There are mixed feelings today, as the BBC announce that it’s superb iPlayer service is to start offering HD (high definition) content to UK viewers. This time, linux and OSX users will get the chance to join in at the very beginning, unlike when the original service launched!
iPlayer HD – BIG downloads
Although the iPlayer HD service is likely to be a great addition to an already excellent service, using it comes with a BIG caveat – BANDWIDTH costs!
Many UK Internet users have a ‘capped’ broadband package from their ISP (Internet Service Provider). These caps are typically VERY low. UK ISP Freedom2Surf, for example, offers users a pathetic 50 gigabytes for a whole month! This would quickly be eaten in to, with regular viewing of HD content as well as a few podcast subscriptions. Other UK providers offer even smaller packages, with payment penalties if you go over your allocation.
iPlayer HD – Maybe this will make UK ISP’s rethink?
Although the BBC are to be applauded for passing the envelope, I wonder how long it will be before some less experienced Internet users start getting unexpectedly large ISP bills, after viewing the new HD content?
It’s time UK ISP’s started to adapt their packages to reflect the changing needs of Internet users. Hopefully, the surge in bandwidth demand created by providers like the BBC, will get the process moving on!
Bandwidth Caps elsewhere
This post should also serve as a warning to our readers overseas, who are increasingly starting to see bandwidth caps introduced. This is a prime example of the kind of issues caps cause. Caps are also likely to impact other Internet video content providers, like Leo Laporte’s TWiT network and Revision3 etc.
What we don’t want to see is content, which only a percentage of Internet users can afford to watch!
A very British problem: BBC iPlayer HD & Bandwidth Caps are not a good mix! – http://tinyurl.com/cky6f7
They need to let it go, there is no doubt the cable companies do this because they want people to pay for cable tv also, but it is at least not fair to put a cap on people who is already paying for both, I am not the type that are willing to let my cable box go for internet tv, so why do I have to be punished when I am a good customer?
RT: @thetechnewsblog: “Bandwidth caps & HD!” http://tinyurl.com/cky6f7
Supposedly, my cap is 2GB. Yes, 2GB. Two. Gigabytes. A month. Arrgh. (Don’t tell them, but they don’t seem to be enforcing it. I’m a heavy downloader :D)