Video Files Won't Play

[Klaatu]

I’m using the recently updated VLC with Apple TV4. I’m able to connect the TV to my network and to my external Media drive where my videos are stored. However, when I try to open a video file (usually a MP4), it won’t open or play.

Is there a setting(s) that needs attention or is there another problem I need to address?

Thank you.

[fkuehne]

We saw reports that deleting and re-installing the app helps. Can you confirm?

[bluezebra]

Same problem here:

VLC version 3.3.3 - uninstalled the app and restarted Apple TV 4K (tvOS 15.4.1), re-installed app. Connected to MacBook Pro via SMB and the first time i tried it DID play an mp4 file OK.

Second attempt, reverted to the behaviour of trying to play it and then bouncing back to the folder its contained in without playing. The MKV version of same file just sits at the dreaded 'Please Wait' screen and does nothing.

Using VLC version 3.3.3 on my iPad mini 6 (iPadOS 15.4.1) to access the same mp4 and mkv files on the MAcBook Pro via SMB results in the files playing perfectly on that device.

[fkuehne]

Do you need to enter a username / password to login?

[bluezebra]

Hi - thanks for getting back to me. Yes, username / pw is needed to login via SMB - this worked just fine until VLC 3.3 update on Apple TV 4K.

[fkuehne]

Would you be interested in installing a beta and provide us with a debug log? What is the macOS version of your MacBook Pro?

[bluezebra]

Yes I'd gladly do that if it might help.

MBP is running macOS Catalina 10.15.7 and its a mid 2012, 2.3GHz quad core i7 with 4GB memory.

Same behaviours are exhibited when i use my MacBook Air, retina 2019, 1.6GHz dual core i5, 16GB memory running macOS Monterey 12.3.1 as the SMB 'backend'

[fkuehne]

OK, thank you.

[don_michele]

Since the last update of ATV4 HD to 15.4.1 and VLC to 3.3.3, mp4 files from the network are no longer played. These are USB HDs connected to 2 Airport extreme. The discs and the folders are recognized and displayed, after clicking on the film file the spinning wheel turns endlessly. Very very annoying! Up until yesterday it had all worked perfectly for years. Anyone know advice?

[don_michele]

We saw reports that deleting and re-installing the app helps. Can you confirm?

breaking news: okok, i just deleted and reinstalled vlc, and: it is working again! hope that it will be stable. Bye & have a nice day

[Frandup14]

Same problem here:
VLC version 3.3.3 - uninstalled the app and restarted Apple TV 4K (tvOS 15.4.1), re-installed app. Connected to MacBook Pro via SMB and the first time i tried it DID play an mp4 file OK.
Second attempt, reverted to the behaviour of trying to play it and then bouncing back to the folder its contained in without playing. The MKV version of same file just sits at the dreaded 'Please Wait' screen and does nothing.
Using VLC version 3.3.3 on my iPad mini 6 (iPadOS 15.4.1) to access the same mp4 and mkv files on the MAcBook Pro via SMB results in the files playing perfectly on that device.

My apple TV used to work perfectly with VLC in the recent past, for a long time. I used VLC to read on TV films that are registered on my NAS.
Same problem for me : even if my iMac and my NAS Synology are switched off, my Apple TV always see twice NAS and twice iMac in local network with these names : DS216J SMB ; DS216J smb ; IMAC-27-FD-8 SMB and iMac 27 FD smb.
I have deleted VLC on Apple TV, then I loaded it again from App Store then restarted Apple TV : that does not work at all.
What can I do ?
I can send a screenshot of Apple TV If you wish it.
Thanks a lot.

[Frandup14]

My apple TV used to work perfectly with VLC in the recent past, for a long time. I used VLC to read on TV films that are registered on my NAS.
Same problem for me : even if my iMac and my NAS Synology are switched off, my Apple TV always see twice NAS and twice iMac in local network with these names : DS216J SMB ; DS216J smb ; IMAC-27-FD-8 SMB and iMac 27 FD smb.
I have deleted VLC on Apple TV, then I loaded it again from App Store then restarted Apple TV : that does not work at all.
What can I do ?
I can send a screenshot of Apple TV If you wish it.
Thanks a lot.

[bluezebra]

OK, thank you.

Hi have replied to your PM with the details.

cheers

Jon

[Frandup14]

Same problem here:
VLC version 3.3.3 - uninstalled the app and restarted Apple TV 4K (tvOS 15.4.1), re-installed app. Connected to MacBook Pro via SMB and the first time i tried it DID play an mp4 file OK.
Second attempt, reverted to the behaviour of trying to play it and then bouncing back to the folder its contained in without playing. The MKV version of same file just sits at the dreaded 'Please Wait' screen and does nothing.
Using VLC version 3.3.3 on my iPad mini 6 (iPadOS 15.4.1) to access the same mp4 and mkv files on the MAcBook Pro via SMB results in the files playing perfectly on that device.

My apple TV used to work perfectly with VLC in the recent past, for a long time. I used VLC to read on TV films that are registered on my NAS.
Same problem for me : even if my iMac and my NAS Synology are switched off, my Apple TV always see twice NAS and twice iMac in local network with these names : DS216J SMB ; DS216J smb ; IMAC-27-FD-8 SMB and iMac 27 FD smb.
I have deleted VLC on Apple TV, then I loaded it again from App Store then restarted Apple TV : that does not work at all.
What can I do ?
I can send a screenshot of Apple TV If you wish it.
Thanks a lot.

I have tried that :
1) completely remove VLC from Apple TV
2) restart Apple TV
3) install again VLC from Apple Store.

Result : that doesn't change anything.

My NAS appears twice in VLC local network on Apple TV with these names : DS216J SMB and DS216J smb.
If I try with the second (DS216J smb), nothing works
If I try with the first (DS216J SMB), I can connect properly, access to all the files of my NAS. If I try to read a video file, the message "please wait" appears and nothing happens, event after 2 minutes.

I'm really disappointed ! Doe's anybody can help me ?

[Klaatu]

I thought I already posted this...but if not: I uninstalled VLC from Apple TV4, rebooted the Apple TV4, and then re-installed VLC. It now plays the MP4 files, but the opening menu now has a number of "network" server options, including a couple that are duplicated. While VLC is now working, I can't imagine the opening screen layout is what VLC intended.

[bluezebra]

Latest Test Flight version has completely broken SMB on Apple TV

[fkuehne]

Should be fixed in today's TestFlight version.