ChannelLive.tv review
Being in the US I miss my tamil entertainment channels a lot. Ofcourse there is SUNTV and VIJAY TV through dish and directv but what if we cannot have dish at our place. My apartment doesn't allow dish and I was looking for other options.
This is when I came across this Channellive.tv ad in Thendral magazine. The ad was impressive when it said you dont need a PC to watch TV and they provide a set top box to view most of the tamil channels. I browsed their website http://www.channellive.tv/. I was a little bit hesitant to order this and called the 888 number on the website to get more info about the company. My question was does this box work and the quality of the channels and the support person ( his name was Prem I guess) said they have around 3000 customers in the US. The tv channels content is uploaded from the middle east to some server in washington etc..(exactly not sure on the specifics). So I decided to give this box a try and ordered the tamil plus plus package. You can get all the packages info at their website. The box was around $100 and the 6 months package was around $100 and the shipping of the box cost was $20. Make sure you read the agreement and the cancellation terms to get a better idea if you plan to cancel this service.
Viewing Options
You can pay a monthly fee and watch it online on the website or get a set top box and connect it to your TV. The set top box needs a ethernet connection.
I ordered the box on Feb 2 and recd on Feb 14. I was told that the set top boxes are on back order and hence the delay of shipping the box out.
Set top box package contents
Set top box, Ethernet Cable, Power Cable, Composite Audio Video Cable - Yellow, Red, White, Remote and Batteries
Installation
The box is very tiny like a small book. Doesn't consume lot of space. It has 2 ethernet ports, AC power plugin and 2 USB ports. The USB ports are for connecting to a wireless network with the help of a wireless USB adapter. At this point I am not sure whether you can use a wireless USB adapter as I couldnt find anywhere in the website.
Setup was very simple..took 5 mins to hook up to my TV. Connected the power and hooked the box to a switch port on the router and connected the audio video cable to the TV. Powered on the set top box on and greeted to a screen where I had to email the MAC address of the box, phone number and the serial number of the settop box to support at channellive.tv. The folks at channelLive have to activate the box for us inorder to start watching the TV channels. It was a saturday when I emailed them the details for activation and I thought I had to wait until Mon to watch the channels but I got my box activated on Sunday.
Viewing Experience
Once activated, You see a screen which says Watch C-Live Tv. Once you go in you can see the list of channels. Once you select a channel it takes 10-15 secs to launch the channel. The remote up and down channel buttons doesnt work..so when you hit the up or the down button it takes us to the home screen where you can choose the channels. I have had it for about 2 weeks and looks pretty good. In my experience Kalaignar TV is of superior quality. Rest others are ok. I have had a few times where the channel just stops..you have to reload it to get it going again. Overall it is ok with a very few hicupps of buffering here and there but definitely not bad.
Channels and their timing
Kalaignar, Jaya, Makkal and Mega TV - all are shown live at CST timing...similar to SUN TV.
March 3, 8 PM IST News for Kalaignar TV will be shown in the US on the same day i.e March 3, 8 PM CST.
Technical Support
I called their tech support line once to see whey buffering occurs. They hinted due to a VOIP line at my home there might be some issues but really this shouldn't be happening was their comment. I have not seen any big issues after my call with them..Tech support number is 630-246-4788.
Try this out if you are interested.
Update: From Sep 2, 2009 - Makkal TV has been removed. Instead Podighai TV has been added. Actually it is nice to watch Podighai TV after along time.
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76 comments:
Hi,
How many inches is your TV. Would it be clear on bigger TV's.
I have the connection for PC and i am planning to buy the set top box.
Thanks
sree
My TV is 27 inches. Yes it is clear for me.
Seems like, it always has buffering issues, Only one day it was ok when I first connected my set top box. After that day I can never view a channel continuously more than a minute, it stops. Tech support always say they are working on their servers..
do you have the same issue always/often ??
Thanks,
Karthik
Hello Karthik
I have not had too much buffering issues to get to a point where I am frustrated..but it happens now and then. Do you have VOIP. Try diconnecting the VOIP and see if channellive works.
