High quality Audio Video content is becoming readily available online. This is great for our entertainment, but how does our internet bandwidth restrict us from viewing this content?
I have recently posted about the 5 Benefits of Fibre Broadband in Clifton. We are currently able to offer high speed broadband internet as well as DSTV over IP. This means that residents of Clifton are finally able to access High Definition DSTV. Something previously unavailable.
Fibre broadband is being installed in other areas of Cape Town, allowing us the opportunity to start viewing high definition video from online sources. One of the easiest ways for us to take advantage of this is by installing an Apple TV. This provides access to Apple’s library of content, which can be rented for a nominal fee and watched in our own homes. While this is not the only service available, it is currently one of the easiest to access in South Africa.
When we consider the internet connection requirements, I have been able to find the following information:
Apple recommends:
For the best viewing experience for iTunes content on Apple TV, you need a broadband Internet connection.
- 8-Mbit/s or faster for 1080p high-definition movies and TV shows
- 6-Mbit/s or faster for 720p content
- 2.5-Mbit/s or faster for standard-definition content
Source: Apple Support
It should be noted though that Apple TV’s are not the only way to watch content online. I have found the following information from an article on Sound & Vision from 2012:
Netflix:
- 1 Mbps for viewing on a laptop computer
- 2 Mbps for SD video on a TV
- 4 Mbps for 720p HD video
- 5 Mbps for “the best video and audio experience” (according to Netflix)
Hulu Plus:
Note: If a TV show or movie repeatedly needs to buffer, Hulu Plus will stop streaming the video and recommend that you downgrade the video quality.
- 1 Mbps for SD video
- 2 Mbps for 720p video
- Over 3.2 Mbps for best quality HD video and audio
Vudu:
Note: All Vudu movies are streamed with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio.
- 1.0 – 2.3 Mbps for SD video
- 2.3 – 4.5 Mbps for 720p video
- 4.5 – 9.0 Mbps for HDX 1080p video
- Over 9 Mbps for 3D HD movies
Source: Sound & Vision – How much bandwidth do you need for streaming video?
WIth this in mind it shows that a minimum constant download of 3.2 Megabits per second is required to stream High Definition from Hulu Plus. If this type of line is used no other services would be possible at the same time of watching that media.
In recent months Telkom have indicated that Fibre Broadband speeds are going to be offered at 10Mbps / 20Mbps / 40Mbps and in the future 100Mbps.
This is positive for our future and having access to the types of content available online that are currently being enjoyed elsewhere in the world.
If you would like more information about fibre broadband or would like to know more about integrating a streaming media device into your audio video system, please Contact Us.