ISP speeds for streaming

[Tattoedsailor]

Hey guys my wife and I are moving. What ISP package/internet speed should I shoot for streaming Netflix etc.. Looks like ISP is Comcast.

 

[thescreensavers]

Download Speeds

0.5 Megabits per second - Required broadband connection speed
1.5 Megabits per second - Recommended broadband connection speed
3.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for DVD quality
5.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for HD quality
7.0 Megabits per second - Recommended for Super HD quality
12 Megabits per second - Recommended for 3D quality

https://support.netflix.com/en/node/306

 

[Tattoedsailor]

5.0 should be enough.. Thanks for link!

 

[wasabiman123]

5.0 should be enough.. Thanks for link!

Trust me it won't be enough... I have 30 Mb down and it still isn't enough haha

 

[VirtualLarry]

Trust me it won't be enough... I have 30 Mb down and it still isn't enough haha

Until Verizon gets their head out of their a** and fixes their peering problems, with Netflix and YouTube, it won't matter how fast your last-mile network link is.

 

[piasabird]

A lot depends on the network congestion in your area. The route between the streaming server and your ISP also counts. If one of the servers or hops is slow everything will be slow. In my area Charter Cable claims to start at 12 Megabits. Any ISP that is offereing less that about 6 is just blowing smoke and living in the stone age.

 

[Savatar]

If you are primarily interested in Netflix, you may want to see if you can find an ISP who is part of their OpenConnect program. Only members of Netflix's OpenConnect program will be able to stream in Super HD quality or above.

Unfortunately, Time Warner is NOT a member - they refused to join earlier this year when asked, even though it is free. I am not sure about Comcast, but they aren't explicitly listed, either (though I heard they are getting on board, I can't confirm).

From Netflix's site:
ISPs can directly connect their networks to Open Connect for free. ISPs can do this either by free peering with us at common Internet exchanges, or can save even more transit costs by putting our free storage appliances in or near their network.

Major ISPs around the world have already connected to Open Connect, including Frontier, British Telecom, TDC, Clearwire, GVT, Telus, Bell Canada, Virgin, Cablevision, Google Fiber, Telmex, and more.

For more information, visit: https://signup.netflix.com/openconnect
This link can check if your current ISP allows for SuperHD : https://signup.netflix.com/superhd

Comcast does rate pretty highly in terms of average streem speed for netflix, even if they are not in the super HD program: http://blog.netflix.com/2012/12/november-isp-rankings-for-usa.html