YouTube Users Can Now Test Their Broadband Speed
Friday, February 26th, 2010
Video speed is an important part of the viewing experience since it determines the amount of time required to wait before watching the video from start to finish.
YouTube has now introduced a video speed dashboard, which enables broadband users to determine the speed of their connection and also compare it with wider nationwide and global figures. This will provide information to broadband users who complain of slow video loading whether the problem lies with their broadband connection.
YouTube’s video speed dashboard is not a device, which increases the speed of downloading, but it provides evidence to dissatisfied broadband users that the fault may lie with their Internet service provider. The speed data is averaged over a period of one month so that any temporary fluctuations are not reflected in it. This gives you an accurate idea of usually what your speed is/
This new feature is worth giving it a try. You can log on to the my_speed section on the YouTube website where you can discover your average connection speed.
By making the video speed history data available, YouTube is aiming at keeping the users better informed on speed related issues. It also gives you the ability to compare your speed numbers with other users in your region. This makes it easier if you are thinking of changing your Internet service providers, as it allows you to compare your ISP with others.
If you need to know more about broadband, or the various ISPs, look at broadbandgenie.co.uk. I found some useful information on, and offers from Tiscalli Broadband; it is worth a look at the website for and their comparative table of broadband