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Poor WiFi makes Vizio M55-C2 not so "smart"

Feb 26, 2016 5:02PM PST

At first I thought it was Comcast failing to provide adequate bandspeed, but using Speednet with my iPhone I'm getting 40-50 mbps at my Vizio M55-C2. However, I only get 7-17 mbps (converted numbers) at the TV when it recommended a minimum of 12 (1.5 mbps per Vizio). Thus, there're occasional stutters when using my Apple TV to watch streaming TV. Searching the net for answers reveals scores of others with similar problems despite following Vizio tech directions to reset the TV, resetting router, moving the router, etc. In my case, using a power line adapter (TL-WPA4220), I have band speeds hovering around 40-50 mbps, but this is not reflected on my Vizio TV which shows values of <1 mbps to 2.2 mbps, converted to Speednet values of 7-17 mbps. Turns out this Vizio TV can't be too smart after all. Bummer.

Discussion is locked

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If an Apple TV stutters, smart TV should too.
Feb 26, 2016 5:32PM PST

The HD lowend at Netflix is... https://help.netflix.com/en/node/306 5 megabits. So your numbers are fine.

I see most of what folk and techs do but did you check the date and time on all things? Router, TV, and what else?

And did you set the DNS to 8.8.8.8 on all things?

If this fails, there have been web pages about Comcast throttling video over the net. Nothing I can add there.

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No stuttering provided Vizio improves the WiFi connection!
Feb 27, 2016 7:08AM PST

The problem is that I've never had an ISP bandspeed that doesn't vary +/- 30 or more percent. That's the cause of the stuttering. If the Vizio would only accept the 40-50 mbps that's available either wired or wirelessly next to my TV, that variance would not be a problem. However, when the TV will only reach 7-17 mbps, that is a problem when the 7 becomes <5. Therein lies my woe! I know it's just a matter of time before this problem becomes moot, but it takes nudging and reminders from consumers like me before they'll spend the time and money to do so. Remember when ISP relied on telephone lines with top speeds of 55 kbps?

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You should be using a wired (ethernet connection for Netflix
Feb 28, 2016 10:56PM PST

I learned that years ago. Unless it was a really shaky connection overall or unreliable ISP, wired always trumps wireless. Slower DSL connections (<5) can even run it w/ no problem IME, just not wirelessly. The fact that the HDTV supports the AC wifi standard means very little either.

Figure out a way to run an ethernet cable directly from your router to the HDTV. If it's still having issues, then it's the ISP install at your location or 'rush hour' netflix/throttling scenario/etc.