ABC First to Launch HD Video Streaming Online >> The Far Side of Tech

So it seems that a few days ago ABC updated their online video player to stream high-definition video. This would make them the first major network to make the jump to streaming HD online. I know NBC and CBS offer high-definition episodes over on-demand with some cable services, but doing it online is an entirely different scenario. It costs the network more to push out such high bandwidth files, it’s tougher to insure cross-compatibility among different computer configurations, and many folks may find that their broadband service is not as entirely broad when trying to stream HD. DSL users, be forewarned.

Of course, with the rising availability of decent broadband and the inevitable reduction in bandwidth costs, such a move was to be expected in the next few years. By showing that they can do it right now, ABC is assuredly future-proofing their online streaming solution. Consider these handful of episodes a beta test for all of ABC’s future online offerings. Now that they have the technology to stream HD video at the ready, all they have to do is concentrate on getting more content up. It’s very possible that we’ll be able to see most, if not all, of ABC’s new content online in HD this fall

Not only that, it will also force the other major networks to speed up their own HD streaming software. And if ABC truly makes some strides in getting new content up, the other networks will have to follow suit as well. Perhaps this fall, we’ll be able to watch most of our prime time shows in HD.

Testing ABC’s HD Streaming

ABC recommends a dual core processor, 1GB of RAM, and 128MB of video memory, along with a 2Mbps internet connection for viewing the HD streaming video. This pretty much excludes DSL users from being able to stream the video well, although you could always start loading the video and letting it build up a decent buffer before watching. Cable users should be all set. I believe the slowest cable offerings today are around 4Mbps, with most averaging between 6-8Mbps.

If you have a fairly new computer with an Intel Core Duo-type processor, you should have a fairly good experience. If you don’t have 1GB of RAM yet, then now is a great time to upgrade. (I covered why you should consider buying RAM upgrades for newer computers in a recent post.) The video RAM requirement is less of a necessity than the other minimums.

Unfortunately, my computer meets every basic requirement except for the CPU. My trust 3Ghz Pentium 4 has served me well these past few years, but it seems like HD content is finally going to give me a reason to upgrade. Being a glutton for punishment, I tried the HD streaming service anyway.

At first, the picture appeared blocky, as if it were just standard web streaming video blown up to an HD resolution. After about 5-10 seconds though, the video cleared up and it appeared as sharp as a typical Bittorrent rip at HD resolutions. (Not that I would know anything about downloading shows on Bittorrent…)

I’ve avoided watching streaming video from network sites in the past due to their often craptacular quality. However, I would have no problem catching up on Lost if the episodes were offered in this new HD streaming platform.

via TV Squad