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The Kitchen Table

A question just for those who stream video

14 years ago

Netflix, Amazon, etc.

Not using AppleTV; going the Roku box path so I can have more choices, as iTunes's tv and movie selection are pretty slim, based on a quick title search.

But first I really need to upgrade my Internet speed. I have DSL, terrible buffering, upload/download speeds are laughable, but I wanted the minimum-cost plan (well, above dial-up, that is), so that's what I get.

The question: What's the minimum speed you need for streaming?

Roku requires 1.1 mbps.

I have an upgrade offer from Verizon (mass mailing, get one every month) to go to 3/1 mbps Fios.

Is that enough for streaming?

Or do I need something faster -- 15/5 mbps?

I don't do gaming or anything that would require blazing fast.

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Comments (7)

kudzu9
14 years ago
Does this help?...

Here is a link that might be useful: Mimimum speed for Roku
oldgardener_2009
14 years ago
Our download speed is 1.22 Mbps, which is the fastest we can get in this area. It works fine for streaming video in most cases. Sometimes it pauses for a bit to catch up but not for more than a few seconds. It doesn't bother us, gives us a chance to discuss what we're watching and pet the cat, etc. ;) But most of the time it doesn't pause at all, and we can watch a full movie/TV show on Netflix without interruption.
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cynic
14 years ago
I have 1.5mbps DSL and it's fine for streaming video but I also use Opera for a (primary) browser so that could help at times.

Don't be too sure you "have" to upgrade your speed. What browser do you use? Do you clean your system regularly?
kudzu9
14 years ago
I believe the OP wants to watch movies on her tv. What browser you have is not a factor in streaming content to a Roku box, or even what condition your computer is in. The Roku box has a direct connection through your router to the Internet. If you want to watch movies on your computer you can do that without the Roku box. For movies on tv using a Roku box, all that is going to matter is what speed you get from your provider. If it were me, I'd upgrade to the 3/1 Fios. You'll get a better viewing experience, more enjoyable Internet surfing, and less wasted time waiting for pages to load and videos to play.
iowagirl2006
14 years ago
Would the router make a difference?

I had a Cisco router that I had so many issues with - switched to Belkin router and found that all my devices ran SO MUCH faster off the new Belkin router.

I don't stream TV (bandwidth cap - ugh) so I don't know if would make any difference or not - but thought I would mention it.
kudzu9
14 years ago
iowagirl-
If you have a router that's not performing well, it would probably affect the streaming to a Roku box as well.
pammyfay
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks, folks!

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