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The future of broadband TV
Television over broadband is changing the way that we watch TV. Where digital TV released us from the constraints of the TV guide, broadband TV is releasing us from the TV itself, with people watching their favourite shows on their computers and laptops.
Some broadband TV is “live” such as the usually shorter footage found on YouTube and Joost, where users simply search for and watch what they want, other services work as downloads from websites and others are full digital TV packages that deliver content to your TV via your broadband connection.
‘Live’ TV over broadband
This isn’t really live TV but it is live video streaming. You need to have a decent broadband connection speed or pause the video as it “streams”, you can then watch it straight away, but it won’t be saved anywhere on your computer and you’ll have to return to the site if you want to watch it again.
This type of content viewing has become immensely popular and sites like YouTube and Joost are growing at substantial rates. The footage shown on these platforms tends to be no more than around 10 minutes at the most and is user-generated, so people can upload their own videos too.
TV over broadband to download
There are a whole host of platforms from which you can now download and watch free catch-ups. Channel 4’s 4oD has proven massively popular and the BBC’s recently launched iPlayer - set for a widespread rollout in the autumn - is set to follow in its footsteps with 400 hours of downloadable programming covering between 60 and 70 per cent of the BBC’s broadcasting. Consumers can also use ITV’s similar site, with Sky Anytime available too and Virgin Media’ sports catch-up site, launched in conjunction with Setanta Sports.
These platforms mostly download your chosen programming to a library on your computer and while you can’t copy the footage, if you download it with a laptop, you can catch up on your favourite shows while commuting to work or in a waiting room.
BT Vision has no monthly subscription so it’s essentially a free service once installed. You then have the option of adding any of the subscription packages on a month by month basis. Customers wanting BT Vision must be BT Total Broadband customers.
Tiscali TV is a paid-for subscription service that specialises in offering additional on-demand content. Customers wanting the service have to live in a Tiscali TV enabled area.
Are there any drawbacks to these services?
While download limits won’t be affected by services from BT Vision or Tiscali TV, “live” video streaming and TV over broadband to download will.
One of the big problems with the 4oD, iPlayer and Sky Anytime services is that they all use the same legal peer-to-peer software to upload and download data - software that can’t be switched off. Even when users think they have closed the application, it continues to run in the background, using up download limits and slowing your broadband connection.
If users are concerned about their usage but want to try these innovative new services, they use our free Broadband Download Monitor and simply uninstall the broadcaster’s software if you feel it’s slowing you down.
