As promised back in May this year, ABC.com has launched its high-definition video player in beta – the first network site to broadcast online in 1280 x 720 resolution.
Also as expected, the crystal clear offerings are a little thin on the ground at present, with only single episodes of Lost, Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty and Grey’s Anatomy available to whet your appetite before the new autumn season of programming.
According to Multichannel News, however, the station is guaranteeing a “more robust” HD line-up of shows in time for this September.
What You Want, When You Want
ABC recommends a set of minimum system requirements to viewers of its online videos, including a screen resolution of at least 1300 x 770 and a minimum bandwidth of 2Mbps. Even if you aren’t too sure of your line’s quality, handily, an onscreen bandwidth meter will relay just how good (or bad) your stream is being received.
ABC commented back in May that its latest online feature is an example of giving viewers what they want, when they want:
“This is all about innovating and creating ‘what’s next’ to give consumers the best experience as they watch our content, regardless of viewing platform,” said Albert Cheng, executive vice president of Disney-ABC Television.
Feedback for the service so far is positive, one user stating that the images are “gorgeous and stutter free.” Only time will tell as to whether millions of others agree.
[Via ABC]
