IPTV – TV content via your internet connection is set to change the way we view video content and bring on demand content into the lounge room. While many IPTV services claim to be free and are being more practical with advancements in fast broadband there can be a hidden cost.. download fees.

Many of the new IPTV services coming to the market work by downloading content to your computer, set top box or media centre for storage. Unless your internet service provider provides non-metered access to certain services the downloads will all count towards your monthly download limits.

With a one hour program consuming around 700mb to 1gb in data (more in full HD) it is possible that you could qucikly burn through your download limit for the month.

When you choose a broadband plan you will find that the vast majority do not offer genuine unlimited plans even though they are advertised this way. Often the ‘unlimited plans’ have peak and off-peak limits before your service is throttled or ’shaped’ to dial-up like speeds which would in effect prevent the use of services such as IPTV once the limit was reached.

Other broadband plans do not shape download speeds but charge a per mb excess download fee such as 15cents per mb. 15 cents may not sounds like a lot but when you realise a ninety minute movie that is 1gb in size might cost $150 to download then you soon see the problem.  In a household with multiple family members downloading content the bill payers could be in for a huge shock when taking up IPTV services.

Some simple tips when looking for an IPTV service include:

• Check if your ISP has a partnership with any IPTV services – they may offer unlimited downloads with these services
• Double check your peak and off-peak download limits – try and make use of your extra off-peak allowances
• Use online account services from your ISP to track usage so you do not get caught out