The internet speed for the IPTV depends on the stream watched, its encoding and the number of people connected. A connection advertised as very fast can nevertheless produce an unstable image if the signal does not reach the television well. Before changing your internet offer, measure what your device actually receives.
What marks should I use for the HD and the 4K?
There is no universal threshold valid for all services. For comparison, a European report on broadband uses benchmarks of 5 to 8 Mbit/s for a HD video and 25 Mbit/s for an Ultra HD video. These are orders of magnitude, not a guarantee of playback for a particular subscription. The recommendation published by the feed provider remains priority.
Also provide a reserve for network variations. A line that just hits the requested throughput during a test may run out of headroom when another device downloads an update. The definition of the screen is not enough to know the video bitrate: a 4K screen can read a program in HD.
How to measure the connection in the right place?
- Perform a speed test on the device used to watch, or on a computer connected to the same network point.
- Repeat the test at your usual viewing time, then at another time.
- Compare a wired connection and wireless connection if your hardware allows it.
- Note the flow received, but also the disconnections and variations over a few minutes.
- Repeat the measurement when the other screens in the fireplace are in use.
A result obtained near the router with a telephone does not necessarily describe the situation of the TV located behind two walls. If the flow rate changes significantly from one room to another, the home network deserves a diagnosis before the internet line.
Multiple screens: add up the needs
To estimate the necessary capacity, add the recommended flow rates for each simultaneous flow and add a reserve adapted to your other uses. Two streams at 20 Mbps already represent around 40 Mbps of video, before video conference calls, backups and downloads. This is an example calculation, not a feature promised by Veliova.
The available throughput and the number of connections allowed are two different subjects. A good connection does not allow you to exceed the contractual limits of a subscription. Check out our guide to streaming on multiple screens to distinguish the two.
What to do if the flow seems sufficient?
Test a lower resolution, restart the player and check if the problem affects all programs or just one. An unavailable stream, an overloaded device or a service incident cannot necessarily be resolved with more throughput. Our article on playback blocks offers a diagnostic method.
Frequently asked questions
Is fiber mandatory?
The type of access is not enough to answer. What matters is the stable capacity available on your device and the recommendation of the service used. A mobile connection may be suitable, but its speed and data envelope must also be monitored.
Does a quick test prove everything will work?
No. It gives a measurement at a precise moment. A test on your own device, during viewing times, usefully completes the test. For a configuration question, use our contact page.
Source of flow benchmarks: European report on broadband access needs, technical annex. Exact requirements vary by service and encoding.
