Internet broadcaster does not let bandwidth limitations deter HD planning

Internet broadcasters face a major constraint when it comes to HDTV — namely, a lack of bandwidth.

For those who choose to stream live rather than simply offer downloads, the buffering time required to stream HD content, particularly in many areas of the United States where Internet bandwidth is limited, can put off an audience fast, destroying months and even years of effort to build an online following.

But Leo Laporte, a technology journalist and owner of Internet-based TV network TWiT TV, isn’t letting a little bandwidth shortage deter his HD plans. Laporte is building a new Internet broadcasting studio in Petaluma, CA, that’s 720p-capable and easily upgradeable to 1080i.

I spoke this weekend with Laporte at breakfast as he readied for a broadcast from the South by Southwest Film Festival.

Phil Kurz

Phil Kurz is a contributing editor to TV Tech. He has written about TV and video technology for more than 30 years and served as editor of three leading industry magazines. He earned a Bachelor of Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.