How to Improve Streaming to a Wired Internet TV

You can improve your HDTV's streaming ability in a few ways.

HDTVs offer the ability to stream entertainment and information content directly to the set by way of built-in Ethernet connections. Like any device attempting to receive data from a network, your TV's streaming ability depends on a multitude of factors. The network environment offers plenty of opportunities for streaming improvement, based both on settings and usage patterns.

Things You'll Need

• No tools required

Instructions

1. Verify that no bandwidth-hogging competitive services are running at the same time that you attempt streaming. Other computers on the network downloading music and movies via torrent services are noted consumers of available bandwidth. Additionally, broadband gaming services such as the Xbox Live service and PlayStation Network also require significant resources.

2. Check the cable's structural integrity. Cables that are excessively long, nicked or wrapped around AC power cables reduce effective throughput to the networked TV. Replace Ethernet cables that suffer from any damage, and use the shortest possible cable that still allows a stress-free connection.

3. Check with your Internet service provider to see if a higher speed service is available and is within reach of your budget. Significant increases in speed are often not much more than the lower tier service. Improving Internet speed helps the connection of every device on the network, not just the TV.

4. Alter the time of day when you do the most streaming. Peak hours of the day typically place your ISP under the greatest demand from increased usage, reducing speed and overall available bandwidth.

Tips & Warnings

• Reducing bandwidth demands on you own network while avoiding peak usage times from your ISP yields excellent results for any device utilizing Internet bandwidth, including games, other computers and voice over IP telephony.

References

• Tips o Tricks: 10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Internet Speed for Better VoIPing
• Diamondcase: Guide to Streaming Movies and Television Shows From the Internet

Resources

• World TV PC: Internet Movie Streaming Speeds to Increase 10 Times by 2012
• Unpluggd: How to Speed Up Your Internet Connection by 50%