Murugappan
I am planning to get a set top box. The website claims to send a user guide as part of the set top box shipment. Does the user guide have instructions to connect via the USB wireless network adapter. Though I doubt that feature works because if it does then would certainly be a selling point. I prefer using a wireless because I need to run at least 50ft of ethernet cable to connect to the TV.
I've personally subscribed to Telugu Super Plus (via PC). The experience has been satisfactory though some times there are buffering issues and when that happens (only seen that happening for Gemini TV) it sustains for an hour at least but usually correct after some time. I think it happens around 5% of the time based on the number of times it happened in the last 3 months of server we've had. If it happens more frequent I decided to cancel the service but for our in-laws that is better than having nothing.
Yeah we choose the service because the dish network or direct tv was out of option for our apartment. The ATT uverse has some channels but no telugu.
I am not sure about the wireless adapter plugin for the box. I think the manuals were not clear about the wireless unit.
Thank you for the response. I posed a question to the support by email asking the question about usage of wireless USB adapter. Will wait for a response.
Great detailed review. Thanks a lot.
thanks for the detailed review. this greatly helps. i am going to try this.
Hi, Just wondering about your viewing experience in these few months? My parents are here & we dont have Dish network & Comcast does not have any telugu channels. Is it worth taking setup box or is live on web ok?
To anonymous
I have used it for the past 3 months and viewing experience is great. I am enjoying it. I would recommend it to anyone. The service is only few dollars and you get multiple channels and the best thing is you dont need to have dish or a PC. It is only $100 and really you dont lose anything big. If you imagine the money we spend for our immigration matters, this is nothing :)
Do you DSL or CABLE?
DO we have get rid of VOIP
I have comcast cable modem and I still have VOIP service intact.
Hi, I am researching more on this service. Is the internet-based subscription on a monthly-basis? Meaning, if I don't want the service next month, can I just choose not to pay anymore? Do they have some sort of a contract?
Hi,
You have to be really lucky to get the settop boxes. I have waited for more than one and half month. I havent recieved it yet. Everytime i call the customer service I hear "Manufacturing Delay, We will be getting in 5 or 6 days". When i ask, why am i not informed, they say "We forward mails to management and dont know why they do not respond." I ve really lost hopes.. on this. Very very frustrated to have lost money .
Hi,
Thanks for your comment. I signed up for a PC subscription and it's been good so far. I will probably hold off on the settop boxes for a while. Thought it's cool but obviously looks the customer server is poor.
Thanks
has someone tested the setup box using Verizon Fios
To Muthu
I do not know about the internet based subscription service. But I guess if you do want to cancel you need to let them know 1 month in advance.
To Anonymous abt waiting on the Setop Boxes
Sorry to hear your story..But if you get the box and it works for you I am sure you will be pleased.
To Anonymous abt Verizon Fios
I am sure it will work 100%..all it needs is a internet connection and it doesnt care about the source whether it is fibre/cable/DSL.
Thanks Murugappan for your detailed comments. Wanted to know if we are eligible to watch on computer/ laptop even if we order a set top box.
Thanks... Karthik
Karthik
The answer is "Yes". You can use the web access for watching archives if you have time :)
Hi Murugappan,
Can the archives be accessed through the set top box?
I read on their website that the set top box has a web browser, so may be one can login to their website and watch it. Have you tried that?
I remember checking this site a while back. I don't remember they had Sun Tv at that time. Do you know since when they have Sun Tv?
It would be even better if Vijay Tv is also available.
Great review by the way.
Hello Ranjith
The archives cannot be accessed via the settop box. I tried to surf the web using the internal web browser in the settop box and was able to do it with great struggle. Not worth it but definitely possible.
SUNTV is available from April of this year. I am hearing about Vijay TV and would love to subscribe to their service as well. I really love that show Neeya Naana in Vijay TV.
