subject: Watching Live Television on the Internet [print this page] Most broadcasting companies offer an HD (High Definition) service alongside their normal service, but the HD option requires an HD device to watch the programmes. Most new TV's sold are manufactured as "HD ready" and will automatically convert the received signals into HD format, for instant viewing.
Accessing internet television is a relatively simple process, and upon selection of a programme, the user may have to wait a few seconds or minutes to allow their desired programme to stream. The downloaded software, which allows a choice of thousands of TV channels, helps to select the channel required and also buffers the signal to allow the programme to run in one smooth showing instead of "loading" across the internet periodically and disrupting the viewing.
Controlling content on the Internet presents a challenge for most providers; to try to ensure that a user is allowed to view content such as programmes with age certificates, providers use methods such as parental controls that allows restrictions to be placed upon the use and access of certificated material. For example, the BBC iPlayer makes use of a parental control system giving parents the option to "lock" content, meaning that a password would have to be used to access it. Flagging systems can be used to warn a user that content may be certified or that it may be better viewed after the evening "watershed" for a particular programme. Other systems are available where users are asked for their dates of birth, or age, to verify if they are able to watch certain content. Since users in the UK have to pay for a TV licence to help fund the BBC, if you live outside the UK, the BBC iPlayer will not operate.
