Netflix vs FiOS
SoNi67
Contributor - Level 1

I just moved from Cox to FiOS. I have a netflix account and latelly I saw a degradation of the service. Looking online I found out a way to check the real performance of netflix streaming. Is this way:

Launch netflix in Internet Explorer. Don't maximize the screen, leave it to see the browser edges.

With the mouse, Left Click on the image itself (to get focus).

After that press in the same time Ctrl+Shift+ALT+D

This will bring the status of connection screen.

Time is 7:30PM. My buffering speed doesn't get past 1750 kbps. That wps.ill ultimatelly mean that 720p is not "true", is more like 640p.

My friend, down the street, still has Cox as provider. Same speed as me (on paper 15/5Mbps, tested with speedtest.net both get 25/5Mbps).

On netflix, same shows, at the same time, (we where on the phone) his PC buffers at 3000 kbps. Therfore he can get true 720p.

Both PC's are hardwired to routers.

So I am asking this question here - does anybody get more than 1750 kbps from netflix at 7:30 PM?

Does Verizon throtle down netflix in your area too?

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
mfizzy
Specialist - Level 1

I have check mine. it does max at 3000. I had to change my video playback setting to high before it worked. There is another way to check playback. On Netflix site do a search for Example Short 23.976. It will show playback info in the screen.

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
SoNi67
Contributor - Level 1

That short was getting 3000. I think that, because is a well-published video, is cached on verizon servers, to "show" better figures..

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
SoNi67
Contributor - Level 1

Last night (2/21/2014) at 9:00PM I was getting 375kbps. Sometimes would go up to 560kbps for a few seconds, but drop down to 375...

Image quality is execrable at that bitrate.

The friend that has Cox was still getting 1750kbps, with temporary excursions to 3000kbps.

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
RobertOrlando
Enthusiast - Level 2

I'll have to check mine, but I wouldn't be surprised, Verion already rapes us with their overpriced services, now they want to slap us around to.

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
anonFios
Contributor - Level 2
Re: Netflix vs FiOS
Jo_Ann
Enthusiast - Level 1

I'm also experiencing intermittent Netflix steaming on my FiOS line in the evenings.  At first I attributed it to a lower WiFi signal strength which I usually experience after 7pm so (with a limited income) I invested in a powerline adapter kit to achieve an ethernet connection, but even that didn't remedy the problem.  Cox Cable is the only real alternative to Verizon in my area but I'm under contract until year-end and I really can't afford to change ISPs any sooner.  For the time being I'm cancelling my Netflix streaming plan and going with Blu-Ray!   

Jo Ann

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
alinux
Enthusiast - Level 3

Just use VPN it will give you full speed on all streaming services as you jump over the Verizon throttle walls, you also get all Verizon regions and BBC Iplayer amongst others see http://thevpn.guru/netflix-streaming-problems-verizon/

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Re: Netflix vs FiOS
CaptainSTX
Contributor - Level 3

A VPN may help if you are watching Netflix on a PC.

If you are running the VPN on a router so you can use a SmartTV, Roku, etc. it may not.   Routers don't have the processing power and RAM of a PC  so that running a  VPN on them may cut your download speeds in half.

As an experiment  I switched my Roku to run on my VPN network that achieves 70 Mbps through a server located 250 miles distant.   When watching Netflix I haven't seen any improvement, but that maybe because I seldom have any problems streaming Netflix..

Re: Netflix vs FiOS
SoNi67
Contributor - Level 1

VPN isn't free. Trials expire...

But yes, using a VPN I have 3000kbps, as I should, not 560.

I am already paying Verizon for Internet acces, I have a 2 year contract - and they don't deliver.

I think a formal coplaint to FCC and BBB might make me fell better...

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