I've had the PC subscription for a while and am satisfied over all. Initially was concerned about the buffering issue but turned out we used to have the buffering issue with wireless mostly. So I would strongly recommend wired connection over wireless. But I think for the past 6 or so months that we had the subscription there were only few days that had buffering issues but am not certain if it was bcos of the wireless or the service.
I ordered the STB recently (and based on the experience with wireless with the PC subscription), I decided to use wired connection (had to run a 50 feet cable to get to the TV). I only had for a few days now and it is looking great. I was very skeptical before ordering since I have a 46 inch TV but wanted to give it a try. I think not all programs broadcast with the same bandwidth so the quality depends on the program but the overall quality has not deterred. I have been satisfied for the few days we've had it. Will post back more feedback about the STB.
I believe if I had more reviews about the STB experience, I would have got it much earlier. So I hope folks who are seeking to give it a try will find this review helpful.
Good luck folks.
Recently ordered the set-box. Received the box after one month due to manufacturing delay. The vedio quality is pretty good.This is start up firm,, customer service requires further refinement. The picture quality is not that great when viewed on LCD 50" TV. I hooked up my old CRT tv for this sake alone and the quality is like any other regular TV. It's great for visiting family who don't know how to use PC. Indeed a great product. I will strongly recommend it.
I am really frustrated waiting for the set top box. I placed my order about a month ago and I never heard back from anyone about anything. They were pretty quick in charging my credit card... not so much in returning my calls. Overall, I am pretty disappointed. Does any one know if there is a good time/way to talk to someone from customer service? Every time I call, I always get the damn voice mail...I must have left about 4 voice messages so far. No one cared to even reply...
I have Channelive for about 9 months - buffering issue really sucks - I do not remember a single time continuous viewing for more than 10 minutes - rather my family members stopped viewing Channellive due to frequent buffering - planning to disconnect their service. Spoke to their customer service several times..they are good guys but the problem is beyond their control.
To the poster on Sep 11, 2009
I have channellive too..I have watched a full movie and sometimes it stops working for 10 minutes. I am totally satisfied with the service. Few days I have had no buffering issues as well. It is an internet based experience and you should be prepared for buffering issues.
I also ordered recently and very satisfied with the quality. Occasional buffering issues otherwise not bad for the price.
One of my friend was asking if this is legally allowed. I mentioned about the website and since even SunTV is broadcasted, should be. But any comments on this question?
I talked to their tech support, who said wireless setup has some technical glitches. He suggested wired connection.
The discussion on buffering really bothers me. I usually get 4 to 6 MBPS on earthlink and I do not have VoIP but a laptop is usually on surfing the web.
Any comments on buffering issues?
Legality of Channellive.tv?
Since I have seen ad for Channellive.tv on SunTV web pages, I assume they do it after paying the hefty fee of $15.00, which is what it costs on satellite dish. Comments will be appreciated.
Here is a realiability report from Better Business Bureau for this company:
http://www.bbb.org/stlouis/business-reviews/telephone-and-television-cable-contractors/channellive-tv-in-saint-charles-mo-310288950
It is D+ (i.e. very poor)
There are two parameters that determine the reliability and quality of transmission
a) The bandwidth of your home network
b) The transmission quality from channellive.
If people say the quality is good. That means both a) and b) are good.
If people say the quality is bad (problems such as buffering etc)., it could be issue with one or more of a) or b). Since I am seeing some people satistifed and some people not satified based on the reviews, it is likely that some people who are not satisfied have problems with a) and it is unlikely that the problem is with b.
The other possibily of course is that those who are satisfied have a lower expection of the service. :)
In any case, I am viewing it on my laptop now. Convinced about the quality after trying it out for two months, I have ordered a settop box and waiting (3 weeks now). Most of the time, quality has been good. At times in night, there is buffering or abrupt stopping.
