Broadband Television is being hailed as the biggest change in the way we watch television since it was first invented. Over the coming years broadband television is expected to completely change home entertainment, it will allow viewers a vast choice from all over the world not just the programs they watch but how they watch them.

Broadband television has only become practical because of the huge growth of high-speed Internet connections. More than 50% of all connections to the Web now make use of broadband. Today's standard bandwidth of 2 MB would give an adequate service, but television industry experts say 8 to 10 MB is the minimum needed for a full broadband TV service.

Apart from the need for greater bandwidth, the greatest stumbling block for broadband TV is thought to be the big film companies, the big studios seem to be reluctant to provide films and shows because they have concerns that it may affect revenues from DVD and foreign sales.

The major benefits of Broadband TV will be a much greater choice of programs, the possibility of more interactive services, potentially viewers will be able to direct their own programs choosing the camera angles etc that they want, and it will also enable people to make and transmit their own programs so opening up the possibility of local community television.

Roger Overanout

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