Internet speed

[number6]

I found this info about phone lines.

" Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) is an access technology that exploits the existing infrastructure of copper wires that were originally deployed for traditional telephone service as a way of delivering very high speed internet access. The main high-speed link (e.g. a fibre optic connection) terminates at a hub near the customers' location. The existing copper wire infrastructure is then used to carry the high speed connection for the short remaining distance to the customers. It can be deployed from central offices, from fiber-optic connected cabinets located near the customer premises, or within buildings. It has been defined in standard ITU-T G.993.2 finalized in 2005."

And what they say about Cyprus.

"Cyprus No VDSL products have appeared from telecom operators in Cyprus yet. OCECPR (NRA) has amended the Frequency Management Plan to facilitate the introduction of VDSL2 and launched its respective consultation."

[holitec]

The information is out of date, Cyprus does have VDSL2 available in the Paphos area - up to 32MB/4MB is available in some areas.

Digby

[number6]

Thanks Digby.

[JeffH]

Would someone in the know please advise the minimum acceptable download speed for watching TV via a MAG 254 box.
We are currently on an entry-level package of up to 3Mbps/128k but, according to speedtest.net, rarely seem to achieve those dizzy heights such that buffering/ freezing is a continued irritant.
To upgrade to 4Mbps will require an additional €18/month, which appears disproportionately excessive when other ISPs are offering 4Mbps, or even 5Mbps, for essentially what we are paying for 3Mbps.
Needless to say we don't wish to needlessly fork out an additional €18 for no appreciable improvement in performance, but by the same token are somewhat reluctant to change our ISP to another who may not be here tomorrow.
Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards,


Minimum I would think is 2MEGS So Jeff get an upgrade, well worth it too! Jim

[number6]

I have run a mag250 on a 2mb service for a long time , and never had problems of buffering.

[JeffH]

I have run a mag250 on a 2mb service for a long time , and never had problems of buffering.

Thanks for your prompt response. Currently we're getting a download of 1.52Mbps, making Football Final Score somewhat reminiscent of watching an old Norman Collier act (if you remember who he was).

[number6]

I remember Norman , he used to do that chicken impression .

[geoffreys2]

If you use a MAG250/254 box, or any other similar type device, if you use WiFi to connect it to a router or PC, check if the wireless channel is interference free.
The channels are often congested especially in built-up urban areas.
We had a buffering issue, changing frequency (i.e. changing channel) cleared it.
Try several channels to find a clear one.
This all refers to the 2.4 GHz WiFi band (Band 'B').
Cheers,
Geoff.

[JeffH]

Thanks to all for your advice. We are hard-wired between the MAG box & router, but how to change channels is far beyond the wherewithal of a computer-numpty like me.
We were optimistic that the buffering/ freezing issue had somehow miraculously resolved itself as TV reception was good yesterday, even enabling us to view catch up without a problem.
Unfortunately tonight we are back at square one as regards buffering etc., with a measured download speed of significantly less than even 2Mb/s, as opposed to the "up to" 3Mb/s we're contracted for. And yes I realise that theoretically even 1Mb/s technically satisfies this criteria, but.....
We've been with our current ISP for over 7-years, but it now appears the best option open to us is for us to somewhat reluctantly transfer our allegiance to one of the other ISPs as mentioned on CL.
Thanks again to everyone for your help.
Regards,

[Admin]

If possible always use a direct ethernet cable connector from your router to any Mag * I ran my cable at great expense over my roof to my Mag, but it avoids Wi-Fi, you should never get buffering with a Mag system it will normal just go off, if this happens just reboot your router. (power off power on)

[JeffH]

If possible always use a direct ethernet cable connector from your router to any Mag

Thanks for the advice Jim, but we are hard-wired (Ethernet cable) between the router and the MAG box and I've repeatedly tried rebooting the system, not to no positive effect.

In the past week I've sent 4 separate support requests to Holitec, but other than the usual automated "a representative will contact you if necessary" we've not even received the courtesy of an acknowledgement.

Last night's viewing via the MAG 254 box was again impossibly fragmented such that we had to connect the laptop to the TV and use Holitec's own "free to view" system. When we used our old Android box we experienced similar buffering issues, which Ashley put down to the contention rate; whatever that may be?

We've been with Holitec virtually since the outset (seven and half years) and whilst Digby, Christine and colleagues are unarguably extremely nice people in themselves the inescapable fact is that the company is no longer providing us with the service expected/ required.

Being as we've paid our subs up to about Xmas, we'll doubtless put up with the problem until then, but likely be obliged to look for an alternative ISP after then.

[number6]

Jeff , sorry to read about your continuing problem . I just had a look at the settings in my mag250 , the buffer size is set at 2 , if you are confident enough it might be worth trying a different setting in yours .

[Admin]

Hello Jeff your problem looks like being your ISP provider, Digby is in the UK at the moment.

[number6]

Jeff I have pm'd you a link to a set of instructions in PDF on how to change buffer settings in a mag box.

It is simple to do and worth trying , you can always go back to your current settings.

[JeffH]

Thanks once again to all, but as we're only receiving a miserly download of 0.78Mbps tonight, resulting in unwatchable TV, we can only conclude that the best solution to our problem is to transfer our allegiance elsewhere, with Holitec no longer being then customer-focused business of yore.

[CLIPPER]

Number 6 would you please send me the instructions on how to change the buffer settings, thank you.

[number6]

Ok Clipper , done .

Again it is no secret , just info provided by uktvcyprus .....thanks to them.

[holitec]

I am sorry for the problem you are experiencing Jeff, I have changed some settings on the main router, we seemed to have a problem with some customers with speeds. I sorted the signal problem earlier today.

I will call tomorrow and check with you.

Regards


Digby

[keving]

Jeff I have pm'd you a link to a set of instructions in PDF on how to change buffer settings in a mag box.

It is simple to do and worth trying , you can always go back to your current settings.

Number6, what do you find is the optimum buffer setting on the Mag250?

[number6]

Mine is set at 2 and I have never had the need to alter it.

But it is handy to know the feature is there if you need it.

[JeffH]

I am sorry for the problem you are experiencing Jeff, I have changed some settings on the main router, we seemed to have a problem with some customers with speeds. I sorted the signal problem earlier today. I will call tomorrow and check with you. Regards, Digby.

Unsurprisingly, Digby failed to call yesterday as promised, but in so saying whatever changes in main router settings have been made look to have resolved the problem, with us getting a download of about 2.3Mb/s last night such that we were even able to watch catch-up, albeit still a little fragmented on a very few occasions.
If Holitec's "Mission Statement" is to infuriate customers then our recent experience certainly look to be working well towards achieving that particular goal.
However, hopefully this particular episode has now been brought to an END.

[JeffH]

Here we go again!!

Download consistently less than 1.0Mb/s today with no response from Holitec via Service Request Tickets or messages left on voice mail.

We've been with Holitec for over 8-years, but it's now time to take our friends' advice & look elsewhere for an ISP that actually delivers.

Whilst Digby & Christine are unarguably nice people in themselves, we are nevertheless totally hacked-off with the abysmal level of non-service provided by Holitec !!

[holitec]

Hi Jeff,

Problem has now been fixed, but I have broken my wrist, hence the slow response today.

I know customers do not care about that, but I have worked on the problem as soon as possible and as soon as the pain killers kicked in.

Regards


Digby

[JeffH]

Good Morning Digby,

Genuinely sorry to hear about the broken wrist, however if Holitec at least had the courtesy to acknowledge communiques, and possibly promptly advise of any problems, then there would be no need for me to go off on one in open forum.
Being ignored is, as you can imagine, extremely infuriating and the root cause of my frustration which continues this morning with us back down to a 1.09Mb/s download (Ping 486!).

Jeff

[JeffH]

For all who have been following this saga please be advised that the Holitec Engineers attended today and replaced the receiver etc. Seemingly the root cause of our reception problem was a conflicting transmitter operating in the vicinity. However the "fix" looks to be working well with me hopeful that it won't be necessary to publically "go off on one" in the future in order to sort matters.
Thanks Digby & Colleagues.

[lion]

The Coral Bay webcam has been down for quite a few days.

[holitec]

Hi Lion,

We have not been able to gain access to Blazing Saddles to fix it yet. They will not let us go during the day.

Regards


Digby
UPDATE - Camera now moved to top of Peyia

[keving]

Paul, I have followed your earlier advice and I changed my video settings from 1080p to 720p and I do not get any improvement at all, I would say it is worse.

I have gone back to 1080p. I have mag254 and 8mb, HDMI connection.

[keving]

As I've said, the video setting of 1080p on my mag254 gives me a better picture in Cyprus than a setting of 720p.

Why do you assert the opposite from Switzerland? I'm telling you what I see in Cyprus.

[keving]

I followed your so called advice (thank you for that) and I reverted back to better settings.

Its always good to experiment, but on this occasion your "advice" proved to be incorrect, for me at least when watching IPTV in Cyprus.

[holitec]

That deal could be matched here, except for the speeds. Our Infrastructure will easily allow for 12Mbps - some customers nearer to the POP can get 100Mbps, and at £16.40 per month with no switch on/off I would be able to offer 8Mbps/1024k. However, our original business plan set up in 2006 was for switch on/off, so probably only 40% of customers pay at a given time. I have looked at going land-lines (we already have 6GBPS of capacity available when required), but the current level of charges for the line rental and port rentals from CYTA do not make it viable - however this may change soon. Also, with a 25GB monthly cap would cause most customers to be charged extra after 2-3 days (average usage is 6-8GB, and heavy TV users using 12-15GB per day).

Digby

[keving]

Are you still charging €18 a month for English/Irish TV channels with no Sky and no VOD at this price?

[keving]

I have a subscription in Cyprus for €6.99 a month

[keving]

I get freesat in my home in the UK and pay a licence fee.

I get English TV in my home in Cyprus through my Mag254 and a monthly subscription of €6.99 euro a month to my IPTV provider