Please remember though that this IPTV technology is a completely new and path breaking, and it will take an year or two or even more until the quality stabilizes and we have anything comparable to a regular TV/Cable transmission. The reason I took this servies is this: I want to watch more than one major Tamil channel and being in the US, I just can't do it at this time w/o a service like Channellive. So it is a trade off :). I have a 46 inch TV (right now trying via laptop hooked to TV), Vonage VOIP and quality is OK!
This channellive.tv was really good for a while, but for the past 2 months it is really bad. Video and sound does not match and I am having a hard time. SOmetimes when you click on archive it just says buffering and goes to ready mode. It is not worth $14 a month until they improve their service. Period...
Is the access fee of 7.99 added by default?
Muthu
I have been using channel live for more than a year now. I was the first one to get the set top box. Primary reason was non availability of signal for dish.
I have not had issues with buffering.. yes then and there it just to hang. i need to restart the box again. But it comes with the tag that you can view all channels and particularly 2 music channels isaiaruvi and jayamax.
I have 52 inch TV and the quality is not as clear as dish.. understandable but it good.
It is a must if you dont have signal and need to have options to view all channels.
I also bought the wireless adaptor for 25, so i need not plug in the ethernet wire. I can take it anywhere and connect the box with an available wifi connection!! cool.. ahh..
I would highly recommend it..
Hi,
"ChannelLive.tv" got so many customers and they have made enough money. Because of that they are not providing support for the existing customers. Please read this before you order....
Thanks
sap
Do not order their service. It took forever (> 8 weeks) for the settop box to arrive. The set-top box did not work. When I cancelled the service, I did not get my refund for the set-top box. In addition they charged monthly fees more than once in my credit card for two months that they have not refunded. It has been about 3 months now and I am still chasing them.
Seems to me like crooks or clowns who do not know what they are doing.
Thanks,
Satya
Thier customer service is very very bad. No proper response and never keep thier word. Most of the time blame our internet service provider and set top box. at least having issue daily on peak hioures from 8:30 EST to 10 EST.
Does anybody know if 2 tvs can be connected to the set top box? I haven't looked at the set top box but I presume there must be multiple output ports - Component, s-video and (or) HDMI. Can I connect one tv to Component using the RWY cable and the other TV using s-video or HDMI? This would take care of providing video to 2 tvs but what about audio? Are the multiple output ports for audio?
now that the set top box has been around for over a year but with increased usage (i assume), has there been a detioration in the quality of service? Any thoughts, recommendations? Thanks
I would like to know if we can use PC or Lap top without the Set up Box as it is not available.
Anyone interested in buying the set-top-box? i am fine to sell it as not using anymore. Not sure if you can transfer to your account.
Looks like there has been mixed reviews on channel live service. I dont get signal for Dish or Direct so have to rely on web based programming for my visiting parents.
1. Has the buffering issue resolved?
2. If you have a better reference for paid subscription service for Tamil channels please suggest.
Hi
I have been using this since first week of May'2010. This is my experience for last 2 weeks.
I watched the tamil super plus in laptop (wireless internet - comcast - >10MBPS) and it was pretty good. I hardly had any buffering issues.
As it was good, i ordered for a set top on May 7 and got it on May 12th. Talk to customer care - They send out set top boxes like once in a month. So if you order at the right time, you get it within a week.
Once i got the set top box, I connected to the LCD TV (52 inch) and the router (this time connected set top box to router through a 25 feet wire)
I never have buffering issues (except for Jaya Max, that looks good today) - As for buffering, it is like watching in TV.
But as for quality is ok - Not as great as Dish/Cable but to give you a comparison it is way better than watching pirated DVDs in india/streaming movies in websites.
But the channels are slightly shaking up and down - you wont realise if you are looking at the pic - but u will realise it if you look at the channel logo - but it shakes up and down only a couple of pixels - not noticeable easily.
The customer care informed it will be resolved and quality will be better if we connect using HDMI cable. I am yet to try the same.
Overall worth it, if you are planning to use it regularly.
Vijay R
I was looking into getting the online service for Sun TV, but it adds 7.99 as service fee.. Does that mean we need to pay 22.99 every month for just sun TV?
