Since last Friday, new iPad 3G owners excited to begin streaming video over the 3G network were met by disappointed when they realized video quality were degraded or simply wouldn’t work over 3G. How could this be?

Back in December, Apple told developers to adapt their video streaming to varying network conditions, by including low quality stream, just in case we boggle down the networks.

iPhone and iPad apps that send large amounts of audio or video data over cellular networks are required to use HTTP Live Streaming. [...]

You must include a low quality stream of no more than 64 Kbps for your app to resort to when network conditions demand it, along with the higher quality streams you want to deliver to your customers when the network can support it.

Only two of the three major developers took heed of Apple’s advice. YouTube and Netflix listened, so you can view (low-res) videos over the 3G network, while ABC Player simply passed and will require that you only use the app using WiFi.

UPDATE: ABC Player’s iPad app WiFi only support will soon be lifted. The company has submitted an update adding 3G support into the App Store for approval.

Dan Frommer:

ABC’s iPad app will support 3G video streaming in a new update to the app, according to a person familiar with the matter. The app has already been submitted to Apple, and pending approval — which ABC should get — it will be available for download.

[AppAdvice]

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