Broadband News

BBC iPlayer launches HD downloads

Friday, 17 April 2009

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

The popular TV catch-up service the BBC iPlayer has added a number of new features, including High Definition content.

Popular TV shows, such as Doctor Who, Kerwhizz and Dragons Den, are set to be some of the first available to stream or download in HD.

The BBC iPlayer also has a new diagnostic tool that analyses your broadband speed to determine the best quality video stream available for your connection.

Users will now also be able to resize their video window to get the best quality viewing.

Anthony Rose, BBC head of digital media and technology, said: “The new adaptive bitrate technology and speed diagnostics page help optimise the viewing experience, while the resizable window gives users flexibility to switch between different quality streams, hopefully leading to a more satisfying experience overall.”

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, warned that users needed to be more careful than ever that they don’t exceed their download limits.

“This warning particularly applies to mobile broadband users,” he said. “Mobile broadband allowances are generally far lower than fixed-line download limits, and the penalty for exceeding your limit is almost always costly.

“But even with a fixed-line broadband connection you still need to keep an eye on your downloading,” added Phillips. “Exceeding your fair usage policy could see your connection speed throttled, and if you have a set download allowance you will be charged if you go over your monthly allowance.

“Install our free Broadband Download Monitor to make sure you never exceed your download limit,” he advised.