Buffering Issues? Subject: Misconceptions in Streaming.

When Choosing your choice of Cable Alternatives There are a lot of misconceptions in the streaming world about what buffering is, what causes it, why it happens and how to help avoid it. So we wanted to write an article addressing some of the causes of buffering and how to help minimize it, Please note that I did not say eliminate it as this is impossible. Everyone will Claim they have a NO Buffer Service which is a Lie.

But before we get into the buffering issue I want to explain for a few on how streaming actually works and explain what is happening behind the scenes when you click on something to stream.

Let us go through what happens when you click on a link. When you click on a link in any program a script (Computer Code) connects your internet connection to the URL address (Streaming TV) of where that stream is housed. It can take a second or two for your internet and this URL address to be paired up and for data to begin to flow into your device. In most cases it takes a few seconds for the full amount of data the server you are connected to, to begin being transferred to your internet connection. This is why many streaming services like Netflix and Hulu will start off a video in low quality. Then once the full flow of data has begun they will switch to a higher resolution. This is done so that the stream will start faster and as you receive more data it will switch to high quality. With tubetvusa.com there is not a long wait time or even a lower quality when clicking in.

What causes buffering while streaming?

I have read some very interesting discussions and ideas on as to why buffering happens. From people thinking that the graphics card can’t handle the stream, the processor is working too hard. A Big one is complaining is the provider's end. As complicated as people want to make buffering issues out to be, it is actually very simple. There are really only two variables that can cause buffering while streaming.

Your Internet Speed and your Router

The first and usually most overlooked reason that buffering occurs is your own internet speed. Many users try to skimp out on upgrading their internet speed. If you are going to stream your video content you need fast internet. While you can get away with 10 Mbps down for most streams, this is really the absolute minimum speed needed for a DECENT streaming experience. When you take into account speed lost through Wi-Fi (Usually way more than you think,) other devices in your house using bandwidth and fluctuations in the internet speed you are actually getting from your provider you can see how 10 Mbps can turn to 5 or below very quickly. Tables / Laptops / Video Games...

What is the recommend internet speed for streaming?

This is a personal preference but we recommend for the Best streaming experience you should have 25 Mbps or higher. And for Streaming 4K, we recommend 40 plus.

There are also several other factors that can affect your own internet speeds. The most common negative factor is Wifi. Wifi is extremely convenient for connecting lots of devices to the internet without having to connect them with a wire. With this convenience comes a downside. Wifi signal fluctuates up and down very often which can lead to buffering.

I cannot stress enough how quickly Wifi signal and speeds degrade over distance and through obstacles like walls. People are under the impression that if they are getting a wifi signal to a device that the device is getting the same amount of bandwidth as they pay for.

I have 200 Mbps down at my house and about 15 feet from my router through one glass door I get about 30 Mbps down to my Google Pixel XL. This goes to show how much wifi can degrade over distance and obstacles.

Another huge factor with your internet speed is who else is using it and what are they doing. If you have 10 Mbps down and a family member is downloading a bunch of stuff and another family member is playing an online game then there is a strong chance your video content is going to buffer.

Another great tip to help increase your speed is to reset your router once a week. Your internet provider spent time and money finding a router that they can give you that works just enough to provide a decent signal. They skimped and penny pinched as much as they could to save themselves money. So your stock router is not of the highest quality. With that being said, over time these routers degrade in the speed they are able to broadcast. By simply unplugging the router for 30 seconds and then plugging it back in we have seen many customers internet speed double. If you haven’t reset your router in a long time or forever it is a great idea to do this.

So to summarize your internet speed and how it effects buffering while streaming.

Minimum of 10 Mbps Down, while the preferred speed is around 25 Mbps Down. Connecting your unit to the internet via an Ethernet cable is ideal If you must use Wifi, make sure the unit is very close to the router (15 feet or under is ideal) Make sure you have reset your router recently. Keep in mind what others in your household are doing on the internet. If they are doing anything bandwidth intensive it can affect your streaming.