PlexConnect works, other AppleTV channels don't

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1

I'm using OpenPlex with PlexConnect 0.3.4 through the Trailers app on my AppleTV 3, and it's working great. Unfortunately, none of the other channels are working. I can't get to Netflix or the PBS app. Both give a generic message, like "Netflix cannot be reached right now. Please try again later."

 

I can fix the channels by switching the DNS settings from manual to automatic. Poof, all return, but I lose Plex in the process. Did I goof something up while installing OpenPlex? Could this be a ports issue? I'm not sure where to start looking. Thanks

2

Strange. If you don’t use openplex do they work? E.g. iBaa’s standard method to install/run plexconnect. Logs would help and settings.cfg settings. Read the read before posting sticky.

3

It sounds like the ip_dnsmaster setting in settings.cfg is not configured correctly and therefore not allowing DNS resolution for the standard channels, what value is set in there and what happens if you change it to back to 8.8.8.8?

4

ip_dnsmaster is set to 8.8.8.8. Also, the OpenPlex About tab reports that I'm running 0.3.4 but Version.py reports 0.4-dev. We have a new baby at home, so I haven't had time to dig around more. Is there an expedient way to delete all of PlexConnect/OpenPlex and start fresh?

Here's the settings.cfg file. 

[PlexConnect]
enable_plexgdm = True
ip_pms = 192.168.178.10
port_pms = 32400
enable_dnsserver = True
port_dnsserver = 53
ip_dnsmaster = 8.8.8.8
prevent_atv_update = True
enable_plexconnect_autodetect = True
ip_plexconnect = 0.0.0.0
hosttointercept = trailers.apple.com
port_webserver = 80
enable_webserver_ssl = True
port_ssl = 443
certfile = ./assets/certificates/trailers.pem
loglevel = Normal
logpath = .
5

Congrats on the new baby, i am not surprised that you don't have the time to dig around :D

To be honest i am not sure whether OpenConnect throws anything non-standard in the PlexConnect folder but something sounds funky with it, i am sure Wahlman or CyberGhost will be able to tell you though.

6

OpenPlex can be easily uninstalled by clicking uninstall in the settings tab. Everything in settings.cfg is set to default besides your desired hijack when chosen (hosttointercept). OpenPlex does make a new folder inside of the plexconnect folder called update but it shouldn’t interfere with your setup, it’s used to allow OpenPlex to function and can be ignored. If you find time you can send me a personal message by clicking my username and I should be able to assist you if you install teamviewer. I’m also near your time zone.

7

Maybe 8.8.8.8 doesn't work for you? Blocked by your ISP or something. Try entering 8.8.8.8 into aTVs/settings/network/DNS address and check how it reacts natively.

If it freaks out as well, insert your ISP provided DNS for ip_dnsmaster, and restart PlexConnect.

8

I've been having this exact same issue, as an interim I've just been switching between automatic and manual IP settings on apple TV to get around it.  However, I thought I'd do a search this evening and I think your thread explains the issue and should solve it for you as well.

I think there is an improvement that can be made to openplex / plexconnect in the process, here's what I know for my scenario:

My ISP get's netflix primarily via special DNS settings.  The special DNS settings are automatically applied to the router.  I note from this thread the plex does not use the router's DNS settings.  Setting the Apple TV back to DHCP no doubt does flick back to the routers DNS settings.

I am about to try (and I suggest you do too) following the previous part of this thread and changing the DNS settings from 8.8.8.8 to your routers IP address.  I haven't tried this yet and can't be sure why OpenPlex / PlexConnect would use 8.8.8.8 so perhaps it would break something else, but at this stage I can't imagine why.

Will report back after my daughter is off the apple TV! ;D

9

So it turns out that exactly the above is confirmed at the PlexConnect web site here.  https://github.com/iBaa/PlexConnect/wiki/Settings-for-advanced-use-and-troubleshooting

What it doesn't say is where exactly the settings.cfg file is.  I'm sure I'll find it though.... I think we should request the developers update the installation to autodetect the systems current DNS server and use that.  I see ZERO reason to use googles DNS servers here and every reason to use the DNS settings you're already using (accepting the ATV has to be different for easy of use).

10

Right so the settings.cfg is in your Applications menu / PexConnect in finder.  Always thought it was a rather odd place to put it, but who am I to complain, this software is awesome!

11

I've been having this exact same issue, as an interim I've just been switching between automatic and manual IP settings on apple TV to get around it. However, I thought I'd do a search this evening and I think your thread explains the issue and should solve it for you as well.

I think there is an improvement that can be made to openplex / plexconnect in the process, here's what I know for my scenario:

My ISP get's netflix primarily via special DNS settings. The special DNS settings are automatically applied to the router. I note from this thread the plex does not use the router's DNS settings. Setting the Apple TV back to DHCP no doubt does flick back to the routers DNS settings.

I am about to try (and I suggest you do too) following the previous part of this thread and changing the DNS settings from 8.8.8.8 to your routers IP address. I haven't tried this yet and can't be sure why OpenPlex / PlexConnect would use 8.8.8.8 so perhaps it would break something else, but at this stage I can't imagine why.

Will report back after my daughter is off the apple TV! ;D


Plexconnect uses 8.8.8.8 because it is a globally available DNS server with a consistent IP address, your local router address is different for each brand, ISP etc so this would be a additional step in the install which is not needed as 8.8.8.8 works for 95% or users.
12

You can alter your settings.cfg with OpenPlex, back it up and load it however you desire, I don’t see a need to load the current DNS of the OS X system. I use various native apps on my Apple TV without any issues using the default settings.cfg with it set to ip_dnsmaster=8.8.8.8. There are various sites that provide alternative DNS addresses when users run into this issue. Google this to find one (unless your local DNS works for you instead):


Netflix DNS trick

13

I saw that this was for max openplex so I started new thread sorry for the post

14

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