Learn HBO Online More Available Than Ever With HBO Go and HBO Now

HBO Online More Available Than Ever With HBO Go and HBO Now

Last Updated: May 19, 2015

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With many content providers and media companies getting in the video on-demand game, it comes as no surprise that HBO also entered the fray with their HBO Go online streaming service. Now you are able to keep up with the Targaryens, Starks, and Lannisters by streaming the wildly popular Game of Thrones no matter your location — Westeros, Essos, or even beyond the Wall.

If you already subscribe to HBO through your satellite or cable television provider, you simply need to download the HBO Go app for either the iOS or Android platforms to stream HBO online content wherever you may wander. Additionally, cordcutters are now also able to enjoy the premium television service by subscribing to the new HBO Now service. Let’s take a closer look at how these HBO online services compare.

Differences Between HBO Go and HBO Now

As mentioned earlier, the simplest way to look at HBO’s two video streaming offerings is the following. HBO Go allows those who subscribe to the premium movie channel through their cable or satellite service to enjoy on-demand streaming of HBO movies and TV shows on their mobile device. HBO Now, on the other hand, provides the same functionality without first subscribing to cable or satellite TV.

An HBO Now subscription costs $15 per month, which is comparable to paying for the channel on your satellite or cable service. This option launched in early April 2015, exclusively for owners of an Apple TV box or an iOS device, like the iPhone or iPad. After an initial three month period, HBO Now becomes available on other platforms, including Android mobile devices, and probably other video-on-demand products, like the Roku and Chromecast.

iOS users note that the HBO Now app is compatible with iOS 7.0 and greater. For comparison’s sake, the HBO Go app supports iOS 5.0 and greater.

Make sure your Internet Bandwidth handles HD Video Streaming

When using either HBO Go or HBO Now, remember to perform regular Internet speed tests to ensure you’re getting enough bandwidth to stream HD-quality video without hiccups or too much buffering. At least 5 Mbps is a good benchmark for HD video streaming, but 10 Mbps works better, especially if you have multiple users accessing your router.

HBO Go and HBO Now offer users an easy way to stream quality HBO online movies and TV shows when on the go. As more consumers eschew regular cable and satellite TV service, expect more content providers to follow HBO’s lead with their own streaming products.

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Four Quick Ways to Improve Bandwidth for Streaming Movies

Last Updated: May 5, 2015

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Whether you’re a cordcutter without a subscription to cable or satellite TV, or you want the convenience of streaming content using DirecTV Everywhere or HBO Go, bandwidth remains a vital part of your video-on-demand experience. Trying to enjoy streaming video on a slow Internet service leads to buffering and ultimately a poor experience.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few quick ways to ensure there is enough bandwidth for your video streaming enjoyment.

First Off — Test Your Internet Speed

Before trying to optimize your bandwidth, make it a point to run a quick Internet speed test to see whether your service supports video streaming. Anything above 5 Mbps works for HD-video quality, although speeds greater than 10 Mbps perform better, especially if multiple users are accessing the same router.

Limit the Number of Users Accessing Your Internet Service

As mentioned at earlier, make sure to limit the number of users accessing your wireless router before streaming a movie. Even if you subscribe to broadband Internet service with a decent speed, multiple users sharing that service often hampers performance for everyone.

Invest in a High-end Dual Band Router

Dual band wireless routers provide you with essentially two different networks: one at 2.4 GHz (the same speed in single band routers), and a faster 5 GHz network that’s optimized for streaming rich media content. A dual band router with a superior range will definitely improve the streaming experience of any device connected to your network.

Additionally, higher-end routers leverage a technology known as beamforming that optimizes the connection between the router and device. In short, if you plan on doing a lot of movie streaming and online videogaming at your house, an investment in a top of the line dual band router is a smart call.

Pay Attention to the Router’s Location at your Residence

Routers are affected by location. Consider placing your wireless router close to your prime television viewing area to improve the overall streaming experience. This helps you get the most out of your bandwidth even without spending extra on a high-end router.

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Perform a DSL Speed Test at Different Times of the Day

Last Updated: April 20, 2015

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No matter what type of Internet connection you use, — fiber, cable, or DSL — performing a speed test at different times during the day gives you the best idea of your bandwidth quality. Since its overall speed is affected by network traffic based on the time of the day, running a DSL speed test at different times makes perfect sense.

Let’s take a closer look at ways to ensure your DSL speed tests give you an accurate report of your ISP network quality.

