Akamai sees more publishers switching to HD video online
By Richard Lawler 
posted Apr 24th 2009 1:18PM
posted Apr 24th 2009 1:18PM
Sure Akamai sponsored a new IDC whitepaper finding smooth video and high resolution is important to most online audiences -- services it is conveniently positioned to help provide -- but that doesn't mean the results are wrong. Last year a similarly self promotional survey found 75% or broadcasters planning HD online and in the last twelve months we've had an explosion of HD on the net, from the Olympics and NCAA Championships to Netflix, Amazon, MLB and YouTube to 1080p from DirecTV, DISH and VUDU. Key results of the 2009 analysis? Publishers need HD streaming to keep up with the competition, video quality is important, and high definition means users will stick around longer. Notable in its absence is the complaint many have about downloads and streams, no high quality / surround audio. Just an idea for the 2010 survey guys.
Streaming sucks ... Hello ... most people who enjoy HD have HDTVs .. and do not want to sit in front of 22" monitors
Arghhhhhhh
I think easy to use mainstream set-top boxes like the Roku will start shifting the tide so that streaming *will* be on HDTVs, rather than just for 22" computer monitors.
I just REALLY wish my Netbook could handle HD video. It stutters bad on VimeoHD and YouTubeHD. I got the newest Asus with the Atom N280 processor and it still struggles to play them.
Don't feel so bad about your netbook, because I haven't yet seen a computer capable of playing back youtube HD without a hiccup.
That said, Vimeo HD is usually pretty fast, but as always, it depends a lot on the content. (read: it varies a lot)
iTunes HD content plays while downloading without a hitch on Apple TV, current Macs, and Windows PCs with halfway decent hardware.
HD movies on iTunes usually have Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound -- currently only supported on Apple TV.