If you have been around long enough, you know how the TV viewing experience used to be; you had to watch certain programs at certain times. This worked as well as it was designed to, but it had some downsides. For example, if you got home late or were not at home for some reason when your favourite shows aired, you would miss them. The only recourse was to hope there would be a replay in the future and hope that you were at home at that time to catch that replay. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) along with social media platforms such as Youtube has changed all this. You can now watch your favourite programmes and shows anytime you like, from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.
There Are Some Hurdles Though
IPTV is a fantastic technology but there are a few things that can impact your experience negatively. Most of these issues stem from poor information and communication from your provider, language barriers, a lack of technological knowledge, and so forth. Solving these issues will help you get a better IPTV viewing experience.
Getting the Basics Right
Understanding how your internet connection affects your viewing experience is the first step in ensuring everything goes right. Start by doing a speed test. There are a lot of websites and applications that will let you do this easily. Although a higher internet speed is important, you should also look at the ping.
Ping is a software utility used to check if a server is available, as well as to measure the amount of time it takes for information to be sent from your device to a server and back. If you have a long ping time, it could impact the time it takes to start your video stream. A ping time below 10 milliseconds is excellent, and you would be aiming for a ping time lower than 15 milliseconds. If you do not have good speeds or have a very high ping, you should consider positioning your WIFI router better or switching to a wired internet connection.
Choose the Right Devices
There are literally hundreds of devices you can use. The thing is, they do not all perform the same. For example, different TV models and Android boxes do not have the same CPU (Central Processing Unit). This is the brain of the device and will determine how well it performs. Devices with powerful CPUs are able to decode videos easily, including videos with a high bitrate or ones that require some enhanced features like HDR.
Choosing devices with the right chipset, CPU, and memory will go a long way in enhancing your viewing experience and help eliminate strange performance issues. Users have reported that some devices have issues where the sound is missing but they can get subtitles, and vice versa.
Are Your Devices Working Correctly?
The devices you use will include your modem, Android box, TV, and more. As these devices get older, you might notice that they start becoming sluggish and less responsive. In most cases, a simple restart should solve any issues you are having. If the devices are older than five years, it might be time to consider buying new devices.
Keep in mind that videos are becoming bigger and using a lot more bandwidth when we consider features like 4K resolution and High dynamic range (HDR) options. So, if these features are turned on and you notice that your stream is not as smooth as you would like it to be, you should switch them off. Luckily, most streaming devices can detect if your TV supports these functions and switch them off for you. Also, if you bought your TV in the last three years or so, these issues will not affect your watching experience.
Choose the Right IPTV Provider
Even if you have the right devices and everything is working correctly, you still need to select the best IPTV service provider. Some of the factors to consider include:
- Pricing – You want an IPTV service provider who offers a good price for the selection of programs, channels, and features they offer. £10 is a good benchmark but if you can get a cheaper provider, it would not hurt to consider them too. Ensure they support major payment options, automatic renewals, and annual pricing options. Annual pricing options are usually cheaper than paying monthly.
- Content – You want an IPTV provider with as much content as possible for what you pay. They should have a healthy selection of channels, shows, movies, sports, and more. Try to find one that has some kids’ content because you want to have an entertainment option for your kids when you are not watching or are not at home.
- Ease of use – This is particularly important if you are not very tech-savvy or are installing the IPTV for an older person. The setup process should be easy to understand and follow.
- The number of supported devices – Although your TV might be the primary way you watch your shows, movies, and more, you might need to watch something while on a commute or on a flight. You want your IPTV service to work on as many devices as possible. Remember that adding more devices might lead to extra charges, so this is something you should keep in mind.
- Customer support – It is possible that there will be issues with your IPTV service at one time or another. If this happens, you want to be able to reach your IPTV service provider easily so you can get the help you need. They should also provide relevant help materials on their websites or social media platforms so that you can sort minor issues out without having to call them.
Getting an IPTV service provider who offers all the above can be tedious and time-consuming, and that is why many people turn to Tellytime. They are a premium IPTV service provider with a huge selection of entertainment material, excellent customer care, and apps that are easy to install and use.
Protect Yourself
The main access point in your set up will likely be a Wi-Fi router. It is important that you protect our wireless network with a strong password. You should be using WPA-PSK or newer protocols. If your router still uses WEP encryption, you should consider getting a new router, as routers that use WEP can be broken into easily. If you use an insecure protocol, malicious actors can hack your connection and get access to your personal data.
If you use a fairly modern router, you can also limit the number of devices that can connect to it at once. You can count the number of devices you have in the house and use that number. If you do, no one else can access your wireless network when the maximum number of devices is already connected.
Making the right decisions will lead to a better IPTV experience. These include decisions like choosing the right ISP, router, IPTV service provider, and devices. It is also important that you are able to reach your IPTV service provider easily when you have any issues with your service.