Most people who switch from cable to Pillar IPTV are motivated by the bill, but the changeover itself is where things go wrong: a contract fee nobody checked, broadband that was bundled with the TV package, or a family that cannot find the cartoons on day one. This checklist puts the steps in a sensible order.
If you have not done the sums yet, our comparison of PillarIPTV and cable costs works out a year for one, two and three screens.
Two weeks before: test and check
- Request the free 24-hour test and run it on the TV you watch most, on a busy evening.
- List the channels your household cannot live without and check them during the test. For any you cannot find, ask the help desk.
- Measure your broadband speed at the TV. Allow roughly 10 Mbps per HD stream and 15 to 20 Mbps per Full HD stream.
- Check whether your broadband has a monthly data cap; our data usage guide helps you estimate what you need.
One week before: read the cable contract
- Find the contract end date and any early cancellation fee.
- Check whether your internet service is bundled with the TV package. Cancelling the TV part can change the broadband price, or the plan itself, so ask before you cancel.
- Note which boxes, remotes and cards must be returned, and how.
- Check the notice period: many providers bill for a further month after you give notice.
Choose the plan and the devices
Count how many screens play at the same moment on a typical evening, not how many TVs you own. That number decides whether you need one, two or three connections; the extra screens page explains the options. A 12-month plan works out cheapest per month: $69 for one screen, $115 for two and $162 for three.
Then make sure each TV has something to run a player app: a smart TV app, a Fire TV Stick, an Android box or similar. Buy any sticks before the cable goes off, not after.
Changeover day
- Set up the player on every TV while cable still works, so nobody is left without a picture.
- Build a favourites list on each TV with the channels from your list.
- Show everyone in the house how to open the player and find their favourites.
- Keep the cable running for a few days in parallel if your notice period allows it.
- Give notice to the cable provider once you are happy.
After the switch
- Return the cable boxes and remotes by the provider’s deadline and keep the receipt.
- Check the final cable bill for charges after your end date.
- Note your IPTV plan end date: plans do not renew automatically, so set a reminder a week before it.
- Remove the old cable channels app or input from the TV menu so nobody switches to an empty source.
If a TV in a spare room struggles with Wi-Fi after the switch, see our IPTV freezing fixes for cabling and Wi-Fi options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to keep my internet when I cancel cable?
Yes. IPTV runs over your broadband, so keep your internet service. If it was bundled with TV, ask your provider how cancelling the TV part affects it.
Can I keep cable and IPTV running at the same time?
Yes, and it is a sensible way to switch. Run both for a few days, then cancel cable once everyone is comfortable.
Will my IPTV plan renew automatically like cable?
No. Each plan is a single payment for a fixed period. When it ends, you choose whether to add more time.
How do I know my favourite channels are included?
Check them during the free 24-hour test, and ask the help desk about any you cannot find before you order.
