You do not need an extremely fast connection to watch television over the Internet.
Connection stability is often just as important as the advertised speed.
A connection can be fast on paper but still have interruptions if:
the Wi-Fi signal is weak;
too many devices are using the Internet at the same time;
the provider’s network is congested;
the route to a server located in another country is poor.
In some cases, a VPN can improve routing to an international server and reduce lag, but this is not automatic.
Later, we will explain how to choose a good connection, when to use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi and when a VPN can help.
Step 02
2. A screen... and sometimes a device
Television, computer, phone or tablet: almost every modern screen can be used to watch content over the Internet.
But they are not all compatible with the same applications.
Standard television
A television that is not smart generally needs an external device.
For example:
TV box;
Android / Google TV device;
Formuler;
Apple TV;
certain Fire TV models.
In most cases, the television must have an HDMI input.
Smart TV
A Smart TV can sometimes work without an additional box.
But be careful: Smart TV does not mean compatible with every application.
Samsung, LG, Android TV, Google TV and other platforms use different systems and different app stores.
Before choosing a service or application, you therefore need to check the exact television model and the applications available.
Computer
Yes, a computer can also be used to watch content over the Internet.
Depending on the service, it can work:
directly in a Web browser;
with a Windows or Mac application;
or with an Android emulator such as BlueStacks when necessary.
However, an Android emulator requires a sufficiently powerful computer.
Android
Android phones and tablets generally offer very broad compatibility with streaming and Internet television applications.
Exact compatibility always depends on the application and the version of Android.
iPhone and iPad
Apple devices are also compatible with many streaming applications and media players.
The selection of applications differs from Android, so you need to check compatibility before choosing a solution.
Step 03
3. A compatible application
The application is what allows your device to display and organize the content you want to watch.
But be careful:
Not all applications work on all devices, and not all services work with all applications.
Android TV / Google TV
These devices generally offer many choices.
For example, TiviMate is a popular application designed mainly for Android TV and Google TV devices.
We will present the different applications in a separate guide.
Formuler
Formuler devices use, among other things, the MYTVOnline platform, designed specifically for their ecosystem.
The version available depends on the Formuler model being used.
Smart TV
A Smart TV has its own application system.
For example:
Samsung uses Tizen;
LG uses webOS;
many Sony televisions use Android TV or Google TV.
An application available on an Android television is therefore not automatically available on Samsung or LG.
Apple
iPhone, iPad and Apple TV also have their own applications.
The selection can differ from what is available on Android.
The most important point
Before choosing an application or service, you need to check three things:
Your device → your application → your service
All three must be compatible with one another.
Step 04
4. A service or source of content
Your television, box and application do not automatically provide channels or movies.
You then need to choose what you want to watch and the service that provides this content.
Netflix, Crave, Prime Video, Disney+ and others
These streaming services generally have their own applications.
You choose a subscription, install their application on a compatible device and can then watch their catalogue.
Before subscribing, always check that their application works on your television or device.
Live television over the Internet
It is also possible to watch live television channels over the Internet.
This is sometimes called Internet television or IPTV.
IPTV simply stands for:
Internet Protocol Television
It is a technology that allows television to be transmitted over an Internet network.
IPTV can be used by legal services as well as by other types of services. The term IPTV itself therefore does not mean that a service is legal or illegal.
Streaming
The word streaming simply means watching content transmitted over the Internet as it arrives.
Netflix is streaming.
Live television over the Internet is also a form of streaming.
Free content
Free content is also available on the Internet:
applications from television channels;
ad-supported platforms;
free video services;
channels and content available on the Web.
The selection depends on the country, language and content you are looking for.
Every service is different
A service may specialize in:
movies and series;
sports;
live television;
Canadian or Quebec content;
international content;
certain languages or regions.
You therefore need to look at what is actually included before choosing.
Very important
A device does not provide the content.
An application does not necessarily provide the content either.
You generally need:
Device → Application → Service → Content
And all four must be compatible.
Step 05
5. What about a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and a VPN server before reaching the Internet.
It can provide additional protection for your connection, but it can also be useful for certain streaming problems.
Why a VPN can help
When you watch content from a server located far from you, the data can pass through several networks before reaching your device.
The route used is not always the best one.
In some cases, a VPN can provide another route to the Internet and improve routing to an international server.
Possible result:
fewer interruptions;
less buffering;
a more stable connection;
better response time.
It can also help with certain limitations
Some Internet providers use traffic management techniques.
A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, which can sometimes avoid certain limitations based on the type of traffic.
But a VPN does not fix everything
A VPN will not fix:
a Wi-Fi signal that is too weak;
poor coverage in the home;
a device that is too slow;
an Internet connection that is already saturated.
You therefore need to first understand where the problem really lies.
Speed or stability?
A VPN does not automatically make your Internet plan faster.
But if your connection uses a poor route to an international server, a VPN can sometimes provide a more efficient route and deliver a better real-world streaming experience.