If you have a Dreamlink box and you're trying to set up IPTV for the first time, you may spend a few minutes wondering where to start. The menus aren't always as obvious as you might expect.
The good news is that you don't need to change a lot of things. Once you find the DreamOnline app and the service settings, most of the setup is just entering the information you received from your IPTV provider.
Here's how I would go through the setup.
What you should have ready
Before you start, check that you have these things:
- Your Dreamlink box
- A TV connected to the box
- Internet connection
- Your IPTV provider's portal URL
- DreamOnline (DOL2) installed on the device
I'd recommend checking the internet first. There's no point changing IPTV settings if the Dreamlink isn't connected properly.
Open the Dreamlink menu
Turn on the Dreamlink and wait for the home screen to load.
From there, open My Apps.
You should see the applications installed on the box. Look for DreamOnline (DOL2) and open it.
If you can't find DreamOnline, check the Market section. Depending on your Dreamlink model and software version, the location can be a little different.
Find the service settings
Once DreamOnline is open, look for the option to edit or add a service.
This is the section you need because this is where the IPTV connection details are entered.
If you're following along with the setup, this Dreamlink IPTV installation guide can also be useful for checking the settings.
This is the only Tivi-live backlink in the article.
Enter a name for the service
You should see a field for the service name.
You can put whatever name you want here. Something simple like My IPTV is perfectly fine.
This name is only for your own reference, so there's no special format you need to follow.
Add the portal URL
Now you'll need the portal address from your IPTV provider.
Enter it in the Portal URL or IPTV Server URL field.
This is probably the most important part of the setup. Enter the address exactly as your provider gave it to you.
If the address is wrong by even one character, the service may not connect.
Don't copy a random portal address from another website. Use the details provided for your own service.
Check the remaining settings
Depending on the service, you might see some additional fields.
Not every IPTV service uses the same type of connection. Some use a portal and device registration, while others may provide different account information.
If your provider has given you specific instructions, follow those instead of guessing what should go into a field.
Save the settings
Before saving, take a quick look at the information you've entered.
Check the portal address again. It's much easier to correct a spelling mistake now than to troubleshoot the connection later.
Once everything looks right, select OK or Save.
The wording can be different depending on the Dreamlink software version.
Give the box some time
After saving, DreamOnline will try to connect.
Sometimes the list loads quickly and sometimes it takes a little longer. Give it a moment before going back into the settings.
If the connection is successful, the available channels or other content should start appearing.
Try a few channels
Once the list has loaded, try playing a channel.
I usually recommend checking more than one. If one channel doesn't work but several others do, the issue may be with that particular channel or the service rather than your Dreamlink settings.
If the portal isn't connecting
Don't start changing every setting you see.
First, check the internet connection. Then go back and compare the portal address with the one your provider sent you.
A simple typing mistake is easy to miss.
If everything looks correct and it still won't connect, your IPTV provider may need to check the account or device registration.
What if the channels keep buffering?
Buffering can have several causes.
Your internet connection might be unstable, or there could be a lot of traffic on your home network.
If you're using Wi-Fi, try moving the Dreamlink closer to the router. If your setup allows it, an Ethernet connection is also worth trying.
If other devices in your home are downloading large files or streaming at the same time, that can affect playback too.
DreamOnline isn't showing up
If you can't find DreamOnline in My Apps, check the Market section.
Search for DreamOnline (DOL2) and see if it's available for your device
If you recently updated or reset the Dreamlink, the application may need to be installed again.
A few things worth remembering
Once you've got everything working, there's really no reason to keep changing the settings.
Keep your portal information somewhere safe. If you reset the box in the future, you'll probably need it again.
And if your provider sends you updated connection information, use the new details they provide.
Final thoughts
Setting up IPTV on a Dreamlink isn't as difficult as it might seem when you first open the menus. Most of the work comes down to finding DreamOnline and entering the correct service information.
If something doesn't work, take it one step at a time. Check the internet, check the portal address, and then contact your provider if the account or server appears to be the problem.
That's usually much easier than changing several settings at once.