Yes, we need to pay $22.99 just for watching SUN TV. Thats why I preferred Tamil Super Plus which is $5 more than just SUNTV and it includes many channels as a package.
Now on the website it says you can watch archives using set top box and also you tube videos. Is this true now. Because older comments say that it is not possible.
Thanks
I have signed up for a 'No Contract' option for one month. They have lot of buffering issues. I decided to cancel the service but they say it will be effective end of next month. I dont know what's the point of 'No Contract' option. Customer Service argue with me that they are doing business this way since last few years and they are fine instead of cancelling my subscription. they also deny to repay me back
I have been using channellive.tv for almost one year. I had buffering issue when I had DSL (3Mb service). I switched to cable internet (10Mb service) and I don't see buffering issue anymore. Quality is good and it is cheap. I started having buffering and disconnect issue recently. I contacted channellive.tv customer support and they did trouble shoot the issue and said the problem was with ISP (cable company). With their analysis details, I contacted Cable Company (brighthouse) and they agreed they have routing issue and fixed problem in a week. Channelive.tv customer service is very good and they called me multiple time to follow up until the issue was resolved. I was also skeptical to take channellive.tv service and I googled to find review. Now I have good experience about channellive.tv and wanted to write this review to help people to want to take this service.
I am using HTPC to watch channellive.tv on 42 inch HDTV.
--Senthil
i'm planning on taking it. but, are there any copyright issues? how come they are able to sell the content without any approvals?
Channellive.tv is on the Roku box which ranges from $59 - $99. I would recommend purchasing Roku and watching channellive.tv from it. Roku also has Hulu Plus and Netflix.
Hi Mukund, Can u pls tell me how I can connect Roku box with channellive tv
Vijay TV is on Channellive line up, its awesome
I subscribed to ChannelLive.tv and had the worst experience. I had the service for just 3 days and went for cancellation, only to pay for the whole month. I don't understand what their 'No Contract' mean. I was hoping for a refund but the customer service is the worst. I have subscribed to other online streaming channels like netflix, but this gave me the worst experience. Lot of buffering issue. The screen will just freeze and I had to refresh the site link many times.
Hi,
I could not find Vijaytv on channellive.tv line up. Could you please tell me where to find it.
Thanks,
Lakshmi
I was told its currently in beta
Thanks for detail,s really big help to know the personal experience. Thanks again.
Ok we are screwed again by startvusa, looks like even #channellive.tv is licensed to relay US version of Vijay TV which is crappy has 1-2 weeks delay for most of the programming and 25% to 30% of programming is cut for US version. #startvusa sucks
Hello
My parents are coming to US and the apt I stay is not able to catch dish tv signal. So looking into this Channellive option.
They are providing this service in Roku player now. Has anybody tried it?
Is the buffering problem solved when Roku player is used?
Also how is the picture quality in this player for telugu & tamil channels?
Also, I was reading that they sometimes dont cancel your account and keep charging the card even after requesting them. Is it true?
Appreciate your comments.
Hi,
I am from UK, do u think i can also watch the tamil channels in UK standard time.
Anyone in Australia using channellive.tv ?
Terrible in Australia. Buffers every 2-3 secs. Unwatchable. can watch foxtel on Xbox alright.
satish
The person who said it is terrible in Australia, did you order Sun TV?
Hi,
I am looking to get Channellive in Australia. Has anyone here used the service in Aus. If so, please comment on the quality of the service and time delay
Very worst customer care. They are charging extra extra dollars without customer knowledge.
Customer be careful.....
Sydney, Australia, Friday 6th Jan 2012
Hi,
* If anyone in Australia (preferably in Sydney) has been able to get JayaTv via channellive.tv on a TV without much issues, please respond. (shivaiyr2004@yahoo.com.au)
* what I have:
- I have a Roku box(from Amazon, USA)
- Wireless Cable Internet with Telstra
- I am yet to setup the ROKU box.
