Internet can't handle HD video, say providers
Monday, May 15, 2006 - 11:19am
Internet service providers warn that the current infrastructure of the Net is not capable of handling widespread downloading or streaming of high-definition video. Since the World Wide Web was intended to allow people to sporadically view Web sites and make downloads, the providers say, the stress put on the network servers by people streaming high-resolution video for hours would bog down systems everywhere. According to the ISPs, they'll need to either raise prices for consumers or charge extra to content providers to guarantee video gets through to people at home. Another plan: everybody could just use BitTorrent to download HD video, like they do now.