On this page
1. The network
- Wire the main TV or streaming device with Ethernet. See Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
- Put the router somewhere central and open, or add mesh Wi-Fi for distant rooms.
- Check your line can carry your busiest evening. See internet speed.
2. The device
- Use a responsive streaming device rather than a slow built-in TV app. See smart TV or streaming stick?.
- Restart sticks every week or two, and keep their software updated.
- Turn on frame-rate and dynamic-range matching.
3. Picture
- Choose Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema mode for films and drama.
- Turn off motion smoothing for films; consider it for sport.
- Turn off eco modes that dim the picture, and enable enhanced HDMI for 4K devices. See is your TV showing 4K?.
4. Sound
- A soundbar transforms dialogue clarity; connect it by HDMI ARC or eARC.
- Turn on the soundbar’s dialogue or voice enhancement mode for dramas.
- If you get no sound on some channels, set the device’s audio output to PCM. See audio fixes.
5. The room
- Reduce reflections: close curtains or add a bias light behind the TV for evening viewing.
- Sit at a comfortable distance: roughly 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen’s diagonal for HD, closer for 4K.
- Keep the stick in open air with an HDMI extender so it does not overheat.
6. Everyday habits
- Set favourites and tidy channel groups so finding something to watch takes seconds.
- Keep the programme guide updating daily. See EPG setup.
- Schedule game and system updates for overnight.
Upgrades ranked by impact
| Upgrade | Typical cost | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet cable to the main TV | Low | High: fewer buffering and freezing problems |
| Newer streaming stick | Low to medium | High on older TVs |
| Soundbar | Medium | High for dialogue |
| Mesh Wi-Fi | Medium to high | High in larger or older homes |
| Bias light behind the TV | Low | Comfort in evening viewing |
Accessibility features worth switching on
- Subtitles: most IPTV players can show subtitles where the stream carries them.
- Audio description: available on some broadcasters’ programmes and apps.
- Larger text and high contrast in the device’s accessibility settings make menus easier to read.
- Voice remotes on Fire TV, Google TV and Apple TV help with search and navigation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single best upgrade for streaming?
A wired connection to the main TV. It removes the most common cause of buffering and freezing.
Do I need a soundbar?
Not essential, but it is the biggest improvement to dialogue clarity on most slim TVs.
Which picture mode is best for streaming?
Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema mode gives the most accurate picture for films and drama.
