No Live Channels/Streaming

[Anonymous User]

Took delivery of a new Sony A90J at launch a couple of months ago.

On-demand content is available and works, live channels do not.

The TV's operating system is GoogleTV and the app claims it is a beta version.

I've uninstalled it, reinstalled it, forced stop and cleared cache, cleared data and resigned in, as well as clearing the TV's stored cache and resetting the TV - nothing works.

As soon as you launch a live channel, any live channel, you get approximately two or three seconds of sound and then no more, as well as a frozen picture.

I have cinema, entertainment and boost. I have 67Mbs down and 17Mbs up and never had this issue on my LG C9 with the NowTV app. Nor do I with any other app on the A90J.

[schnapps]

Hi @Anonymous User 

Bit of a long shot, try unplugging the power to the television for about 2 minutes.

[Anonymous User]

Allo @schnapps 

Thanks for your prompt reply.

I have previously unplugged the TV. I shall of course, try another plug pull today.

[schnapps]

Hi @Anonymous User 

Whilst unplugging the power to your television, you may as well try unplugging the power to the Router at the same time.

i doubt this will help, but worth a try.

i don't own a Sony Android / Google TV, but sometimes on my Philips Android Smart TV i need to unplug the power to the television to fix certain Apps on it.

Hopefully a Sony Android TV owner can confirm if they are using a Beta NOW App on their television or confirm the software number of the NOW App that is working for them watching Live NOW channels.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks again @schnapps .

Will try both plug pulls on router and TV shortly and report back.

In between time, I just want to make note of the app version here; 2.19.0

[schnapps]

@gavs82008 

What NOW App version are you using on your Sony Android TV ?

Can you also offer any other advice if running the same software version number of the NOW App ?

[schnapps]

Hi @Anonymous User 

I am also guessing when you use the red button option to access the TV Guide, the same issue happens from the TV Guide tile box in the top left corner of the NOW App my screen page ?

[Anonymous User]

@schnapps 'Yes' exactly the same I'm afraid - paused screen, sound for a few seconds and then frozen and unresponsive.

I just streamed a film to double check still no issues, The Intern, watched for a few minutes without issue and then tried to back out of it and just got a blank screen.

I had to hit the 'home' button on the TV remote to get back to the main menu.

[gavs82008]

@schnapps @Anonymous User 

This is the TV we got last year. 

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/televisions-projectors-lcd-tvs-android-/kd-55xh8096/specifications

Its system is running on Andriod, so even though we have access to the Google Play store I don't recall the NOW app being on the beta. Last time I used it for live TV it worked just fine, although that was before we got rid of our TV license. 

Normally I found when there was issues I would start the TV by holding the power button and you get the option for "restart". On ocassion I would do the TV method and unplug the router for a bit, this would normally cure the problem. 

[schnapps]

Hi @gavs82008 

I didn't realise you haven't got a TV licence to watch live TV channels.

[schnapps]

Hi @Anonymous User 

If @gavs82008 or any other forum member can't help further, then try NOW live chat.

https://help.nowtv.com/article/how-to-submit-a-complaint 

I reckon it something to do with the Beta NOW App being uploaded on your television from the Sony Apps Store.

I have only seen the Beta Now App on the Google Store which is an option for Android smartphones & tablets only.

Normally NOW don't offer Beta software, unless you are on a NOW trial from my understanding & experience (might be wrong).

[Anonymous User]

Hi @schnapps 

Will give chat a whirl once I've done the plug pulls etc. Wife is busy online and so I daren't touch the router (yet).

It's just the app that comes pre-loaded and it's the same one that is re-installed when prompted. Not part of any beta program and I've already contacted Sony, who advised to contact the vendor.

[schnapps]

Hi @Anonymous User 

Will be interesting to see if any Sony Smart TV owner on the Community Forum can confirm if they are running the same software version trouble free.

Because you can access your on Demand NOW content via the App i don't think it's the wrong regional NOW App intended for Republic of Ireland which has mistakenly been loaded on your television (assuming you are based in the UK).

[gavs82008]

@schnapps 

Indeed, the BBC changed the rules re the TV licence when they noticed that Live streaming on other apps was being used more now. 

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one

[ukbobboy]

@gavs82008  @schnapps 

Guys

Although I still have a TV license, I feel as if I'm being ripped off because I hardly ever watch the BBC or the iPlayer and I can't remember the last time I actually watched live TV.

In the past, I used to believe the TV license was a good idea, especially when those David Attenborough inspired nature programs were shown, but in recent years the BBC has been very profligate with license payers money and because of this I no longer think they should be able to collect this "tax" from me or anyone else anymore.

This was published back in 2015:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/559715/BBC-told-cut-waste-lose-licence-fee-must-account-every-penn...

UK Bob

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for your reply @gavs82008 .

Tried all of that previously and it has no positive affect I'm afraid.