Compatibility
Will IPTV work on the television you already own?
Almost certainly yes, and this page tells you how well. Rather than a list of ticks, it explains where each device performs and where it falls down, because that is the difference between a good evening and a frustrating one.
Have it checked in one message
Send us the make and model printed on the back of the television, or the name of your streaming box. We will tell you exactly what to expect.
Supported hardware
Every device we support, with the honest note attached
Ranking them
What we would put in an Irish sitting room, in order
This is what we would recommend to family, based on the faults we actually spend our time fixing.
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An Android TV or Google TV device
The most predictable option. Enough memory for the guide, straightforward app installation, and it keeps working when the television manufacturer stops updating its own software.
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A Fire TV Stick 4K
Cheap, widely available in Ireland and perfectly capable. Storage is tight, so keep the number of installed apps low and it behaves well.
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A recent Samsung or LG smart TV
Convenient because there is nothing extra to plug in. Sets from about 2020 onward handle it comfortably; earlier ones can be slow through the guide.
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Apple TV
Excellent hardware and a very smooth picture. Player app choice is narrower than on Android, so the setup is slightly more prescriptive.
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A MAG or Formuler box
Reliable and simple for people who want a dedicated device with nothing else on it. Configuration is done by MAC address, so we set it up for you.
We do not sell hardware and we earn nothing from these recommendations. Buy whichever suits you from any Irish retailer.
Your connection
Broadband: the part nobody wants to talk about
More disappointment with IPTV comes from the connection than from anything else. These are realistic expectations for the kinds of line found around Ireland.
| Connection | Typical experience | What we would advise |
|---|---|---|
| Full fibre | Comfortable HD on more than one device without difficulty. | Nothing special. Use Wi-Fi if the signal is strong where the television sits. |
| Cable or fibre to the cabinet | Good Reliable HD on one stream; evening peaks can show occasionally. | Use a network cable to the main television if you can run one. |
| Fixed wireless or rural broadband | Varies enormously by location and weather. Sometimes excellent, sometimes not. | Start with a one-month term and test it during peak hours before committing to a year. |
| Mobile broadband or a hotspot | Not recommended Live streaming consumes data quickly and latency is unpredictable. | We would rather you did not buy than be disappointed. Talk to us first. |
Device guides
Setup written for your exact device
Compatibility questions
What people ask us before buying
My television is from 2015. Will it work?
It may play perfectly well while the menus feel sluggish, because older processors struggle with the programme guide rather than with the video itself. In that situation a streaming stick plugged into the same television gives a much better experience for a small one-off cost.
Do I need to buy a special box?
Usually not. Most Irish households already own something suitable. We only suggest new hardware when your existing device genuinely cannot cope, and we tell you what to look for rather than selling it to you.
Can I use it on my phone while travelling?
Yes, on the same subscription, as long as only one stream is playing at a time. Bear in mind that mobile data use is heavy and hotel Wi-Fi is often the weak link rather than the service.
What broadband speed do I actually need?
As a working rule, about 15 Mbps sustained for reliable HD on one stream, more if other people in the house are streaming at the same time. What matters more than the headline speed is whether the connection stays steady during peak evening hours.
One message
Have your device checked before you spend anything
Send the make and model. If we think it will struggle, we will tell you what to do about it, even when the answer is that you should not buy from us yet.
Prefer email? Write to [email protected]. We answer 09:00 to 23:00 Irish time.