Netflix

Can someone who uses Netflix tell me what sort of usage towards monthly download caps this can consume? For example how many gigs does a simple hour and a half film use?

Thanks in advance.

I believe that Netflix pumps at 1.5, 2.5, and 3.8 megabits per second, depending on picture quality. I'm pretty sure that's correct, but it's worth reviewing because those numbers are from about 18 months back. I don't know of a way to force a degrade in picture quality short of putting a throttle on your router if that option is available. So for a one hour video, plan the following:

1.5 mbps -- 1.5 / 8 bits * 60 seconds * 60 minutes = 675MB
2.5 mbps -- 2.5 / 8 * 60 * 60 = 1.125GB
3.8 mbps -- 3.8 / 8 * 60 * 60 = 1.710GB

AT&T's offer of 150GB for standard subscribers means about 125 hours of viewing per month at the lower HD setting of 2.5mbps.

S.

Thanks Sag

You can force degrade to a lower bitrate stream by streaming a video to your laptop etc. while Netflix is checking bandwidth. I used to do that to prevent my TV from (optimistically) asking for the HD stream.

I like that idea.

I know Roku offers an option to limit the picture quality in Canada where limits have been in place for awhile. I imagine they'll be offering it here in the US now that AT&T has placed similar caps.

If the ISPs aren't careful they're going to resurrect WiMax.

S.