Has Netflix frozen yet your internet speed tests suggest everything should be fine? You’re certainly not alone.
Video streaming can be puzzling because it is handled differently to other internet traffic. That’s why you may perform a speed test; everything looks fine but face problems when streaming. And it’s hard to know why.
Speedtest has been a go-to platform for checking internet speeds. But the app is expanding support to allow dedicated video testing. And there’s a reason why you need to test your network’s video streaming capabilities differently.
“While network speed certainly impacts your video experience, providers around the world sometimes limit the resolution or prioritize video traffic differently than other traffic,” Speedtest says.
“This means that video can perform very differently than the rest of the things you do online, no matter how fast the download speed of your network.”
Video streaming uses adaptive bitrate technology that adjusts your stream’s quality on the go based on your network performance at any moment.
Speedtest’s dedicated video test feature will measure this adaptive bitrate and provide you with the maximum resolution, load time and buffer you should expect on your network’s current conditions if you want to stream content on Netflix and its alternatives.
It will also show you the best platform that streaming will work best based on the video test, be it a phone, laptop or TV.
The new feature provides an excellent way to test your network’s streaming capability than traditional bandwidth testing, which does not directly imply a good experience. And maybe it’s time to see if your ISP provider is delivering the quality you expect for your money.
The new feature is available on iOS devices first, but it will soon be coming on more platforms including Apple TV, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
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