Jazz Odyssey

The AP reports this morning that Warner Bros. will use BitTorrent as a distribution mechanism for movies and TV shows that can be purchased online. While they’re still not jumping in with both feet as the downloads aren’t playable on standard DVD players, it is an important step forward in thought process. Essentially, Warner’s foray into using P2P for distribution validates the efficiency of BitTorrent technology.

Should this become a reasonable success, the bandwidth implications are considerable–a significant increase in legitimate BitTorrent use would cause a massive surge in bandwidth usage. Already, several ISP are using “traffic shaping” technologies to limit BitTorrent bandwidth, removing many of the speed efficiencies that the technology provides. This may spell the end of the “all the bandwidth you can eat for $29.99 per month” model. I think you’ll start seeing cable and DSL service providers offering tiered pricing, with high bandwidth users paying a premium for faster pipes.

Warner did not announce a date for when this will start, but discussions are already in full bloom across the blogosphere, tech news and entertainment sites…look for an update here shortly.