DSL is Affected by Network Traffic

Despite the fact that a DSL connection isn’t shared between the other residences in your neighborhood — unlike cable-delivered Internet — a DSL network occasionally suffers from slowdown during the evening hours. You probably noticed this effect if you regularly run speed tests during the evening as well as during the day.

The reason for this poor performance relates primarily to the extra traffic generated during the evening by subscribers streaming video and other rich media content. As more consumers unplug traditional cable and satellite television services for Internet-based video on demand options, expect this trend to continue until the larger investments in network equipment are made.

This DSL slowdown issue becomes exacerbated the farther away your residence is from the central office of your ISP. The distance from the modem to the network central office affecting bandwidth is an issue unique to DSL as opposed to cable or fiber delivered Internet service.

Your DSL Speed Test May Not Be Accurate

The bottom line is if you only perform speed tests during the evening, you aren’t getting an accurate account of your Internet speed. It is important to regularly run tests at various times throughout the day as well as on the weekend. Make it a point to perform a speed test early in the morning in addition during the evening’s prime viewing time, and record your results.

Keeping a running tally of your Internet speed is especially important when trying to determine the accuracy of your DSL speed test. In addition, if your ISP isn’t keeping up their end of the bandwidth bargain, these speed test reports will help you earn a refund if warranted.

So, when it comes to DSL speed tests: test early; test late; test often, and save your test results!

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HTML5 is the Best Way to Check Your Internet Speed

Last Updated: January 6, 2015

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With so many devices competing for bandwidth on your ISP account — smartphones, video game consoles, computers, Blu-ray players, home appliances, and more — being able to regularly and accurately verify your Internet speed is vital. Some of the biggest names in the speed test business rely on outdated Flash or Java technology to perform a bandwidth test. That’s the same plug-in that probably crashes your web browser on occasion. Fortunately, there’s a better way to test your Internet speed.

HTML5 Internet Speed Tests Grow in Popularity

Internet speed tests using HTML5 allow you to run those tests on your desktop browser, smartphone browser or tablet browser even if Flash or Java isn’t supported, as with Apple’s iOS platform. This article from TechRepublic reveals the popularity of HTML5 tests and profiles the top five speed tests.

Our very own Bandwidth Place ranked number one on the list. Bandwidth Place combines over a decade of speed test technology with an easy to follow HTML5 presentation that runs on nearly all web browsers on both desktop and mobile platforms. The TechRepublic article mentioned that some of the other bandwidth tests using HTML5 produced inaccurate and inconsistent results, but this was not the case with Bandwidth Place.

Bandwidth Place — the Best Internet Speed Test for Global Users

The TechRepublic article also notes that the Bandwidth Place speed test allows users to choose from a variety of servers located all over the world, which makes the test uniquely suitable for global users. The article’s author praised Bandwidth Place for the accuracy of its test results, favorably comparing them to the leading speed tests from the worlds of Flash and Java.

According to the article some of the other HTML5 speed tests suffered from confusing user interfaces. Some tests didn’t even allow you to select your own test server, which is vital for getting accurate results no matter your location. Bandwidth Place led the group with consistent test results and a clear user interface.

There’s no denying that the days of Flash and Java are numbered, as its obsolete technology seems to cause more problems with modern web browsers on a regular basis. Relying on a Flash speed test to check your Internet bandwidth limits the devices able to actually run the test, as well as the efficacy of your testing. When looking for a state of the art HTML5 bandwidth test, Bandwidth Place definitely stands out among the pack.

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Top Three Best Smart TVs for the Holidays

Last Updated: November 28, 2014

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With more and more consumers enjoying the ease of streaming media content — movies, TV shows, videos, music — at home, it made sense for TV manufacturers to add WiFi networking capabilities to their products. These new Smart TVs seem to be ubiquitous this holiday season, with built-in support for many popular video streaming services, including Netflix and Hulu Plus.

When adding a Smart TV to your home, make sure to check your Internet speed to ensure the best possible viewing experience. With that in mind, here are the three best smart TVs that would make great Holiday gifts without breaking your budget.

The Vizio E-Series 39″ Class Full Array Smart TV for the Budget

If you are looking for an inexpensive, nearly 40″ Smart TV, check out the Vizio E-Series 39″ model. Most retailers are pricing this Vizio at around $350, providing a great chance for those on a Holiday budget to check out video streaming. CNET called the E-Series “likely the best value of 2014.”

