Access to phenomenal video streaming websites has made our lives a lot more entertaining and engaging. We have access a multitude of options to choose from no matter what genre we want to watch.
However, this experience is completely wrecked when your stream comes to a sudden halt or starts buffering or there is a drop in quality. This frustrating experience is a head-scratcher for many consumers but not everyone has been able to figure out how to rectify it.
We are here to let you know that access to reliable TV streaming services is not enough to make for high-quality streaming sessions. There are a few other contributors as well. Let’s check them out.
Internet
The most obvious factor for the quality of the stream is an internet connection. If you do not have a high-speed internet connection, it won’t matter even if you have the best streaming service for your content.
Thus, the availability of the best internet service is vital if you want to enjoy flawless streaming service. There are a number of options you may choose from such as Spectrum, AT&T, CenturyLink etc. You might particularly want to check out Mediacom, which not only offers blazing-fast internet speeds but a chance to bundle your internet service with Optimum TV at reduced rates for you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Source File
Even if you have everything working perfectly, but the streaming quality is still poor, then it might be because of the source file. If the source file has a finite quality standard, then the streaming service will not be able to enhance it on its own.
Streaming services often keep several files of the same video, each of their own quality i.e. 1080p, 720p, 480p etc. If you are playing a video with a lower quality then you may be able to watch it without any buffering, but the picture quality won’t improve.
The Router Conundrum
A router is the single most important component of your wireless connection to the internet. For you to be able to access flawless internet and then stream high-quality content, a number of router-related matters need to be addressed.
For instance, not every router is best suited for your needs. Every router offers various different features and functionalities. While some are suited for light usage, others make for a more hardcore connection.
Before you choose your router, go through all features such as the number of bands, model, USB ports, processor cores and more. Only then will you be able to choose the right router for yourself.
After buying the perfect router, you need to place it in the most optimal location. The location of the router should ideally be in the center of your home. Also, it should be in an open space; keeping it in a closed space such as a cupboard or drawer may hide the wires, but it will affect the router’s performance significantly.
Server Load
Next, you the server itself contributes as well. You are not the only one trying to access addictive content to watch online; millions of people tryto access the same content simultaneously.
At times, when there are is an abundance of requests for the same file, the server tends to become overburdened, which in turn, affects the streaming quality for each individual user. This may be something that you cannot control, but you should know about it so you don’t panic when your video starts buffering without any apparent cause.
Wired Connections are Still Faster
You may be used to enjoying wireless connectivity on a regular basis,but it does not even come close to the reliability that an Ethernet cable provides. A Wi-Fi connection may drop under heavy usage or in some parts of the house, but an Ethernet connection is free from these problems.
You can connect the computer you use for streaming with an Ethernet cable and still use the router for other devices in a wireless environment. You just have to figure out a way to keep the untidy wires away from the line of sight as it can seem quite untidy and can be a falling hazard as well.
Wi-Fi May Be Hoarded
If you are in a completely wireless environment, every member of the house will be connected to the same Wi-Fi with a bunch of their own devices such as cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. If everyone is simultaneously connected to the same network, your Wi-Fi will not have enough strength left to cater to each person.
You need to figure out which devices can be connected via Ethernet cables and which need Wi-Fi. Also, try to disconnect any unnecessary devices from the Wi-Fi i.e. if you are watching via a Wi-Fi-connected device, to prevent any loss of internet strength.
Summing It Up
There you have it!These are some factors that contribute primarily to the quality of your streams. Not all factors may be in your control, but you can do something about some factors to improve your experience.
