This guide is for watching LIVE TV only and not meant for other streaming apps or "on-Demand" streaming.
What is buffering?
Simply put, The device you are using cannot access the enough data it needs for continuous playback. So it will keep stopping (freezing on screen) and starting again.
note: if your device loses connection and restarts, this is not buffering.
What can cause buffering?
There are a few things: The service, The device you are using, the app you are using, your router, your ISP (internet provider), lack of storage on a device, slow ping rate, slow wifi connection, blocks or restrictions, community shared internet, your location, your modem etc....
If there is an issue with the service or channel it will be reported to be fixed. This does happen from time to time.
We always post major service issue on our facebook group or telegram page so make sure you follow them for any service announcements.
To fix buffing, you must first find the cause.
Because buffering has many causes, you can run a simple test to find where issues are and the cause. It is very easy to do. (takes 30 seconds)
Option 1 ) If you come across buffering on a single channel or a few channels, email or contact us and ask us to see the channel buffers for us, this is a great way to see if there is an issue with a channel. We will let you know if there is an issue or not, when we discover an issue with the channel we will get it reported.
Makes sure you tell us what channel is having a problem, we are not mind readers. (we are not available 24/7 so don't expect a reply after hours)
Option 2) Whenever you come across buffering on all or most channels Follow these instructions below. Do not email saying "all my channels are buffering, why???" As there are so many reasons for buffering we do not know,
It will not be the only test you can do but it is something you can easily do. It takes 5 minutes to set up, once set up you can run the test again within 30 seconds.
We are going to use your phone to test multiple things all at once. Why use your phone? It is a different device, you can use a different app, has Wi-Fi, also has a cell network, It can bypass your router, modem and ISP.
Solving issues is a process of elimination and that's what we are doing. Change something to see if we get a different result.
Most people say "My Wi-Fi is fine, I can stream Netflix". That's great for you, but not relevant.
To test on your phone we are going to install IPTVsmarters from the app store and log in. IPTVsmarters is available on Apple App store and Google Play.
Maybe called iptvsmarters lite. (Names change) You can use any generic IPTV app, they all work the same, you just need 3 things to get set up. Username , Password and server URL.
After installing the App onto your phone, open it. You may need to agree to the app's terms and conditions etc...
Select to Login with xstream codes API or XC API (if given the choice)
You will see three or four boxes that need to be filled out depending what App you are using.
FOR IPTVsmarters:
Box 1 "Any Name" - put anything down like "LIVE" or "ARC"
Box 2 "Username" - Enter your username
Box 3 "Password" - Enter your password.
Box 4 "http://" - Enter the server URL, (see below). Make sure you enter the correct URL.
Latest Server address's are below incase you need them for each service
ARCstream LIVE Server address: http://livetechtv.com
ARCstreamPLUS server address: http://tvservice.pro
Double check everything is entered correctly, a single mistake will cause you to not log in. If you get an error message, you likely entered something incorrectly.
You will see user has been added successfully if you have entered everything correctly. .
Now you have the app installed and logged in, so you can now start a test a few things.
LEAVE YOUR PHONE CONNECTED TO YOUR WiFi Try watching the same channels as before. Does it still buffer? Buffering has stopped, all seems great now - This is good news, you found a likely cause -
Likely cause is the device you were using, your devices connection to your wifi, the app on your device. Contact us back on what you found so we can recommend the next step.
Now you are able to watch on your phone without buffering, this means the channel or the service is NOT the cause.
Yes, buffering is still happening. (see below)
OK, If buffering is still happening, close the stream down, close the App.
Now turn off your Wi-Fi on your phone, this will stop you using your internet provider, modem, router. Start the app and same stream as before. Does it still buffer? Buffering has stopped, all seems great now - This is good news, you found a likely cause - Likely cause is your internet provider, your router, your modem. Contact us back on what you found so we can recommend the next step. Now you are able to watch on your phone without buffering, this means the channel or the service is NOT the cause. Yes, buffering is still happening. So if you have reached this step and still have buffering, contact us back. Unfortunately the phone test is only a reliable test if you live in an area where you have a good cell signal with decent data connection.
Do you have a VPN? if so try changing locations.
Does your ISP restrict your data based on usage (some have limits)
Let us know what you tried, let us know the results so we know you have tried certain steps, this helps us tell you what steps we are going to try next.
Some things we recommend to have reliable consistent streaming.
Close other applications and programs.
Speed up your internet connection
Remove other devices connected to your network
Update devices. (more RAM more Storage)
Use a wired Ethernet connection
Clean up your device, (factory reset if needed)
Remover old Apps (space is important)
Learn why it buffers, so you can fix it.
You must have a good internet connection and a reliable internet company or it simple will not work for you.
Here is the bad news. There is no button we can press to stop buffering. If we test a channel and it works then there is no issue with the service. We cannot report something that works as it should. We also know when there is an issue, everyone starts contacting us.
There are possible other causes which we can help with, like your location and restrictions. contact us and we will do what we can to help you further.
Thank you ARCstream
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