Roku channel down again
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OK, our developer was able to track down the issue. Our Roku channel is stored in Amazon S3. When you launch the channel, the Roku app reaches out to Amazon's S3 servers to retrieve a series of XML files that tell it what episodes are available. The error you received indicates that the connection timed out while downloading the XML file. It looks like this is the result of certain ISPs throttling connections to the Amazon S3 servers where a lot of Netflix's traffic originates. That explains why we are not seeing the issue on our end. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do about it as it is not actually an issue with our servers. We are going to increase the timeout period to see if that helps. We also have a few other tweaks we will try to reduce the initial connection time, but if the issue persists you may need to call your ISP and complain.
I know it is not the perfect answer, but as net neutrality slowly dies these types of issues are going to become more common. Would you guys mind sharing with me which ISP you use and what city and country you are in? You can e-mail me directly at don@itpro.tv if you do not want to post it here.
Thank you,
Don Pezet
Host, ITProTV -
Thanks for the update Don. That certainly sounds like a likely cause.
I'm using Verizon FiOS in the Sarasota, FL area.
While it might be anecdotal, during the time I experienced the issue I also tried the Netflix app, and didn't experience any issues. I also utilize Amazon S3 for nightly backup sync on my NAS and haven't noticed any warnings or degraded performance, but it might be to a different Amazon DC.
I'm not a Roku developer and am not sure what the capabilities are, but if it's possible, it might help the issue to utilize multiple S3 data centers to mirror the XML data and have the app cycle through them if it receives a timeout or failure on one. If I'm not mistaken, they have a few in the US.
Thanks. -
Hi Don,
I suspected some sort of issue like this...acting a lot like Netflix before their recent direct peering agreement with Comcast.
I am on Comcast (basically the only choice I have...no real competition here). If the issue persists, I will definitely complain to them. I do have alternatives if the issue goes on: download episodes - import to iTunes, and AirPlay to my Apple TV from my iMac (I run a mixed Windows/Mac/*nix environment at home, so I am not without options).
Thank you for your immediate assistance on this issue. I just signed up for the annual plan of ITProTV, and am really happy with the content and presentation...top notch!!
Ed -
It has been a few weeks so I wanted to follow up and see how things are going. They adjusted the timeout values on the Roku channel which were supposed to help resolve the launching problem. Has it been working better for you guys? Or are you still seeing problems when launching the channel sometimes?
Thanks again,
Don Pezet
Host, ITProTV -
Hey Don,
I have not experienced that issue since I last mentioned it (a couple weeks ago). And I've been watching videos pretty much every night since. So I think that problem has been resolved. Once in a while I get streaming problems with the video feed (not often, but occasionally), but I'm pretty sure that it's unrelated and simple Internet congestion, etc.
On the bright side, I just upgraded my account (about 10 minutes ago) to the annual version so I could download the videos and watch them easier on my tablet. Great content and a great value. But I'll still be a heavy Roku user :D.
Taking my 70-412 exam on Monday, so I will be watching quite a bit over this weekend.
Thanks again!
--James -
Hi Don,
Thank you for the follow up! I have not had the error message since my initial report. I have noticed a few streaming issues in the evenings around 8:00 PDT, but like James, I believe this is more of an Internet congestion problem also. The main issue is that the video will revert to a lower quality, but will still play through for the most part.
Ed -
Ok, please be sure to let me know if the issue creeps back up again. As for quality issues, if the signal starts to break up you can always try switching between the Vimeo feed and the ScaleEngine feed. They are streamed from completely different datacenters so you may get better performance from one versus the other.
Thanks again,
Don Pezet
Host, ITProTV -
I am running into this same problem with annoying regularity. Vimeo or ScaleEngine, doesn't matter. I don't have any issues with Netflix or anything else on my internet connection.
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I am also getting the video feed switching to just audio with the IT PRO logo screen after 5 minutes in some cases.
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Wilf,
Thanks for writing in. We have not been able to recreate your issue. That doesn't mean there isn't a problem, it just means it is a tricky one. Could I get a little more information from you? What model Roku are you using? Also, what type of internet connection are you using (DSL, cable, etc)? Last thing, what country are you watching from?
That will help us run a few more tests to see if we can narrow down your problem. My theory is that there is an issue with one of our CDN points and it is affecting you, but not us.
Thanks for watching,
Don Pezet
Host, ITProTV
