Measurement and Interpretation

Speed Is Not a Single Number

Speed tests show the momentary capacity. The same line can give different values during the day, because speed varies with network density, the wireless signal level and the usage of other devices on the same network. A single measurement therefore does not give a definite answer about stream quality.

For a correct assessment the measurement is run on the device the stream is watched on and repeated at different hours. The result is compared with the requirement of the resolution you watch. Detailed values are on the internet requirements page; if you suspect fluctuation caused by the wireless connection, the steps on the Wi-Fi problems page are followed.

  • Was the measurement run on the device the stream is watched on?
  • Was another device downloading during the measurement?
  • Was the measurement run on a wired or a wireless connection?
  • Was the measurement repeated at different hours?
IPTV internet speed test: the relationship between connection speed, latency and stream quality Speed measurement
Correct Measurement

How Is a Speed Test Run Correctly?

The result of a measurement changes significantly depending on where and under which conditions the test is run. The steps below help the value you obtain reflect real usage conditions.

  1. 01

    Measure on the device the stream is watched on

    The test is run on the television box, phone or computer the subscription is used on. A measurement on another device shows that device's connection, not the line.

  2. 02

    Stop other loads on the network

    Downloads, backups and other streams are closed. This way the measurement shows the capacity left for the stream rather than all of the shared capacity.

  3. 03

    Compare with a wired measurement

    The same test is run separately over cable and wirelessly. The difference between the two results reveals the loss rate of the wireless connection.

  4. 04

    Repeat at different hours

    The test is run again during the day and in the evening. The fluctuation between the values shows the stability of the connection.

  5. 05

    Compare the result with the requirement

    The value obtained is compared with the requirement of the resolution you watch. If the margin is insufficient, the resolution or the plan is reviewed.

Same test, different results

Seeing fluctuation in consecutive measurements is normal. What matters is not the average value but whether the lowest values are enough to keep the stream running. If you experience frequent fluctuation, the steps on the Wi-Fi problems page apply.

Measurement Values

What Do the Values in a Speed Test Mean?

Although a speed test shows a single number, different values are measured. Each value affects a different aspect of the stream.

How speed test values affect the stream
Check item Why it matters How to check
Download speedThe capacity for data to reach the device At a low value the stream drops to a lower quality or does not start at all. The requirement of the resolution you watch is compared with this value.
Upload speedSending data out from the device It does not affect the stream directly; however, a saturated upload channel can slow downloads. Apps that upload are paused while watching.
DelayRound-trip time of the data At high latency channel changes take longer and the live stream falls behind. A wired connection and a nearby server are preferred.
JitterInstability in latency It is the most common cause of intermittent stuttering. A cable is used instead of a wireless connection and the modem position is reviewed.
Packet lossData packets that do not arrive It appears as picture distortion and sound dropouts. Network hardware and connection quality are checked.
TimingThe moment the measurement is taken At busy hours the values drop noticeably. The measurement is repeated at different hours and the lowest value is taken as the basis.

To plan the bandwidth you need according to your resolution, see the internet requirements page; if you use the same line with more than one device, see the multiple connections page.

Subscription Options

A Viewing Period Suited to Your Connection

Once you have measured your line capacity, choosing a period that suits your viewing pattern is enough. The content scope is the same in all period options.

3-month subscription

30 EUR single simultaneous device

A short-term option to test connection and device compatibility on your own line.

  • Single-device use
  • Live TV, movie and series scope
  • Setup support

6-month subscription

50 EUR single simultaneous device

For medium-term, regular viewing if your measurement results are sufficient.

  • Single-device use
  • Average 8.33 EUR per month
  • Setup support

1 subscription = 1 simultaneous device

Subscriptions are defined for a single simultaneous connection. Users who want to watch on a second device at the same time need a separate subscription per device.

Multiple device total

For 2 devices the total is 60 EUR for 3 months, 100 EUR for 6 months and 160 EUR for 12 months; for 3 devices it is calculated as 90 / 150 / 240 EUR.

3-hour trial and 3-day refund

The trial period is 3 hours and the refund period for subscriptions is 3 days. The details of the terms are on the refund and subscription terms page.

Every subscription is defined for 1 simultaneous device. For multiple device needs the multiple connections option can be reviewed, and the subscription conditions are on the refund and subscription terms page.

Frequently Asked Questions

IPTV Internet Speed Frequently Asked Questions

How many Mbps of internet do I need for IPTV?

The required speed depends on the resolution you watch. Lower bandwidth is needed for standard broadcasts and noticeably higher bandwidth for Full HD and 4K streams. Additional devices also share the line.

Does a speed test result show stream quality?

Not on its own. A measurement shows the momentary capacity; stability, latency and fluctuation also affect the stream. That is why the test should be repeated a few times.

How should a speed test be run?

The test is run on the device the stream is watched on and over the same connection. Downloads on other devices are stopped and the test is repeated at different hours of the day.

Why are wired and wireless measurements different?

On a wireless connection the signal level, distance and neighbouring networks affect the speed. The result taken on the same line with a cable is usually higher and more stable.

What if the measured speed is sufficient but the stream stutters?

It may be a stability and latency issue. If the speed fluctuates during the stream you get stuttering even though the line capacity looks sufficient; in that case report it to the support team.

What is the difference between Mbps and MB/s?

Mb/s is megabits per second and MB/s is megabytes per second. Since 8 megabits correspond to roughly 1 megabyte, the two values should not be confused.

Why does speed drop in the evening?

When the number of subscribers using the same network increases, the shared capacity decreases. This drop may be temporary, or it may show that the line capacity is insufficient.

For fluctuation caused by the wireless connection, see the Wi-Fi problems page; if the stream does not open at all, see the IPTV not opening page.

Connection Support

Write to us about connection speed and
stream compatibility.

Fast Support

Share your measurement results, your device model and the resolution you want to watch; let us assess together whether your connection is suitable for streaming.

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