iPlayer upgrades could impact on data usage

Beware the bandwidth hogs! The BBC has announced planned upgrades to its popular iPlayer service, which will include the addition of High Definition (HD) video content which could impact heavily on data usage.

The HD option will be rolled out first on popular shows such as Dr Who, and will eventually be offered across more of the BBC's on-demand TV offerings. Other upgrades include a diagnostic tool which will assess the viewer's internet connection and determine the best quality video stream based on connection speed.

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

But while the planned upgrades will no doubt make a very welcome improvement to the viewing quality of programmes, it could have some implications for mobile broadband users. Watching shows on iPlayer is already one of the more data-intensive activities available to users via their mobile broadband connections, making large inroads into monthly data allowances. For anyone without a very generous data allowance, watching in HD will be a complete no-no.

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