Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

We have been here for 15 yrs and yet to find a non buffering TV system. We have been using a firestick for the past 18 months but in the last few weeks its buffering like crazy every evening.

I am not very hopeful, but if there is a system out there which does NOT buffer at all please let me know, thank you. If there is one I would want a fail safe money back guarantee that comes with it, not asking for much am I?

As buffering is caused by slower/poorer internet speeds, I suspect the only "cure" is to go for satellite TV, i.e. "proper" satellite as in dish pointing at a (space) satellite - unfortunately, you will not get any UK channels as UK channel satellites don't "point/transmit" toward Cyprus. The satellites that can be picked up may offer a few english-speaking programmes, but that's the best you can hope for....

Thank you for your prompt response. We are with a well known internet supplier, I have just done a speed test and am getting 12 mb which "should" be enough to run a fire stick? The main cause is playback error which we get at least 40 times a day at least?

Mollie the cat. I reckon you have been around here long enough to know about Paul and Gwyn at satellite Cyprus. I think you are looking for something for nothing that is reliable. Not available. Some people think Paul and Gwyn’s system is expensive, but at least you get what it says on the tin

Mollie the cat wrote: ↑

Fri 18 Dec 2020 8:47 pm

Thank you for your prompt response. We are with a well known internet supplier, I have just done a speed test and am getting 12 mb which "should" be enough to run a fire stick? The main cause is playback error which we get at least 40 times a day at least?

If you’re getting a consistent 12mb download
then I would say there is nothing wrong with your internet! What is it you are getting the error on?

We get between 15 to 21 download most days, although we recently called in Yen to fix some of the Apps and the problem is much, much improved now.

I suppose it depends on what you are streaming. Have you tried using a lower bandwidth setting. Just using BBC iPlayer as an example, you can do this through the app or desktop settings which may help with buffering, you can do this on Amazon Prime, so assume you can on all streaming services. I tend to download rather than stream if I can though.
I remember Erol saying that legal streaming services tend to be more reliable than "other" streaming services.

Thank you everybody for your informative replies.
1. That 12mb was a one off, its normally between 5 and 7 mb each evening.
2. I have heard of Gwen about the satellite system but someone on this thread said I may not get English channels?
3. Yen did call about 10 days ago, he is a great guy and he did fix a few issues however, its gone worse since then the "playback error" is the worst issue. I am going to move the router from the hallway into the lounge to see if that improves the signal?

What channels do you want to watch? I mostly watch BBC iplayer & ITV hub for live & catchup. I also watch Netflix for films and series. I watch all of these channels directly on my TV via the Apps. I am with Multimax and subscribe to Streamvia (£4.99 pm) and can honestly say that it is extremely rare to have any buffering when watching via the Apps. I also have a firestick that I use for watching movies and shows that are not available on the apps. However the firestick does often buffer because there are playback issues with the link. If it gets too bad during a film I then select another link that is not so large but the quality isn't always as good. It can be a pain trying to find the right link sometimes.

I stopped my TV from buffering by screwing it to the wall with some 8 inch screws!

I have had the problem with various internet providers over the years while using android boxes but have switched to IP TV thro my android box which I have found really good with an amazing choice of channels including all the sports channels. A number of them will give a 24 hour trial for free, costs start around £7 per month or £30 a year.

I second silverfir re Paul and Gwyn @ Satellite Cyprus. Of course you get UK channels and many others beside. It isn't cheap but it works. All the time. As with most things in this life, you get what you pay for.

Would you please tell me or PM me with the price please, thanks.

I am with XRealnet and have zero buffering. I use a Firestick and am hardwired to the router rather than using wifi.

Don't like Firesticks, we use one of the latest MAG boxes and subscribe to a genuine IPTV. You only get what you pay for.

Thanks everybody again for your very useful suggestions. I suspect its my internet connection. Spoke with my provider today they are calling on Monday to take a look, if that does not resolve the issue, I will try your suggestions.

JoandJelly wrote: ↑

Sat 19 Dec 2020 9:10 am

I am with XRealnet and have zero buffering. I use a Firestick and am hardwired to the router rather than using wifi.

Using a cable instead of wi-fi is the best advice.

