The trend of streaming continues to gain momentum, replacing the need for traditional aerial or dish setups with the convenience of broadband for direct TV content streaming. Streaming offers a simpler alternative to traditional viewing methods, especially for locations without access to aerial connection points.
However, internet-based viewing poses a challenge, particularly for live sports due to latency issues, causing delays compared to over-the-air signals. This delay can lead to online viewers receiving notifications of key moments, like goals, before actually witnessing them on their screens.
Sky has addressed this issue with its latest streaming devices, including Sky Glass and Sky Stream, providing access to sports content with minimal delay compared to live broadcasts. Following suit, the BBC has now introduced a similar update for households using Fire TV Sticks, Sony televisions, and BT set-top boxes, aiming to reduce latency for improved viewing experiences.
Melissa Darragh, Senior R&D Engineer at the BBC, elaborated on the low latency streaming trial on BBC iPlayer beta, expanding device support and prolonging the testing phase to assess real-world performance across diverse networks and conditions. This extension is expected to enhance live event viewing experiences, including sports, breaking news, and concerts, with the BBC encouraging more households to participate in the trial for further testing.
The BBC outlined that users on supported devices can engage in the trial by tuning into BBC Two live via iPlayer Beta during specific hours. The trial stream, available for locations set to England or Scotland, is scheduled to run for approximately a month. The BBC assured users that apart from reduced delays, no significant differences in viewing experience are expected, with an option to switch back to conventional streaming if issues arise.
The compatible devices for the low latency streaming trial include Fire TV Edition 4K 2022, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen), BT TV Box Pro, Sky Glass Gen 1, select Bush TVs, certain Sony TV models, and specific Toshiba TV models.