Access and Use of Internet Television

The ability to access internet television depends on the internet-streaming speed. This limits adoption in many countries, as broadband penetration is limited. For example; in the European Union only twenty-five percent of consumers had access to Broadband internet in 2010. Using an Internet service provider, something which is common in many homes in the developed world, the user simply enters their chosen website address. If the user has no select preference of streaming service, the name of a chosen television programme can be inputted into a search engine followed by a phrase such as "online streaming" or "watch on the net". Accessing television on the internet has never been so simple, due to this usability of streaming services has had to be improved to maintain the simplicity of the process. Upon selection of a programme and website, the user may have to wait a few seconds or minutes to allow their desired programme to stream. A process called buffering allows the programme to run in one smooth showing as opposed to stopping and starting to allow the programme to stream.

Controlling content on the Internet presents a challenge for most providers. To ensure that a user is allowed to view content such as programmes with age certificates, providers use methods such as parental controls that allows restrictions to be placed upon the use and access of certificated material. The BBC iPlayer makes use of a parental control system giving parents the option to "lock" content, meaning that a password would have to be used to access it. Flagging systems are being used to warn users that content may be certified or that it may be post watershed for a programme. Honor systems are also used where a user is asked for his date of birth or age to verify if he is able to view certain content.