6 Ways to Improve Your TV Streaming Experience at Home

TV streaming is becoming increasingly popular, and with the array of services available, you don’t have to miss out on your favorite shows. However, while we can now enjoy our favorite shows and movies in the comfort of our own homes, there are a few things we can do to make sure our streaming experience is a good one. 

In this article, we’ll share some tips to help you get the most out of your TV streaming experience. Let’s begin!

1. Upgrade Your Internet Plan.

In most cases, the culprit of poor streaming experience is a slow internet connection. Many households have already cut the cord and rely on streaming services. Unfortunately, the performance of these streaming platforms heavily depends on your internet connection. When you experience constant buffering, it could be that your plan comes with low speeds or you’ve already reached your data capacity. 

Check your internet speed and data allocation if you think your internet connection is the problem. For example, 4K streaming usually requires a minimum of 15Mbps, so if your current plan is only 25Mbps and many people are connected to the internet, it may be time to upgrade your internet plan.

2. Stream Outside of Peak Hours 

Some streaming services may lag, buffer, or even crash due to the high number of users accessing their servers during peak hours. To avoid these problems, try to stream outside of peak hours, such as late at night or very early in the morning. 

While this problem isn’t as common since developers are continuously improving their servers, it can still happen, especially if there are new releases, special events, or sports broadcasts.

3. Choose the Right Streaming Resolution Format 

When you stream in HD or 4K, you need to make sure that your internet plan can support it. If your connection is not fast enough for a higher resolution format, try reducing the video quality. This will help reduce buffering and lag issues. You can also adjust the resolution of your streaming service from the settings menu on their app.

4. Select the Right Streaming Service

Your viewing preferences should be at the top of your list when selecting a streaming service. However, it is also important to choose the right platform that can meet your streaming needs. Some services offer a wide selection of movies and TV shows, while others are mainly focused on live TV or sports broadcasting.

Let’s say you live in a Spanish-bilingual household that prefers watching live Spanish channels. Of course, you will choose a streaming service like Go Latino TV instead of HBO Max. Similarly, if you have a lot of kids at home, you’ll opt for Disney+ instead of Hulu or Netflix. The content you’ll watch will dictate your experience, so choose wisely.

5. Invest in Quality Streaming Devices 

It’s important to choose a quality streaming device that supports 4K resolution, HDR, and Dolby Atmos. The latest smart TVs come with apps for all of the popular streaming services, so you don’t need an additional device. 

However, if your TV doesn’t have these features or you don’t have a budget for a new smart TV, you can always buy a streaming device like the Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV. These devices offer quick access to your favorite apps and content, plus they are relatively affordable and easy to install.

A good streaming device will provide an enjoyable user experience with fewer buffering issues.

6. Enable Subtitles

We get it — not all people appreciate subtitles. Most viewers even think that it’s just a distraction. However, subtitles are important, especially when you’re streaming in a foreign language or with background noise.

They don’t just help us understand better, they can also be beneficial to your streaming experience. Additionally, it’s good practice for kids who are learning how to read. It’s also massively helpful for friends or loved ones with a hearing impairment. 

Final Thoughts

Nobody likes to experience poor TV streaming at home. Thankfully, with these tips, you can avoid or reduce these issues. Remember — check your internet plan, adjust the resolution formats, select the right streaming service, invest in quality streaming devices, and enable subtitles whenever possible. If you do all of this and more, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth streaming experience.