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TV Internet connectivity

Lursa

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Hi all. I stream my TV, including local channels. I have a few services, but get the local channels and movies, series originals, etc on HULU.

I have the TV connected directly to my router, it's not wireless. It could be but direct connection of course delivers better performance.

My TV drops HULU frequently and it varies from day to day, probably based on regional demand. It doesnt drop any of the other streaming services.

My TV is a Samsung HD flatscreen, 5 yrs old.

Have there been advances in TVs that would enable better handling of the bandwidth delivered? More efficient or stronger technology? Could this be something I could improve on with a newer TV?


In general, my connectivity is fine, I WFH, I have decent screen resolutions and speeds, etc. But it's not optimum, it's doubtful I can get 'optimum.' I'm rural and dont have a lot of options on my Internet service...we discuss it all the time on NextDoor and Ziply Fiber is the best of the mediocre choices.

Suggestions?
 

I have done that, thanks. It could be HULU, there have been times where they've made upgrades and it took them awhile to catch up on bugs, connectivity, UI, etc. It has been more noticeable for about 3 days...they may fix it.

In any case, I cant fix them or my connectivity (AFAIK). So that's why I was wondering about a solution with a new TV with improved connectivity technology. No idea if that exists tho.
 

Have you tried deleting and reinstalling Hulu?
 
Demon said:
Have you tried deleting and reinstalling Hulu?
Click to expand...

I dont think you do that. It's not installed. I can just connect to the same thing on my tablet and laptop and phone. Altho the phone app for HULU is better for viewing, it's a different UI modified for phone screens.
 
Don't see any reason you'd have issues with a TV that recent, or even older. Especially hardwired.

I have a mini(brick)PC I stream(wireless) out to my dumb TV In shed with that's close to 10 years old. Surely the electronics in any TV 5 years ago are well up to snuff.

When it starts to act up, have you paused/closed and ran speed then to see if it has dumped off?
 
Sounds like an internet delivery problem.
 

No, I havent tested it then. It's usually in the middle of something and I just want to reconnect. It does tend to happen on the hr or half-hr when TV shows might be ending/starting. But it also happens randomly.

It doesnt seem like there's much I can do if it's not an equipment issue.
 
It could be a HULU problem or it could be your internet service. If it's HULU, it could be as simple as an app reset or update, or call technical support. If it is your internet connection you may just need to upgrade. I am rural as well but have a 1 GHZ fiber optic connection with AT&T, and I stream everything with no issues whatsoever. You may or may not have that option with your provider.
 
We have ATT DSL and it just doesn't work with Hulu, no matter what we try. Prime, Netflix, YoutubeTV works just fine, Hulu does not.
We check in now and then when they offer free trials.
 
Lovebug said:
We have ATT DSL and it just doesn't work with Hulu, no matter what we try. Prime, Netflix, YoutubeTV works just fine, Hulu does not.
We check in now and then when they offer free trials.
Click to expand...

That's so weird. I have Xfinity cable, and if Hulu's out everything else is too.
 
Personally I would just get something like an Apple TV (especially if you have other Apple devices) or a Roku. The apps just run so much better on there than they ever could on the TV and I have never had issues with an Apple TV streaming app. You also get things like using your voice or phone to enter text in a search or a password.
 
Demon said:
That's so weird. I have Xfinity cable, and if Hulu's out everything else is too.
Click to expand...

It doesnt go out, it just drops connectivity and returns to the default app, SamsungTV (which I really like btw). So I have to click it with the remote ans start it again. It's not a big deal but it takes time and it's annoying in the middle of a program. Sometimes you can rewind back, sometimes you cant.
 

I have the Amazon Alexa...dont bother with it anymore, the voice rec wasnt that great. It takes over and I really dont like it...I like the catalog and guide that SamsungTV provides for free.

And it's wireless, so I dont think it would be better than my TV being connected directly to my router by a network cable, would it?
 
I have my Apple TV wired directly to the router. I never use Siri on my Apple TV by voice I mean you can just basically type using your voice. I find all the apps on TV can be quite laggy or just flat out break sometimes but they are very snappy and responsive on my Apple TV. Had friends who got Rokus for a similar reason.
 

Amazon Firestick! That's what it's called. Forgot. Since it was wireless, the connectivity wasnt strong enough so I opted to use the network cable direct.
 

When HULU makes changes, they often have glitches and other issues. It's only been 3-4 days so I'm seeing if they fix it.

And I dont have a lot of options to upgrade my connectivity, as I wrote. They are putting in fiber out here but not my neighborhood yet. Everyone is reporting it when they get to them on our local NextDoor.
 
Television manufacturers tend to be terrible about supporting and updating apps. Once a new model year shows up, support for streaming apps quickly erodes. I echo the advice to get a Roku, Apple TV or similar and return the TV to being a “dumb” display with the “smarts” in something that is far better supported.
 
I third the Roku (or something else). I know the Roku Ultra can be connected with Ethernet, and I think a few other versions can too. I had an older smart tv that didn't update anymore.
 
Guessing by now your problem is fixed, but sounds like a wiring problem likely outside of your home. Sounds like you are having DNS issues, which is a calling card for connectivity problems.
 
iamwhatiseem said:
Guessing by now your problem is fixed, but sounds like a wiring problem likely outside of your home. Sounds like you are having DNS issues, which is a calling card for connectivity problems.
Click to expand...

Yes, it is. It seems like it was HULU making updates and not having all systems tested and glitches worked out, which is somewhat normal for them when they add features and do upgrades. It takes awhile to do a system shakedown. Thank you.
 
Lursa said:
Yes, it is. It seems like it was HULU making updates and not having all systems tested and glitches worked out, which is somewhat normal for them when they add features and do upgrades. It takes awhile to do a system shakedown. Thank you.
Click to expand...
I know others said it, but you would do well to buy a Roku Ultra. You would love it. Sooooo much faster and better than the low quality and memory lacking Smart TV interface. And apps update in the background regularly on Roku. App providers will be sure to update for Roku due to it's popularity worldwide.
 
Lursa said:
Suggestions?
Click to expand...

Without speed tests to show both ping and then upload / download capability it is hard to diagnose.

As for TVs that have capability to have apps on them to stream services, ensure both the TV operating system (they do have them) and all the apps themselves are up to date.
 
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