youtube video problem

[mcaffep]

Please help. Youtube videos which used to play well on my computer now stop after just a few seconds, start again after a long pause, play, stop, pause, restart etc. Is there any way to resolve this ?

[Answerprancer]

When the video re-starts, immediately hit 'pause' and wait for the whole thing to load before hitting 'play'.

[Buenchico]

If the videos used to play normally, it's not a memory problem. So that means that it must be due to poor download speeds.

If you're using a wireless router, check that you've not moved it to a poorer position (or moved your computer further away). If it's of the type that has an aerial which should be standing upright, check that it's not in the 'down' position. Also check your security settings, to make sure that your neighbours aren't grabbing your bandwidth.

Then run a ping test here:
http://www.pingtest.net/
Simply click 'Begin Test' and wait for the result. You're seeking a Grade 'A' or 'B' result. If it's any lower, contact your phone company to get the line checked out.

Then run a speed test here:
http://www.speedtest.net/
Click on 'Begin Test - Recommended Server'. You're seeking a minimum download speed of at least 2 Mbps. Anything slower will probably be unreliable for Youtube viewing. If you get a low figure, challenge your ISP about it.

Unless you've got a 'leased line' (which will cost you around £300 per month!) you will be sharing your connection to the internet with other users. Budget ISPs often have a 'contention ratio' of around 30 to 1. (i.e. you're sharing your connection with up to 29 other people). Some companies (e.g. Virgin Media) use a 50 to 1 contention ratio. 'Quality' ISPs have contention ratios closer to 15 to 1, or better. (My ISP has a 7 to 1 ratio, but I pay 'business prices' for it).

It's not uncommon for people who sign up with an ISP to initially get decent download speeds but then, as that company signs up more customers, to find that their download speed gets far lower.

Chr

[Buenchico]

Bez:
[email protected]