Exactly One U.S. ISP Provides the Download Rate for HD Streaming - Wired (blog)

Exactly One U.S. ISP Provides the Download Rate for HD Streaming - Wired (blog)

The need for speed. Photo: Ariel Zambelich/Wired

Netflix has provided proof that your lousy ISP is the reason the good Doctor looked like a pixelated blob the last time you watched Doctor Who.

The streaming colossus launched a dedicated site on Tuesday to report the average download bit-rate in countries where its streaming service is available. Results are now available from the United States, Mexico and much of northern Europe. The monthly results show the average download bit-rate, and they are based on the viewing of more than 1 billion hours of content per month by 33 million members. Netflix posted its findings to help viewers determine if their internet service provider is up to the task of streaming.

Data about data. Graph: Netflix

Before you get on the phone to hassle your ISP about its slow data rate, be aware that these finding are based on the average download rate of all the devices on an ISP’s network. Sure you’re set-top box needs at least 2.45 Mbps down to stream 720p content. But, your smart phone, tablet and computer need fewer bits for a crystal clear picture. All of those devices and their bit rates are factored into the average bit rate.

Not surprisingly, Google’s fiber network was in the top spot with an average download rate of 3.35 Mbps. Cablevision’s Optimum service came closest with 2.35 Mbps.

At the other end of the spectrum, Verizon’s DSL service garnered a 1.67 Mbps average bit-rate, placing it 16th out of the 17 services ranked. That could explain the frequent buffering during dramatic scenes. Still, that was blisteringly fast compared to Clearwire, which brought up the rear with a download speed of 1.25 Mbps.

Netflix is quick to point out that your less-than-stellar connection may not be entirely your lousy ISP’s fault. Your network connection and the variety of encoding techniques it uses for its video library also could play a role.

Correction: This post has been updated at 7:15PM Eastern to clarify that the download bit rate is an average of all the devices in subscriber’s homes.

Source Article from http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/03/netflix-tracking-your-isp/