The television’s full array LED display offers a bright picture with 1080p HD video. Support for many streaming services, including, Netflix, Vudu, Pandora, and Crackle is built in. You are also able to access your social media accounts — Facebook, Twitter, and more — using the TV’s convenient collection of apps.

The Samsung LED H5203 Series 46″ Smart TV for the Big Screen

Samsung gives you the option of a larger screen, 46″ Smart TV, with a retail price slightly above $400. The LED H5203 sports a CMR rating of 120 to go with its full HD 1080p picture. The high CMR means any high-speed sports action renders smoothly on screen.

In addition to the standard collection of streaming media apps and services, this Samsung Smart TV includes the “Smart Hub” which offers an enhanced user interface for managing your streaming content and apps. If you plan on streaming most of your television content, the Samsung H5203 makes an excellent choice.

Sony’s 40″ KDL-40W600B Bravia Smart TV for the Picture Quality

If you are looking for a Sony Smart TV, check out the 40″ KDL-40W600B Bravia model, one of the best smart TVs. While it features a smaller screen than the Samsung, it offers enhanced backlighting with a unique contrast feature that promises a more realistic picture. Retailers carry this Bravia model for around $450.

All your standard media streaming services are available on the Bravia, including the Sony Entertainment Network. The TV’s PlayStation Now feature means you can play your favorite PS3 games streamed to the TV without a video game console. Now that’s cool!

So if you are in the market for a Smart TV this Holiday season, hopefully these three models piqued your interest without killing Santa’s budget!

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Net Neutrality in a Nutshell

Last Updated: November 17, 2014

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With the President recently weighing in on Net Neutrality, this somewhat esoteric issue is now back in the news along with occasional misinterpretations and misinformation. With such a controversial and technically complex subject, basic facts can get lost amongst the political debate and pundit protest. So, what exactly is Net Neutrality and how does it affect your Internet activity or broadband speed? Let’s take a closer look at the details.

“That All Data is Created Equal”

In a nutshell, Net Neutrality means that all data on the Internet is equal, no matter its source or its original creator. This is how the Internet has always operated. ISPs provide you the bandwidth and Internet speed you pay for without any say or control of where that data originates: Netflix, Pandora, Amazon — it makes no difference.

Large telecommunication companies and ISPs have sued the FCC in recent years to challenge the principles of Net Neutrality. One main reason involves the large amount of streaming video data they transmit on their networks, most notably from Netflix. They feel they should be able to charge Netflix and other content providers more to transmit their data in an Internet “fast lane,” costs that will surely end up passed onto Netflix subscribers.

Preventing the Blocking of Content or Thwarting Fiber Network Expansion?

Net Neutrality also means ISPs can’t block content from certain providers and websites. When a company like Comcast is both an ISP and as owner of NBC, a content provider, what is to stop them from throttling your bandwidth when you watch ABC or CBS? Net Neutrality.

ISPs feel the extra revenue earned from charging content providers for an Internet “fast lane” will allow them to expand their networks. Taxpayers through subsidies have also contributed billions to telecommunications companies to upgrade their networks. In fact, AT&T threatened to stop its investment in fiber optic network expansion if Net Neutrality rules are ultimately upheld; something met with derision from industry watchers.

Is the Internet an Information Service or a Telecommunications Service?

Another major issue in the Net Neutrality kerfuffle is whether the Internet is classified as an information service or a more regulated telecommunications service. The fact that the Internet was reclassified as an information service by the FCC in 2002, led to Verizon’s successful challenge of Net Neutrality rules. The FCC chair who made that original classification is now a cable industry lobbyist; the current FCC chair, nominated by President Obama, used to be a cable industry lobbyist.

Net Neutrality proponents obviously want the Internet reclassified as a telecommunications service. They feel this extra regulation will allow the principles of Net Neutrality to once again to guide the concept of a free Internet. Considering that many of you only have one or two options when choosing a local ISP, regulation may be ultimately necessary to prevent monopoly abuse.

So how does all this banter and brouhaha affect your daily broadband and Internet speed? If telecommunications companies are successful in instituting an Internet fast lane for video traffic, expect your Netflix subscription to increase by $5 – 10 per month, especially with Ultra HD becoming more popular. The specter of ISPs blocking content from other competing entities is another issue that may have to be solved separately from the Internet “fast lane” issue depending on how the politics play out over the next few years.

Stay tuned.