I Use FireStick, no buffering at all, BUT I have a Router that is a AC1750 Wireless Dual Band Gigabit Router Supports 802.11ac standard - Faster than wireless N speeds

Simultaneous 2.4GHz 450 Mbps and 5GHz 1300 Mbps connections for 1.75Gbps of total available bandwidth works ok/

In Otherwords get the fastest router you can find, so there not a traffic jam at the distribution (at the router)

Thank you, mine is pretty basic, a two prong type, like I said I will give my provider first shot at it Monday, lets see what they come up with.

mollie the cat, when we first had a router yonks ago, we were told "it doesn't how many "prongs" there are, what did we know? Then we had 4 "prongs" and what a difference it made, There is so much concrete and distance to travel to reach various devices in the house.

Thanks Sophie, the problem we have is that the router is situated in the hallway, between the hallway and the lounge where the TV is we have two double doors, we keep them closed at this time of year to keep the heat in the lounge, you are right that could be the problem, its about 12 feet from the router to the TV.

Might be an idea to get a wi-fi extender, or if you have an old router, that can be used to extend the range. Have a word with your ISP on Monday to see if that might help.

Mollie the cat wrote: ↑

Sat 19 Dec 2020 2:48 pm

Thanks Sophie, the problem we have is that the router is situated in the hallway, between the hallway and the lounge where the TV is we have two double doors, we keep them closed at this time of year to keep the heat in the lounge, you are right that could be the problem, its about 12 feet from the router to the TV.

Move the router next to the TV and connect them via cable then get a wifi booster for your hallway.

I'm with Nethouse, use a firestick and WiFi. No buffering at all, ever.
Highly recommended Nethouse, they're significantly cheaper than MM and their technical department is excellent.

Jane M wrote: ↑

Sat 19 Dec 2020 4:43 pm

I'm with Nethouse, use a firestick and WiFi. No buffering at all, ever.
Highly recommended Nethouse, they're significantly cheaper than MM and their technical department is excellent.

It really depends on your location. I was with them for a while and they went from ok to tear out hair stage. I don't even think they cover my area any more.

alphamike wrote: ↑

Sat 19 Dec 2020 5:09 pm

Jane M wrote: ↑

Sat 19 Dec 2020 4:43 pm

I'm with Nethouse, use a firestick and WiFi. No buffering at all, ever.....

It really depends on your location.... I don't even think they cover my area any more.

As you say, location probably does matter - I believe some other ISPs don't cover all the (north of the) island; in Karsiyaka, Nethouse works well for me...

First get a gigabit router, I have an Asus mesh gigabit, brilliant cover throughout the villa. Then hardwire the network connection to a good quality TV box. You could also try powerline adaptors which use your power outlets to pass data. A powerful Media streaming device, I have a nvidia shield 2019 Pro box running Google TV. Finally ensure you have the best isp in your area, I've tried them all in 15 years here and have stuck with nethouse for the last 3 years. Good luck!

Hi coffer. Does anywhere here sell powerline adaptors? Thanks.

Laura B wrote: ↑

Sun 20 Dec 2020 11:17 am

Hi coffer. Does anywhere here sell powerline adaptors? Thanks.

I have bought from Laconic in the past, and I'm sure that most of the good computer shops will sell them.

Thanks Keith......once again.

Latest: Multimax called moved the router within 3 inches of the TV, had the TV on all afternoon, no playback issues or buffering as yet? The engineer did a speed test on his phone 22 MB, when I did the test on my lap top only 9 MB? I have done several tests since then, each time the phones test is at least 5 MB more than the lap top, which one is correct?

I think they are both correct because that is what each of them are receiving from the router. That is down to the wifi antennas in each of them. It also depends on what else is using the signal at the same time. Keep doing a regular check on the signal and if need be contact them again. I have always found Multimax to be very helpful.

When I was having problems with my internet and I am with MultiMax, I rang and complained about the signal. A very helpful man on the end of the phone told me he could see the problem and it was my router, I needed a new one. He also told me that a suitable router would cost iro 300tl from them but I could probably source one cheaper elsewhere. He did advise me to connect the laptop straight into the cable from the dish thereby avoiding the router.

That worked ok for a while but then back to the old problem. I rang again and spoke to a different person who sent two 'engineers' out. The result? Water in the cable from the receiver to the router in a three year old cable. They renewed the cable and now I only have the usual problems tha most people have with the inadequate infrastructure here.

AliExpress free shipping, used them loads of time , very good.

Is that delivered to an address here or in the South?

To Catalkoy post office, my home address