NOW TV stream quality can sometimes vary from time-to-time. Because of this, you are usually uncertain whether you would enjoy your favourite programmes at the comfort of your devices.
This television service is a must, especially if you have specific interests. Their pay-as-you-go scheme allows you to purchase your desired media content on a monthly subscription.
But as alluring as this may sound, the usual NOW TV low stream quality may throw you off the course
Nevertheless, you may maximize their services by understanding how you could improve your NOW TV stream quality.
Here, we take a more in-depth look into these components.
Maximum Stream Quality Now TV: Available Plans
Throughout the years, Now TV has offered all its content in the standard 720p quality.
However, this would usually result in a slightly soft-edged picture and may limit your full watching experience.
Fortunately, you can now upgrade to the Now TV Boost to get Full HD 1080p Streaming
You can watch on three different screens simultaneously with up to 50fps video streaming on your favourite sports channels.
It also works perfectly well with your Entertainment, Sky Cinema, Sky Sports, and Kids Passes.
However, the only downside of this plan is that it is only available if you are willing to lay out an additional £3 per month.
It also does not currently support the Sky Sports Mobile and Hayu Passes.
Maximum Stream Quality Now TV: Device Compatibility
You can have access to Now TV on a variety of devices. Among these include mobile phones, Laptops, Smart TVs, and Game Consoles.
You can also purchase their unique line of Set-top Boxes or Sticks. Below is a list of devices that currently do not support this television service:
List of Incompatible Devices
- Smart TV – Sony, Panasonic, Samsung Serif Range, Toshiba
- Mobile – Windows phone, Kindle Fire tablet
- Laptop – Chromebook
- Game Console – Nintendo Wii
However, not all devices are compatible with its HD plan. Older gadgets and set-top boxes can only support up to 720p.
Quick Fact
Both PC and Mac are also incompatible with its Full HD 1080p streaming quality.
If you want to upgrade to their Boost package, you might have to get a new compatible device.
Below is a list of gadgets that currently do not support its HD service:
Devices That Do Not Support Full HD 1080p
- Smart TV – EETV, Apple TV
- Mobile – Android & iOS smartphones and tablets
- Chromecast – 1st & 2nd Generation
- Game Console – Xbox One, PS3
It is also worth noting that all their set-top boxes and sticks use adaptive bit rate to give you the best streaming experience.
Thus, the picture quality of your online videos would significantly depend on your internet speed.
How to Change NOW TV Stream Quality?
All Now TV content is available in its 720p HD quality. But in some cases, this may go as low as 144p.
To check whether you have set your NowTV stream quality to its default range, follow the guided steps below.
- Go to the Home menu.
- Click on Settings.
- Select Display Type.
- Choose 720p HD TV.
- Hit “Play” on your chosen programme or movie.
How to Improve NOW TV Stream Quality?
Like any streaming service, you would often experience Now TV low stream quality on your devices.
This issue can be quite frustrating, especially if you are in the middle of a heart-pounding action scene.
But fortunately, there are several easy-to-follow troubleshooting methods that you can try at home.
1. Restart the App
The first troubleshooting method you should try is restarting your chosen show.
- Press the Back button on your remote control.
- Select the show again and wait for it to load.
If restarting the show does not solve this issue, try closing the Now TV app instead and then opening it again.
If this still does not work, you can try deleting the app then download it back on your device.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Most of the time, buffering and low-resolution videos may be due to weak and intermittent connections.
So, the best way to improve this is by checking your internet speed.
For broadband users, you would need at least 2.5 Mbps to enjoy blockbuster movies.
But if you are using 3G or 4G, you need a minimum speed of 450 Kbps. You may check your internet connection through these websites:
- Speedtest.net
- Fast.com
However, if you are a Now Broadband customer, you may visit Technical Checks to see whether there are network issues in your area.
3. Move Your Hub
Your Hub’s position significantly affects your WiFi connection. If you want to maximize your internet signal, move it closer to the device you are watching on.
If you own a set-top box, you can also connect it to your router using an ethernet cable.
4. Limit Internet Use
Your slow internet may be due to multiple devices connected on your network simultaneously.
Try disconnecting some gadgets and check whether your internet speed has improved.
You can also delay downloading or uploading large files when you are streaming on your device.
Playing online games also uses up a lot of data, so be sure to stop gaming when you stream.
5. Hard Reset
Many technical issues on your streaming experience can get fixed by performing a factory reset on your smart boxes or sticks.
When you do this, it will return the device to its default factory settings.
To do this method, follow the guided steps below:
- Go to Settings.
- Select System then Advanced System Settings.
- Click on Factory Reset.
- Enter the 4-digit code shown on the screen.
After you do a hard reset on your device, make sure to set it up again. The on-screen instructions for this process are pretty straightforward, so you do not need to worry about a thing.
6. Adjust Your Data Settings
You can improve your streaming quality by manually changing your data settings or bitrate. To do this method, follow the guided steps below.
Make sure to use your remote control.
- Press the Home button five times.
- Press the Rewind button thrice.
- Press the Fast Forward button twice.
- Once you see your device’s bitrate options, select Automatic.
Experience The Best Now TV Stream Quality!
Getting low-resolution videos is a common issue we experience when streaming our favourite shows.
But by following the methods we discussed, you can get the best Now TV stream quality at the palm of your hands.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites.