Wausau Tech Support Resource Center
Smart TV & Streaming Help Center
Buffering, remote trouble, or can't sign in to an app? Work through the right decision tree for smart TVs and streaming devices.
Smart TV vs. Streaming Device — What's the Difference?
A "smart TV" has streaming apps built directly into the television. A "streaming device" (like a Roku, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast) is a separate small box or stick that plugs into any TV's HDMI port and runs the apps instead. Many homes actually use both — a smart TV with a separate streaming device plugged in, often because the device has newer software or a better remote than the TV's own system.
Buffering Decision Tree
Buffering happens on every app, on every device in the house
This points to your internet connection itself. Restart your router (see our Home Wi-Fi Help Center for the full steps), and check whether your internet plan's speed is enough for the number of devices streaming at once in your home.
Buffering happens only on one TV or streaming device
Likely a Wi-Fi signal-strength issue at that specific TV's location, or that device needs a software update. Try moving the streaming device's Wi-Fi antenna orientation, or consider a wired connection (an Ethernet adapter) for TVs that are far from the router.
Buffering happens only on one specific app
That points to the app or the streaming service itself rather than your network — check if the service has a known outage, and try fully closing and reopening the app, or restarting the TV/streaming device.
Other Common Issues
Can't sign in to a streaming app
Double-check you're using the same email and password as your account on a phone or computer — passwords are easy to mistype on a TV remote. Many services also offer signing in by visiting a website on your phone and entering a code shown on the TV screen, which avoids typing a password with the remote entirely.
The remote isn't working, or the TV won't respond
- Replace the remote's batteries — this is the most common fix.
- Unplug the TV or streaming device from power for 30 seconds, then plug back in.
- Check nothing is physically blocking the remote sensor on the TV.
Organizing which streaming subscriptions you actually pay for
It's easy to lose track of which services you're subscribed to across an app store, a cable/satellite bill, and direct sign-ups. During a visit, we can help you review what's currently active on your devices so you can decide what to keep and cancel anything you're no longer using.
If none of this resolves it, book TV & Streaming Help and we'll sort it out in person.
Ready for a Real Person to Take Care of This?
TV & Streaming Help is a flat $99.00 home visit, 60 minutes. A friendly local technician comes to you.
New customers can check if they qualify for $19.00 off their first visit (code FIXIT19) during booking.
Related Guides
Home Wi-Fi Help
Slow, dropping or confusing home Wi-Fi? Work through a simple decision tree to find out what's likely happening and what to try.
Home Tech Problem Finder
Not sure what's wrong or who to call? Choose your device and symptom and we'll walk you through safe first steps and the right next move.
Written and reviewed by the Wausau Tech Support team. Last reviewed September 21, 2026. This guide offers general, plain-language information — it is not professional cybersecurity, legal or financial advice. When in doubt about a specific situation, call us directly.