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Two Easy Solutions to Prevent Streaming Media Buffering

Last Updated: November 11, 2014

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The scenario is common in this Internet age. The family gets together to watch the latest movie on Netflix, only to have the viewing experience spoiled by video buffering and stuttering. You check the Internet speed at your house, and the bandwidth looks fine. So what gives?

Well, the problem might be with your home network. After looking at your router management software you see that everyone has their smartphone, tablet, and laptop simultaneously active on the network. The Netflix movie you are watching can’t get enough bandwidth to stream properly, forcing you to deal with buffering and poor video resolution.

What steps can you take to optimize the performance of your home network?

Limit the Number of Devices active on your Network

An easy way to maximize bandwidth before streaming a movie or TV show is to limit the number of devices on your network. Is Billy in the basement playing Call of Duty online with his friends? Great, kick his PS4 off the router and make him finish his homework!

Remember that even if you are paying extra for a 20 Mbps Internet service, all the devices on your Home WiFi network share the same bandwidth. It is important to manage network connections for the best possible media streaming performance.

Upgrade your Router to Optimize Streaming

Investing in a better router gives you more options to boost streaming performance on your WiFi network. Consider spending extra for a dual band router, as it provides a 5 GHz network with the extra bandwidth suitable for watching movies online. Devices performing normal Internet activities like email and web browsing can use the router’s 2.4 GHz network freeing up the 5 GHz band for streaming activity.

Some high-end routers allow you to optimize the wireless connection for certain devices on your network. So your media streaming devices get the extra bandwidth they need for movie watching without buffering and video stuttering. Learning how to manage your router properly pays off with better Internet performance for everyone.

Ultimately, video buffering doesn’t have to be a problem with a fast Internet connection. Make it a point to limit the number of devices on your network when streaming rich media content. Additionally, invest in a better router — preferably dual band — to give you more flexibility when managing your home network.

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What Time of Day is Your Internet Speed Fastest?

Last Updated: October 17, 2014

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It never fails. You want to download a file, send an email or buy a single item and your Internet speed slows to a crawl. Sometimes it seems like a conspiracy—maybe your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is throttling your bandwidth? And sometimes you wonder if it’s your hardware—could you get better speed with a new computer, wireless router or improved connection? While in some cases upgrades can jump-start performance, it’s also possible you’re online at the wrong time. That’s right: Internet speeds are dependent on the time of day.

Test First

Before you go hunting for the ideal time of day to start big downloads or make quick purchases, check to make sure your connection is working as advertised. Run a bandwidth test and compare the results to what’s advertised by your ISP. If the numbers never match no matter what time you run the test, contact your provider. If they can’t provide good answers, consider a switch.

When the Sun Goes Down Internet Speed Goes Up

It’s not surprising, but it’s true: Your Internet speed is faster at night. According to an article from the Daily Mail, for example, bandwidth speeds in the UK drop by 35 percent during the evening ‘rush hour’ when people get home from work. Between 7pm and 9pm, analysts found the average download speed slowed to just over 6 megabytes per second (Mbps), but in the early morning hours—between 2am and 3am—speeds jumped to almost 10 Mbps.

It’s also worth noting that the high number of users during rush hour can prompt ISP throttling in addition to volume-related slowdown. When too many users try to log on at the same time, some ISPs throttle connections to give each customer a portion of the bandwidth rather than relying on first-come-first-served. While this means you’ll get some speed instead of virtually none, it can be frustrating if you’ve paid for a connection package that boasts specific download or upload rates.

Want the fastest Internet speed? Surf at night or in the early morning. During rush hour, expect even the best connections to slow.

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What Is an Internet Speed Hack?

Last Updated: March 13, 2014

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Everyone wants faster Internet. South Korea already runs on a nationwide 4G network but is rolling out 5G before the end of the decade, while Google and other American companies are starting to see the benefits of fiber-optic infrastructure. One option to increase your speed without upgrading an existing connection is an Internet speed hack — but what’s the real deal with them?

Hacking Made Easy?

The idea behind an Internet speed hack is that you’ll be able to bypass the download speed restrictions imposed by your Internet service provider (ISP) and achieve much higher data transfer rates. There are a variety of methods for accomplishing this aim, but almost all share a common theme: You need to download a piece of software that then makes changes to your computer or tablet. In some cases, you’ll be asked to enter the maximum speed desired, while in others you’re promised download rates of 50 megabits per second (Mbps), 100 Mbps, or more. Other methods purport to show you how you can increase your Internet speed by watching a short video — which will likely tell you to shut down all unnecessary background processes and scan for malware. Good advice, but not exactly secret information.

