Streaming with Satellite Internet [Guide]

Satellite internet is a great solution for those who live in rural and remote locations. While it  doesn’t offer the same speeds that other internet connection types do, with a few optimizations, and the right device settings, satellite will work just fine for streaming. 

In our guide below, we’ll share tips and best practices for maximizing your connection, avoiding buffering, and troubleshooting poor video quality. 

Starting Price

$64.99/mo.

Max Download

25 Mbps

833-481-4458

Starting Price

$49.99 – $149.99/mo.

Max Download

12 – 100 Mbps

855-339-3045

Test Your Internet Speed

In order to make the right adjustments, it’s best to know what your internet speed is right up front. Run an internet speed test to see what you have to work with, then take that speed and compare it to some of the top streaming platforms’ minimum download speed requirements in the table below. Remember, these are minimums, and of course, more speed will provide a more reliable and stable experience.

Streaming Services Minimum Download Requirements

Optimize Your Router

There are a few things you can adjust on your router to optimize your internet connection for video streaming. This includes setting up Quality of Service (QoS) rules to prioritize bandwidth for video streaming and updating the firmware to ensure the best performance.

Increase Bandwidth Allocation:

If you want to get the most out of your satellite internet connection when streaming video, it is important to increase the bandwidth allocation on your router. This will allow more data throughput which in turn will improve video quality while reducing buffering times.

Quality of Service (QoS) settings are used by routers to prioritize certain types of traffic over others based on user-defined criteria such as IP address or port number range. For example, if you set a higher priority for video streaming traffic than other types of web browsing activities, then it will ensure that any available bandwidth goes towards improving video quality.

Update Router Firmware and Drivers:

Keeping your router’s firmware and drivers up to date is essential for optimizing video streaming over satellite internet. Outdated firmware can cause slow speeds, lagging connections, or even complete disconnections from the network. 

The process to update firmware and adjust the QoS settings depends on the model of the device. Check your modem or router manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to do so. 

Use a Wired Connection

The only way to achieve the fastest internet speed of your internet plan is to plug your device into the router with an ethernet cable. While WiFi is very convenient and reduces cable clutter, it doesn’t provide the fastest possible connection between your devices and the router. If possible, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi to stream HD video to ensure that your connection is stable and free from interference.

Reduce Video Quality

If your internet speed is not fast enough to handle HD video, you can reduce the video quality to standard definition (SD). This will reduce the amount of data used and may help with buffering issues.

How to Adjust Video Playback Settings

High-quality (HD and 4K) video may not work on slower internet speeds. To improve your viewing experience and optimize the video playback quality for your internet connection, we suggest lowering the quality. Here’s how to adjust the video playback settings in a few of the most popular streaming services:

Netflix

• Log into your account and click on your profile
• Select “Account”
• Under “My Profile,” select “Playback Settings”
• You can adjust the video playback quality by selecting “Auto” or “Low,” “Medium,” or “High.”

Hulu

• Go to “Settings” from the main menu
• Select “Video Playback Quality”
• You can adjust the video quality by selecting “Auto” or “Low,” “Medium,” or “High.”

YouTube

• Go to “Settings” from the main menu
• Select “Playback Quality”
• You can adjust the video quality by selecting “Auto” or “Low,” “Medium,” or “High.”

Disney+

• Go to “Settings” from the main menu
• Select “Video Quality”
• You can adjust the video quality by selecting “Auto” or “Low,” “Medium,” or “High.”

HBO Max

• Go to “Settings” from the main menu
• Select “Video Quality”
• You can adjust the video quality by selecting “Auto” or “Low,” “Medium,” or “High.”

Apple TV

• Go to “Settings” from the main menu
• Select “Video and Audio”
• Under “Video Resolution,” you can select “Auto” or “1080p,” “720p,” or “480p.”

Amazon Prime Video

• Go to “Settings” from the main menu
• Select “Video Quality”
• You can adjust the video quality by selecting “Auto” or “Low,” “Medium,” or “High.”

Disable or End Other Internet Activities

Another simple step you can take to improve your streaming video experience is to stop all other internet activity in your household. Make sure to disable other internet-intensive activities, such as downloading large files or playing online games, which will free up more bandwidth for the video stream.

Understanding Satellite Internet Data Caps and Download Speeds

Most satellite internet providers offer what is considered a tiered data plan. This means that they allow you to use a certain amount of data per month at the highest speed. Once you use up the high-speed data, you’ll have unlimited data for the rest of the month, but it will be at a reduced speed.  It’s important to check with your provider to find out what their data cap limits are so you don’t exceed them and incur extra charges on your bill.

When streaming video over satellite internet, it’s important to consider data caps and download speeds. Research different providers to find the best plan for your needs, budget, and customer service support.

HughesNet includes a Video Data Saver mode as part of its service. This feature adjusts the download speed of your connection when you are streaming video to reduce the impact on your high-speed data allotment. However, because this will slow your internet connection, it is important to go through the steps above to optimize your streaming experience.

Starting Price

$64.99/mo.

Data Caps

No

833-481-4458

Satellite Internet Maintenance

If you’re a satellite internet customer, it’s a good idea to set up a regular maintenance schedule to keep your connection performing optimally. However, as part of preparing your connection to get the most out of video streaming, we recommend doing it now. Our helpful satellite internet maintenance guide breaks down easy things you can do to keep your connection working optimally, whether you’re streaming, gaming online, or working from home.

We know that streaming high-definition video over satellite can be tricky at times. Hopefully, this guide helps you dial in your connection to provide the most stable and buffer-free streaming experience possible.

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