Many thanks,
Shiva
I bought this channellive after my friends suggestion but unfortunately there is an issue from the day one. To make sure I dont have any problems with my comcast internet, I connected other free channels like crackle through same Roku set top box, it streams without any buffer issue. I also disconnected all other devices using my wireless router except roku player still having the same issue. Checked my internet speed it is good 10 MBPS download speed, called Roku support thinking some problem with Roku they suggested to check some channels other than Chanellive and it worked, then finally called Channel live customer service then realized there seems to be a problem with Channellive and Comcast internet provider, every day I will get the same reply from support person to wait for 2 days then it will be fine. As I am very much aware this is an TV over internet I am not expecting 100% but atleast not buffering every 3 minutes. Totally frustated, need to return it back.
Shiva,
I am based in Australia, and am interested in your experience with Roku and channellive. Thanks.
@Shiva & Anon,
For those looking to get Channellive in Aus, Channellive has confirmed that the service is NOT available in Aus.
I reside in Melbourne and logged a support ticket with Channellive since I was unable to link it to my roku player. The channel doesn't appear in my channel store. I received the following response from them:
'Sorry sir last week there was a update in Roku software which is blocking our application in countries other than America. So you cannot get our service in Australia through roku.'
Subsequently, I have asked them to cancel my subscription and provide me a refund.
For those looking for a service in Aus, I'll suggest Yupp TV. It is available on Roku in Aus. I tried the trial service was pretty impressed with it. I have now purchased the Tamil Gold package which includes all channels except the Sun Network channels. I have already started viewing the channels and its been very good so far. No buffering or any other issues. They also have a VOD (Video on Demand) feature which is included as part of the package. So, you can watch the shows as and when it suits you.
Yup. Yupp TV is the way to go. Much less streaming/buffering issues, good picture. Better service too-responsive. Chlive v poor responses- same guy picks up.
Hey guys,
I was trying out both yupp and channellive the last couple of weeks to compare the video quality,streaming quality and just the overall experience.
I was streaming via Mac connected to my plasma via disploy port/HDMI.
The video quality was almost the same between both and I was not really satisfied as I am quite fuzzy about picture quality.
The streaming quality overall was ok but I have to agree the experience with yupp was a bit more favourable. It buffered slightly faster then channellive but honestly no big deal.
As far as buffering is concerned , I did experience some buffering during streams with Vijay TV on channel live. It got a little bad one particular day but overall was ok.
And yesterday I received the Roke 2 XS that I ordered from amazon. Plugged the tiny box in and started streaming both yupp and channellive via it.
To my surprise, the quality is so much better ! Both offer pretty much similar picture quality although yupp tv does load/buffer a little faster during initial startup of a particular stream.
But nothing really major ! IMHO
I've signed up for a month of channellive .Loving it so far , no real buffering isseues whatsover.
I'm gonna trial yupp tv at the same time butif all stays the way it is now, I'm gonna stick with channel live. I'd like to have sun and KTV which yupp lacks.
Side note, fetchtv will apparently start offering tamil channels including sun very soon . That could be a another option but price could be the factor then.
Cheers,
Amuth
We ordered ChannelLiveTV 'Tamil Super pak' a few months ago. It was 'okay' for the first couple of months, but we have been horrible buffereing and 'not conecting' issues for a while now. Cusomer service is horribble, they always say they will fix in the next half hour , in a day or two but never do. I agree that they had made their money off of a bunch of unsuspecting folks. I would strongly recommend not to subscribe to this. MOST Horrible frustratung viewing experience EVER.
We have ordered YuppTV few months back in UK and it is doing good till date. The picture quality is damn good and love the service also.
Pathetic service .. I never enjoyed watching my tamil channels with them. They customer support never helped me to fix my issue ..
moved to yupptv,, enjoying watching Tamil and Malayalam channels..
very bad service..one of the worst customer support...had cancelled my service and was still charged for the monthly fees which by the way is too expensive for this pathetic service.. 3 weeks later still getting the run around for getting the refund....will never recommend their service again.
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