Feedback

[hc-config]

Is there anywhere I should be providing feedback apart from posting here?  I've got a few suggestions but I'm not sure the best place to direct information. 

I'm also wondering if there are plans to bring other available streaming services to Pik TV (as an example, WWE Network which I believe is only available through Optik TV at the moment or UFC Fight Pass which I saw the logo advertised when ordering but I don't seem to be able to find the app anywhere)

[hc-config]

I'd also be curious if there's any information on future channel selections?  I'm pretty content currently to be honest - the channels work well for me but will there be planned additions (provided it's a success, I guess?)

[NFtoBC]

I expect as the number of suppliers of OTT services expands, you will be able to stream them on the device.

My personal opinion is the the PIK TV App gives cord cutters, particularly those in areas with a small number of OTA channels available to them, an option for basic TV. It now is up to other suppliers such as WWE, UFC, etc. to bring their own Apps to the device.

[hc-config]

So I take that as a no in regards to having any sort of functioning feedback system - which is a shame, something other than a community forum would probably serve better but oh well.

Other complaints include the UI.  A lot of counter-intuitive actions such as the "Exit" button not exiting certain menus but instead opting to go back to the last channel you were on.

Having a lot of connectivity issues with the device/app - system reports adequate throughput and full signal strength but Pik TV has been throwing a "service is not responding" error for several hours now.  Quality is often choppy and distorted, lots of buffering.  Have several other devices on the same network where these quality issues do not exist (Pi, smartphones, smart tvs, gaming consoles, PCs/laptops).

[WestCoasterBC]

@hc-config The "back/exit" function has deficiencies in it's operation in certain menus. It was reported and will be corrected in pending update.

I don't have any wifi issues and have tested it on the T3200m or my TP-Link touch p5. What wireless router is your PikTV connecting to? Are you using the 5ghz or 2.4ghz band?

As for a Pi having the same experience it's not comparing apples to apples. One is a certified android tv device with access to Netflix 4k and playstore. It also gives you access to legal basic channels for a low cost for cord cutters.

Any issues you have with the device feel free to post. Being part of the neighbourhood we will help you where we can. It's a great little device, that will be made better with future software updates. Hang in there.

[hc-config]

Glad the remote is being looked at.

I didn't have any wifi issues at first either, I watched a hockey game Friday on CBC with 0 issues.  Since Sunday though I've had nothing but choppy, distorted picture, buffering or the app failing with errors.  My wifi device is Telus' Actiontec T2200H as well as their range extender in both wireless ranges.

The app is constantly throwing a "service is not responding" error but I can turn on my Playstation 4, my phone or a Pi or my Smart TV and stream from either my computer via DLNA or services like Netflix/Twitch/YouTube but don't have the same quality issues or connection problems.  App also buffers a lot and quality drops are frequent.  The Pik TV device itself displays adequate throughput and full wifi signal strength.  I've attempted moving channels due to my location in a condo apartment however due to my other devices working with other streaming services without issue I have determined channel congestion isn't my issue.

Re: Pi - that's the point I was making.  I know it's not comparing apples to apples, but it's comparing a $15 watermelon to a $100 rotten lemon at the moment it seems with the issues I've been experiencing.

I don't mind reaching out to an online community for support but I'm getting the impression that they don't want or care about feedback.  How is the device supposed to improve for a real launch when a simple request for where to direct feedback goes over 24 hours without a response?  It's unfortunate, I had high hopes when I got an e-mail notification about this device.  I haven't had television in over a decade.  The price would be great, but the quality issues and lack of any reasonable support for the device hinder that severely.  Unfortunately if I can't get the device working within the next week I'll probably take advantage of the 30 days until the quality is better.

[NFtoBC]

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@hc-config wrote:

I didn't have any wifi issues at first either, I watched a hockey game Friday on CBC with 0 issues.  Since Sunday though I've had nothing but choppy, distorted picture, buffering or the app failing with errors.  My wifi device is Telus' Actiontec T2200H as well as their range extender in both wireless ranges.

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Make sure the device is still connected to the closest Wi-Fi source. I have found mine sometimes has switched to another of my Wi-Fi signals.

[WestCoasterBC]

@hc-config curious have you by chance checked in the google playstore if there is an update available for the PikTV app.

By default I believe the auto update for the apps is set to manual. When I first received my device it wasn't running the latest version.

[hc-config]

You may be onto something with an app update, I did update the device as soon as I set it up but maybe I only managed to update the firmware?  Will double check and get back to you.

[WestCoasterBC]

@hc-config the latest PikTV app version should be 1.70.205

[NFtoBC]

@hc-config

   I expect the Pik TV choice to be far more do-it-yourself than is Optik, thus the use of fora such as this for resolution. This How-To indicates the self-serve nature of the product compared to Optik. Additionally, it is currently not widely released - it is only available in test markets at the moment.

Like @WestCoasterBC, I have experienced no Wi-Fi difficulties with the device; possibly you have a dud? That you describe choppy signal and buffering while the device indicates a strong Wi-Fi signal suggests something amiss. Are you able to confirm a change if connected to Ethernet?

[hc-config]

I have not yet been able to confirm ethernet functionality - this would take some time and moving things around, but isn't a long term solution due to the location of my devices and available outlets.

I'm positive the device must be the issue at this point considering others have no issue on wifi.  And as of today I'm still having the same issues, though now I'm also starting to receive a "logged in on too many devices" error - since I've only logged in on the hardware provided, well, you can guess my opinion on that error.  Meanwhile other devices are still working fine, other streaming services are fine, no wacky activity on my network.  I really want to like this thing.  It's simple and provides me with the all the TV I would watch anyway.  But it seems if it doesn't work, I have to cancel it and send it back - there's no direction for hardware exchanges on their support page, so it doesn't seem like I really have a choice here anyway.

[NFtoBC]

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@hc-config wrote:

I have not yet been able to confirm ethernet functionality - this would take some time and moving things around, but isn't a long term solution due to the location of my devices and available outlets.

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Maybe purchasing a cheap cable from a dollar store would allow you to temporarily connect and complete a test.

[hc-config · Accepted solution]

No dice.  All updates ran on the device, all other devices on the network working properly - Pik TV still does not work hardly ever on both wifi ranges.  Telus invested in a cheap piece of hardware from a cheap Chinese manufacturer (go ahead and look into their history, company is on the box).   Going to cancel and send it back, also going to strongly recommend everybody avoid it - still no response from any official Telus reps from any channels about my faulty device.  So I'm out, and will actively recommend others don't buy this device.

[WestCoasterBC]

@hc-config have you ever hardwire tested it? It's possible you just got a dud. I use mine daily without issues on wifi and wireless.

Give telus a call or live chat for a replacement device. It's not the norm of the device. @melissaj

[hc-config]

When I contacted chat support about Pik TV they offered to have a rep contact me and I started getting phone calls saying I had expressed interest in ordering Optik TV.

When I contacted phone support about Pik TV I had to push to speak with a supervisor, who after having me on hold for five minutes told me there were 3 departments who dealt with Pik TV and that they weren't sure which to send me to.  This isn't a fault of the employees, this is poor training on Telus.

I know it's not the norm of the device.  I have 7 other devices on my network that function without issue.  The issue is the device's connectivity.  The fact that support is non-existent for a device I'm being asked to pay $100 for is beyond ridiculous.  There is no avenue to enact an RMA.  Here is the support FAQ:

Literally nothing.  I had to hijack a thread about buying these devices to get a community rep to finally respond to me despite this thread having replies in the double digits.  I'll just go back to torrenting and streaming via Plex across everything for free instead.  Easy enough for me!