The Bottom Line

A search for “Internet speed hack” turns up a great deal of advertisements but very little in the way of actual research or test results. While it’s possible that this kind of speed-boost software actually gets around the rules of your ISP, it still poses several problems. First, any contract you sign with your provider specifies what download speed you’ll receive and how much you’ll pay. Circumventing this agreement could lead to legal action. If you run a free online speed test and discover you’re not getting the download speed promised, contact your provider. In addition, consider the kind of technology you’re using — older wireless routers can’t handle speeds much faster than 11 Mbps, and when multiple users are connected, this number drops quickly.

The other problem with Internet speed hack programs is that many of them contain malware; it’s never a good idea to download files from any site unless you fully trust the brand and have done research on their products. Once installed on your computer, hack software may execute payloads containing spyware, rootkits, or Trojans. As a result, any personal information you enter online could be compromised, or your device could be used to spread infection. “Free” speed hacks are nothing of the sort, since they can infect your computer with fake antivirus programs or keyloggers. Paid programs aren’t much better and in many cases don’t actually provide an increase to Internet speed. By running regular antivirus scans, minimizing unnecessary processes, and upgrading your router when applicable, you can do the work of most Internet speed hacks.

Internet speed comes at a cost; speed hacks offer a cheap (or free) way around the restrictions of your ISP. In almost all cases, however, these hacks cause more problems than they solve, and your connection won’t get any faster.

Photo credit: Flickr/jpctalbot

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How to Solve Netflix Buffering Issues

Last Updated: March 12, 2014

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Streaming television and movie service Netflix has more than 44 million subscribers worldwide, according to a recent CNN article. In fact, the company posted their highest-ever growth in 2013’s fourth quarter, with 2.3 million new users signing up in the United States alone. Part of this popularity can be traced to high-quality, exclusive content like Orange Is the New Black or House of Cards, but the $7.99 per month price tag for streaming also helps. The service isn’t free of problems, however — one of the most common is constant Netflix buffering, even when your selection should be fully watchable. Here are three tips on getting back to the action:

Check the Basics

According to the official Netflix support page, the first thing you should do for continual buffering is check the basic settings. First, check your connection. If you’re using a wireless connection, make sure the signal is strong and other users aren’t eating up your bandwidth. A minimum, constant download speed of 0.5 megabits per second (Mbps) is required to access any content on Netflix. If the connection seems fine, turn off and then reboot your computer or video game console. On a desktop, turn off any unnecessary background applications or games that may be hogging resources. On a console, make sure a patch or other downloadable content (DLC) isn’t being downloaded while you’re trying to watch a movie.

If your buffering problems still persist, reset your home network and then check your download speed using a free Internet speed test. Finally, remove the possibility of interrupted service by connecting your devices directly to a modem or router rather than relying on wireless.

Change Your Video Quality

It’s also possible that Netflix buffering issues are due to slow Internet speeds combined with high video-quality settings. Many Internet service providers (ISP) rate their connections based on “burst” speed or peak speed, meaning they won’t be able to sustain advertised download rates over the long term. If your video-quality settings are too high, the streaming service will require constant buffering to catch up. To adjust these video settings, head to the Netflix “Internet Connection Speed Recommendations” page and then click on the link to “Video Quality” to adjust your settings. If you have a constant 5 Mbps or better connection, select “High.” If you’re between 1.6 and 5 Mbps, choose “Medium,” and if you’re under 1.6 Mbps, select “Low,” then click “Save.” This should help minimize buffering issues.

Adjust Streaming Options

If your Netflix buffering problems still aren’t resolved, try changing the service’s streaming options. While the service automatically adjusts your buffering rate based on your Internet connection, it can’t always keep up with fluctuations in download speed. On a desktop, press Shift+Alt+Left Click (or Shift+Option+Click on a Mac). On a Playstation or Xbox, press up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, up, up, up to access the diagnostics menu. Here, you can adjust the buffering rate from 1750 down to 1050, 750, or lower. While lowering the stream rate means shows and movies will take longer to load, they should also be almost entirely free of buffering.

Constant Netflix buffering can make watching even a half-hour sitcom an effort and make watching movies almost impossible. If you’re having this problem, start with troubleshooting basics, adjust your video quality, and, if necessary, lower your streaming rate.

Photo credit: Gil C / Shutterstock.com