Experience lagging when streaming live sports can be incredibly frustrating. While the stadium and pub are cheering, and the group chat is blowing up, you’re left having no idea what is going on.
So, what are the common issues that may be causing these tear-your-hair-out-moments? And how can you fix them? Read on for everything you need to know.
No matter how good your internet connection typically is, having bad days is inevitable. You can’t expect 100% stable internet all of the time, and you definitely won’t get it either. There are various reasons why your internet is having a bad day, including the weather and a fault with your supplier.
Sometimes, your computer can’t handle streaming a video without overloading. The video is playing faster than your laptop can encrypt it, and the dread buffering begins.
Occasionally, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may intentionally slow down your bandwidth. This is known as bandwidth throttling, and while it’s frustrating, it’s entirely acceptable for them to do. This is especially common if you are streaming Live Sports often. Your ISP can see how much streaming you are partaking in and how much bandwidth you are using and interfere if they see fit.
If your bandwidth is being throttled, then connecting to a VPN before you stream the game will instantly fix the problem. Since a VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, your ISP will have no idea that you are streaming any live sports and, therefore, will not interfere with your connection.
With a VPN, you can use an IP address from anywhere in the world and safely stream any sports games for as long as you want without any interruption.
On those days where your internet can’t seem to wake up or the storm outside is messing with your connection, the easiest way to fix it is by using your ethernet cable. Connecting your laptop or tv to the router directly with the ethernet cable will give you a stronger and more stable connection.
It may be annoying to have to move a few things around, particularly if the cable doesn’t reach well, but it’ll be worth it to have a steady connection for the big game.
If your computer can’t keep up with the video, then you’ll have to lower a couple of things to help. Since the resolution of the video stream has the biggest effect on the CPU, start by lowering the resolution from 1080 to 720. This should be enough to stop any lagging and let you enjoy your game in peace.
However, if you are still having overloading issues, then another option that you can try or do to lower the resolution, which you may have to do, is to reduce the frame rate. If the frame rate is higher than 30FPS, then bring it down to 30.
If your computer is still overloading after these solutions, then run through this checklist here for a couple more options before it’s time to get the professionals in to check out your CPU.
Your live sports games lagging are most likely caused by one of the issues above, which is great news since you also now have the solution. By using a wired connection, lowering the resolution, or connecting to a VPN, you can finally stop missing out on those game-changing moments.