Netflix has its own CDN.

Most likely, if you have a major ISP, Netflix content is coming from one or many boxes directly connected to your ISP's network.

https://openconnect.netflix.com/en/

What gave you the impression that Netflix videos are in any way tied to Amazon's infrastructure?

 

[MongGrel]

I really have no problem streaming Amazon Prime on the HTPC in the master bedroom over Wifi from the main rig, just using a dongle in there.

It runs HD on that one without glitches.

I just watched a few episodes of Bosch and it looked great for me. I think the problem is on your end.

+1

Binge watched the whole second season today in there, I won't give anything away, but thought it was even better than the first season.

 

[Geekbabe]

I don't have any issues with Anazon video quality, I am finding more things I want to watch on Netflix though. The husband got me a streaming subscription & it is a joy when I don't feel well and am resting in bed. Currently binge watching " Call the Midwife" I read the books & am enjoying the series.

To the OP, echoing others who wonder if your issue involves a local connection problem?

 

[DesiPower]

Recently got a 4k TV, have Amazon prime, have been enjoying, great quality and everything... Last night reactivated Netflix to catch the latest season of HoC, upgraded to $12 UHD, and WOOOOOOHHHHHH.... brain exploded

 

[mvbighead]

I think the problem lies with your ISP. I stream 4K from them without a problem.

This...

I have a 10mbps DSL connection due to rural living, and I never have issues with Amazon or Netflix.

It's been a while since I have had Hulu, but when I did it would drop and restarting some shows could be a nightmare. Nothing like getting to a major plot point to be dropped and have to fight to restart that video.

I have had sling now also, and that service is mostly shit. NFL GamePass can be hit or miss at times (especially on Sunday).

But Netflix/Amazon... never a problem.