SBS On Demand uses adaptive streaming for videos, meaning that the stream is served dependent on the bandwidth available. All videos will begin on a low bitrate but should quickly move up to a higher bitrate if available. Other streaming services may work differently.
A minimum download speed of 3 Mbps is required for standard definition (SD) and 5 Mbps for 1080p HD.
Poor connection to SBS On Demand despite high internet speeds can generally be alleviated with a few methods:
Web
- Try switching wifi networks if possible and/or turning your network connection off and back on again
- Check to ensure you don't have any network ad blockers, custom DNS or VPNs enabled. SBS On Demand is not supported to run in conjunction with VPNs, so you'll need to disable your VPN in order to stream successfully.
- Clear your browser cache;
- Ensure your PC/Mac has no pending updates and web browsers are on their most recent versions;
- Restart your PC/Mac and power cycle your modem.
Mobile Devices
- Close any apps running in the background;
- Power cycle your device and modem;
- Delete the app, and then reinstall it from your devices app store to ensure you're on the latest version;
- Ensure your device is running the latest OS
- Ensure there no VPN enabled on your device. SBS On Demand is not supported to run in conjunction with VPNs, so you'll need to disable your VPN in order to stream successfully.
- Try streaming directly from your mobile data. If your streaming experience improves, refer back to your ISP for further support.
Smart TVs
- Perform a soft reset to restart your television - this is usually done by holding down the power button on the remote for 3 - 5 seconds until the television shuts down and restarts;
- Delete and reinstall the app;
- Ensure there is no VPNs or network ad blockers enabled on the network your smart TV is using. SBS On Demand is not supported to run in conjunction with VPNs, so you'll need to disable your VPN in order to stream successfully.
- Try briefly hot-spotting your television from your mobile data. If your streaming experience improves, refer back to your ISP for further support.
If you're having continued issues streaming SBS On Demand on your Smart TV, we also recommend performing a speed test directly from your device. To do this;
- Open the browser on your television;
- Type in the URL speedtest.net;
- Hit GO to commence the speed test;
- SBS recommends a minimum download speed of 3 Mbps. If your speed test result is lower than this, contact your ISP to ensure you're getting the best possible service.
If problems persist, please contact our customer support team for further troubleshooting.