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Streaming video effectively.

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Minivanman
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Streaming video effectively.

Can somebody tell me what minimum broadband speed is needed to stream video effectively.

A quick check via google seems to suggest around 3Mb/s, and what about using more than one device? If the Mrs switches on her Kindle to watch something when I'm struggling at less than 1Mb/s to view something else we both get that buffering notice Angry


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Minivanman
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

Thirty three views to date and yet no reply to this, even from plusnet's people.

Interesting. 


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dvorak
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

BBC iPlayer FAQ says:

BBC iPlayer programmes stream at up to 2.8 Mbps or megabits (2800 kbps), depending on the quality. Our standard quality version is 1.5 Mbps (1500 kbps).

You’ll actually need a little more bandwidth than this to watch programmes on iPlayer. If you think your internet connection is slower than expected, please contact your internet service provider.

I'd expect other streams to be around the same. 

 

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BenB
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

Fix

Hi Minivanman,

Typically it's between 2.5-3Mbps to stream effectively but this can all change depending on the quality of the video and like you've mentioned the number of devices connected. The number of devices is the same for anything that you are using on your connection, as the more devices connected, the more bandwidth is used.

ian007jen
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

You answered your own question really

3 Mb/stream

If using your own router you may be able to set QOS to enable two devices to stream at the same time.

 

What is your download/upload sync speed?

 

Minivanman
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

Both a lot less than 1Mb/s, and has been for some months now. Guess I was just trying to get a comment from plusnet as being honest, many providers seem incapable of providing enough speed and are mis-selling a service on a vast scale.

Or am I wrong?


Truth is like a threshing machine; tender sensibilities must keep out of the way.
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Minivanman
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

 

 

Currently at less than 1Mb/s, if I want to watch iplayer (even the standard quality version) I have to download it first which can take a couple of hours at least - assuming it does not hang up halfway through! 


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godsell4
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Re: Streaming video effectively.

You need 2.5Mb for iPlayer/NOWTV to work at reliability all but at that speed, if somebody else uses the internet for almost anything, it will start buffering. At around 5Mb, one stream can be supported and other people can use the internet too for other purposes, gaming might be choppy though.

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https://portal.plus.net/my.html?action=data_transfer_speed