Over the past decade, many Americans have significantly shifted their leisure activities, opting to spend more time at home rather than going out. Watching streaming media, from popular television series to the latest movies, has become a top priority. To enhance this experience, many have invested in high-end televisions and audio equipment, often upgrading to 4K Ultra High-Definition (UHD) TVs.
These new 4K televisions provide much clearer pictures and superior resolution than HD TVs. However, to fully enjoy streaming movies or playing games on these advanced TVs, more bandwidth is required to maximize the quality and performance of your home entertainment system.
Understanding Streaming Speed
Internet speed is commonly measured by bitrate, which indicates the amount of data transmitted per second. Bitrate is usually expressed in bits per second (bps), but for more intensive activities like streaming music, videos, or online gaming, it’s typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps). This higher measurement reflects millions of bits transmitted per second, offering a clearer picture of the data flow needed for such activities.
Bitrate directly impacts the quality of your online experience. Higher bitrates allow for smoother, high-definition video streaming, uninterrupted audio, and seamless gaming experiences. Conversely, lower bitrates can result in poor video quality, lagging, and buffering. Understanding bitrate is essential when evaluating your internet speed needs, as different activities require varying levels of data transmission. For instance, streaming a 4K video demands a higher bitrate than simple web browsing, emphasizing the importance of adequate internet speed for optimal performance.
At Hunter Communications, you’ll find fiber internet packages with speeds up to 2.5 Gbps and symmetrical upload and download speeds. With symmetrical speeds, you’ll experience consistent performance, whether downloading data to stream your favorite movie or uploading data to participate in an online video call. This balanced approach enhances overall internet efficiency, providing a smoother, reliable online experience for everything you need online.
Speed Requirements
Determining your internet speed needs involves evaluating your typical internet usage and the number of connected devices in your household. If you only participated in the most basic activities like web browsing, checking email, and social media, a speed of 25-50 Mbps may be sufficient. However, most people now use the internet for much more than those activities.
If you use your internet service to stream television or movies, each device (television, computer, or tablet) simultaneously using the network will need about 50 Mbps. That means if two people watch movies online on different devices, the minimum requirement is 100Mbps. The same is true for gamers, but the requirements per device are usually higher depending on the game.
For those either participating in school or working from home, higher upload speeds of 500Mbps are optimal for video conferencing and file sharing. These activities involve uploading data in addition to downloading information, so having symmetrical speeds for uploading and downloading is essential.
Most people now have smart homes that provide residents with greater convenience and security. Smart homes, which use numerous connected devices like security cameras, smart thermostats, Alexa-controlled lights, and other automated systems, require even more bandwidth. A speed plan of 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps can support these advanced technologies, ensuring all devices function efficiently.
Assess your internet activities, the number of users, and connected devices to choose a plan that meets your current and future internet needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient online experience.
Choose Hunter Communications for the best internet service to stream in 4K
If you’re using the internet to stream in 4K, you need reliable, fast fiber-optic internet service from Hunter Communications. We feature several packages to meet your needs, each with our commitment to lifetime pricing.
Are you ready to make the switch to reliable, fast fiber-optic internet technology?