performance Tips

Our goal is to provide optimum service at all times. We understand how frustrating buffering can be when you are enjoying your favorite TV show or movie. HollowTV strives to keep its servers running at peak performance as a way to help alleviate buffering or freezing. Typically, buffering is caused by a faulty setup or connection.  If you experience buffering, it can most likely be resolved with one of the following tips.

We suggest a speed of 60 Mbps or higher to stream smoothly.  Test your internet speed at https://fast.com/ to ensure internet speed requirements are achieved to minimize and/or prevent freezing or buffering. The speed test should be performed on the streaming device with the issue. For Amazon fire sticks, there are various applications in the Amazon App Store that can be downloaded to perform a speed test. 

The more devices connected to your WiFi, the greater the risk of your internet speed being negatively impacted. Check for devices that are connected wirelessly to the internet and disconnect those that are not in usage. Ensure that your streaming device is within close range to modem to receive a good signal.

One of the most important deciding factors of buffering is the actual streaming device that you use. Older android boxes do not have enough storage or memory to run newer apps smoothly. Your device may also have background apps consuming memory, causing buffering. Go to your Settings -> Applications -> Manage Installed Applications menu. Uninstall apps that are not needed, and close apps that you do not need running. Consider upgrading your device if it is older than a few years. The Amazon Fire TV 4k Stick is an  affordable option that is compatible with HollowTV .

One of the more common reasons for buffering/freezing. What is ISP throttling? This is when your internet provider slows down or even blocks streaming services. This can easily be solved by using a VPN service on your streaming device. A VPN is an application/service that you can install on your device to bypass any throttling or blocks. Some VPNs do not work well with IPTV.  

Sometimes, the issue could be solved by a simple reboot. Unplug your streaming device and router/modem then wait a few minutes. Plug them back in and try to stream again.

Here are some helpful suggestions that you can try to alleviate or minimize buffering and freezing. Note, even though these methods may work, you may still need to upgrade your internet service if buffering or freezing persist.

• Reboot streaming device and/or internet router.
• Use of a hardwired ethernet connected device may provide the best results
• Make sure you do not have any applications running in the background. Force Close, Shut App, and or Close Tabs in streaming device before opening the HollowTV app.
• If buffering only occurs during peak hours,  you may want to upgrade your internet service or change providers but also look into ISP throttling, as  mentioned above.
• If the problem is on most or all channels then it is somewhere on your end. Please read this page fully to help diagnose your situation.