Watching TV over the internet: how to stream channels online

TV has changed fundamentally in recent years. Instead of relying on traditional cable or satellite, more and more people are turning to internet-based television. With modern technology, you can now watch TV via Wi-Fi—without complicated installations or expensive equipment. All you need is a stable internet connection and the right TV streaming app.

Whether it’s live TV, time-shifted viewing, or access to media libraries, online TV offers you maximum freedom and flexibility. In Switzerland, there are many convenient solutions that let you stream your favourite channels easily—whether on a smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or laptop.

13.06.2025 | Reading time: 6 minutes

How fast does your internet need to be and how does it work?

To stream TV channels online without interruptions, internet speed plays a crucial role. As a rule of thumb: the higher the stream resolution, the more bandwidth you’ll need. For SD content, 3–5 Mbit/s is usually enough, while HD streaming requires at least 8–10 Mbit/s. For Full HD, your connection should offer at least 25 Mbit/s—ideally over a stable Wi-Fi network.

The concept is simple: TV content is streamed via the internet directly to your device—either live or on demand. You don’t need a satellite dish or cable connection, just a compatible app or streaming device. Services like yallo TV give you access to a wide range of channels in Switzerland—including replay, pause, and recording features. The right TV streaming app turns your device into a TV—whether you’re at home or on the go.

What features does online TV offer?

Digital television offers much more than just traditional linear programming. Here’s an overview of the key features you can expect from TV streaming:

• Live TV: Watch TV channels in real time—just like with classic television
• Replay TV: Never miss a show again—replay lets you watch content up to 7 days after it aired
• Recording function: Record your favourite shows and watch them whenever you like
• Pause and restart: Pause live broadcasts or restart a program from the beginning if you tune in late
• Multi-device support: Whether you're on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or Smart TV – you can watch TV from any device. It's best to check in advance if your device is supported and whether the Smart TV app is included, like with yallo TV. With a yallo TV subscription, usage on all devices including Smart TVs is included, and you can stream on 5 devices at the same time. Other providers might offer the Smart TV app only as a paid add-on or don’t even have a browser version for laptops.
• User-friendly interface: Modern TV apps give you intuitive navigation, with genre-based and personalized recommendations.
  
  

So, how do people watch tv today?

Traditional TV isn’t extinct—but more and more viewers prefer streaming solutions. That’s mainly because of the flexibility offered by modern devices and services. Here’s a look at the most common options:

• TV streaming apps: Providers like yallo TV offer dedicated apps for Android, iOS, and smart TVs, so your personal TV programme is always within reach
• Smart TVs: Most modern televisions already come with a wide range of streaming apps preinstalled—you just need to log in
• TV boxes and sticks: Devices like Google TV, Apple TV, or Android TV bring online television to any screen. They even turn older TVs into smart streaming hubs

Advantages of internet TV over traditional TV

• Flexibility: Watch anytime and anywhere, without being tied to fixed schedules
• Cost transparency: No hidden fees or long-term contracts
• More choice: A wide variety of channels, on-demand content, and international programming
• Ease of use: Setup in minutes, with automatic updates via the internet

Future-proof: Regular feature upgrades—no new hardware required

Stream TV wherever you want

One of the biggest advantages of online TV: you can stream wherever you are. Whether you’re at home, on a train, or on holiday—if you have internet access, you can watch your favourite shows. Many providers even allow you to download content for offline viewing—perfect when you're on the go and don’t have a stable connection.

TV over Wi-Fi: flexible, simple, and smooth

Watching TV over Wi-Fi is now the standard for modern television—wireless, easy to set up, and ideal both at home and on the move. All you need is a stable internet connection and the right TV streaming app. Install the app, sign in, connect to Wi-Fi—and start streaming, no cable or satellite dish required.

This is especially convenient for renters or people who move frequently—no installation work needed. You can also easily connect secondary devices like TVs in bedrooms or guest rooms.

To ensure smooth streaming, keep a few things in mind: whenever possible, use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi network, place your router in a central location, and avoid interference. In larger homes, a mesh system can guarantee seamless Wi-Fi coverage. With QoS settings enabled on your router, you can prioritise streaming traffic to avoid buffering or delays—even when multiple devices are online.

Yallo TV: your flexible TV experience over the internet

With yallo TV, you get a modern and user-friendly television experience that perfectly fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re at home or on the go—with Wi-Fi TV and the right streaming app, your favourite shows are always just a tap away.

Extensive channel selection

yallo TV gives you access to over 280 TV channels, including more than 70 in Full HD and with Dolby Digital sound. The channel list is continuously updated, so you can always discover new content.

Flexible use across multiple devices

You can use yallo TV on up to five devices at the same time – whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, laptop or Smart TV. The app is compatible with Android TV/Google TV, Apple TV and Samsung TV. You’ll also get a TV box based on Google TV, giving you access to even more apps like Netflix, Disney+, Sky and Spotify.

Handy features for a better tv experience

• 7-Day replay: Never miss a show again – watch content up to seven days after it aired. Tip: Check how many replay days are included in a TV subscription. While yallo TV always gives you 7 days of replay included, other providers often only offer a few hours in the basic plan and charge extra for the full 7 days.
• Recording function: Record your favourite shows and watch them later on any device. It’s worth comparing offers here too. With yallo TV, you get recording space for up to 1000 shows – more than enough!
• Series recording: Schedule entire series with just one click
• Live pause and restart: Pause live shows or restart them from the beginning
• Custom channel lists: Create your own personalised channel list
• Video snippets: Quick preview clips help you discover new content
  
  

Additional options

With the TV Comfort option, you can skip ad breaks and replay ads on supported channels – making your TV experience even more relaxing.

With yallo TV, you enjoy a flexible and modern way to watch television over the internet. Thanks to a wide selection of channels, the ability to stream over Wi-Fi, and a convenient TV streaming app, you’re perfectly equipped to enjoy your favourite shows anytime and anywhere. Whether on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV—yallo TV gives you the freedom to watch TV the way it suits you best.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use yallo TV without Wi-Fi?

Yes, you can stream over mobile data (4G/5G). Note: high data usage may lead to additional charges.

2. Does yallo TV work with any router?

In general, yes - as long as the router provides internet access and at least 5 Mbit/s. A current firmware version and 5 GHz Wi-Fi are recommended.

3. How is yallo TV different from traditional cable providers?

You’re not tied to a cable connection and only pay for what you actually use - no long-term contract commitments.

4. What picture quality can I expect?

Depending on your subscription and internet speed, you can watch in SD, HD or Full HD. With a yallo TV subscription, you get access to over 280 channels – including more than 110 in HD and over 70 in Full HD with Dolby Digital sound.