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The Short Version: The most effective work-around I’ve found is to simply unplug the device and then plug it back in (to reboot it).  After that it works.

I hate this error. It’s a sign that the Apple TV (Second Generation) has failed in its most basic task – to play content. Where this message will appear may vary but typically I’ll get it when attempting to use Netflix Instant Watch. It’s not constant, but it happens enough to be annoying.

The only way to clear this error is to restart the Apple TV. Since Apple seems to have deemed a power button unnecessary this requires that I yank the power cord out of the back. Then, I have to pray that the device will retain its network settings and my iTunes store login. I stopped using it via WiFi simply because I got tired of having to re-enter my wireless key every other time I had to restart the device.

The other message, which I didn’t manage to get a photo of, is the one that shows the system is setting the date and time when it reboots. I honestly don’t know what’s so complicated about hitting a time server and getting the date and time. Why should this task require several minutes?

Apple needs to slow down product cycles and work on refining some of its existing products. The Apple TV is one of them.