Buffering is an issue felt across the whole technology universe; be that when using a posh-expensive computer or going through one of our high quality cheap LED TVs, buffering has been the bane of every computer owner’s life since the invention of the internet. However, back in the day when connection speeds were internationally poor, we didn’t know any better and tolerated the six days it would take to open an image. Now, we’re spoilt little e-brats who want everything and WE WANT IT NOW! Like, right now. Not in two minutes when the video will be ready… right this second.
We’re all guilty of feeling that false sense of security that occurs once a video has buffered and then restarts, thinking, “ahh, it’s working,” only for it to stop and buffer again three seconds later. What’s worse is that not only do we fall for that several times consecutively, but we know that if we just pause it and allow it to do its thing for two minutes, then it will be loaded… but who has two minutes?
Reduce Video Quality
This isn’t ideal, of course, but if something’s struggling in HD, it might have better luck if you alter the video quality. Ideally everything would be in at least 1080p, but when ol’ buffer strikes, you may need to concede and drop to 720p. Quite often the video quality isn’t too terribly affected, although if it is, you can always consider the pausing technique… thought not.
Isolate Video Streaming
Like everyone ever, a lot of impatience stems from trying to do a thousand things at once on the internet, then getting frustrated when your computer asks you to be reasonable. If you have the option of ditching some of the tasks your computer is undertaking, isolate your video streaming and enjoy it in all its glory.
Delete Cache
Deleting the temporary files held on your device will reduce the amount of memory spent (and sometimes wasted) on the extra files. Less space equals less memory, so delete what you don’t need and listen to your device breathe a sigh of relief.
Dependant on your device, there are other techniques you can adopt; for example, on a computer you have to consider the possibility of a virus, so make sure your anti-virus and anti-spyware is up-to-date. Other success stories have come from turning off hardware acceleration in Flash videos or simply updating to the latest version of the running software.
And finally…
Be Patient
Patience makes everything better. Don’t let your technology get the better of you. With so many technological problems it is quite often the smallest and most silly thing that has gone unnoticed, so make sure you check all avenues before you decide to become a rock-star and throw your TV out of the window. If you do opt for the route of televisual destruction and need a replacement, or would simply like to speak to one of our team members about our fantastic range of cheap LED TVs, contact us on 0121 327 3273 and we can discuss your requirements or inform you of the services we have available.
Best of luck with your buffering woes!
