BBC fixes World Cup streaming delay

Researchers unveil technology that reduces live-streaming lag for online viewers

The BBC has unveiled technology that could eliminate the delay on internet live streams of big sporting events, an issue that affected millions of viewers during the World Cup in the summer.

The industry-wide problem was starkest during the England squad’s run to the semi-final. As millions watched online, a time delay of 20 seconds or longer meant many viewers learned about goals from alerts on their phone or the screams of their neighbours. By comparison, TV coverage broadcast via Freeview takes about only five seconds to reach the home.

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