How much Internet Bandwidth Do I Need?
Perhaps you just picked up one of those new 4K Ultra HD TV sets for Christmas, or are planning to acquire one before the Super Bowl…now you’ve got a big question—how much bandwidth do I need to compensate for the higher pixel count?
4K: Due to 4K TVs having a resolution count of around 4,000 pixels, you will undoubtedly have an eye-popping resolution worth the price tag. However, one must understand that along with the T.V.s’ clear picture comes a newfound need for more bandwidth.
More Pixels= more Bandwidth necessary for smooth streaming (accessing shows, music, movies & pictures from the Internet to your T.V. without buffering or pausing)
BANDWIDTH: Greater bandwidth equals a greater capacity. In other words, an internet connection with a larger bandwidth can move a set amount of data (say, a video file or a picture requiring a higher resolution) much faster than an internet connection with a lower bandwidth. The amount of bandwidth you need depends on what you plan on doing with your internet connection.
Here’s a scenario:
It’s a cold and rainy Saturday. Your wife plans to spend the day watching her favorite shows on Netflix in the back room. Your daughter is obsessed with YouTube, and your son can easily play video games for 10 hours straight. You, of course, have big plans to illuminate in front of the 4K Ultra HD TV you just bought.
How much bandwidth do you need in order to make sure that everyone will get what they want and when they want? After all, let’s be frank…no one wants to wait long for their next episode to start, no one will tolerate more than 5 seconds of buffering, and we surely won’t stay calm if something were watching suddenly freezes, right? Trust me, don’t feel shame, we are all there now.
What does Netflix and Amazon recommend?
For reliable 4K streaming, Amazon recommends at least 15 megabits per second and Netflix advises 25 Mbps. However, keep in mind that the recommendation you just read pertains to the utilization of you streaming your Internet services to one 4kTV. Nothing else. In other words, if you are streaming to your new TV while other devices in your home are pulling from the same bandwidth service provider, then 15 or 25 Mbps will definitely not be enough for everyone to stay happy.
I have “Unlimited data” with my Internet Service Provider. Does this still apply to me?
It’s true, your Internet service provider has promised you “unlimited data access”, and they will stand behind that. Under current law, they won’t cut your Internet service when you’ve reached your bandwidth cap (the provider-imposed limit on the amount of data allotted at one time for one account holder). However, make no mistake about it, the moment you surpass your account’s allotment of bandwidth (which I’m sure it already has plenty of times), it will begin to throttle and whatever you’re watching is going to buffer. The speed at which you once were accessing data will decrease and you’re going to be unhappy…along with everyone else in your house.
For now (or until Congress makes up their mind about Net Neutrality), there are no real data caps on when “they” say enough is enough. So, yeah, right now you don’t have to worry about losing the Internet all together or paying a hefty overage penalty if you reach the cap. However, that doesn’t mean that in the future you won’t get fined, overcharged or just downright absolutely frustrated with what your plan currently covers you for. Therefore, you might as well go ahead and get a plan that provides the bandwidth that you truly need…and one that guarantees happiness.
What does Custom Audio Video recommend?
Well…it depends. Is your wife using a High Definition TV as well? It sounds like your daughter is just playing on her phone, so she may be pulling from your cellular data carrier. If your son plays video games daily, then it sounds like he utilizes at least 10 mbps on his own.
Generally speaking, a family of 3 or 4 that has 4-7 devices simultaneously connected to the Internet (devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, & smart home devices) and streams TV shows, movies and music daily; plays video games and has at least one High Definition TV needs…
On the safe side, I would recommend 60 megabits per second for your household to keep everyone absolutely happy…for at least a little while.
Ask a Custom Audio Video representative for Tips on how to boost Your Home’s Wi-Fi
