BBC The Traitors Final Could Be Ruined by Streaming Delays
The highly anticipated finale of The Traitors on BBC One tonight promises to be a nail-biting conclusion, but fans have been alerted to a major issue that could spoil the result for many viewers. As millions prepare to tune in at 8:30pm to see if Rachel and Stephen can secure victory or if the Faithful will unmask them, a common technological problem threatens to undermine the live viewing experience.
The Streaming Delay Dilemma
Viewers who opt to stream the show via internet-based platforms risk encountering a significant delay compared to those watching through traditional aerial, cable, or satellite connections. This lag, which can be as much as 45 seconds, is a familiar frustration for football fans who often hear reactions to goals before seeing them play out on screen. The issue affects not only BBC iPlayer on mobile devices but also services like Sky Glass and Sky Stream, which rely on broadband rather than conventional TV signals.
Sky has reportedly reduced this delay to 22 seconds on its sports channels, but this improvement is not yet available for general entertainment programming. Consequently, The Traitors enthusiasts are advised to reconsider their viewing method to avoid spoilers from friends messaging results or social media updates revealing the outcome prematurely.
How to Minimise Spoiler Risks
For those determined to watch the finale without interruptions, several strategies can help mitigate the risk of lag and spoilers. Richard Dowden, a broadband expert at Uswitch, explains that streaming inherently lags behind live action due to additional processing steps required for internet delivery, a phenomenon he terms spoiler lag.
- Utilise Aerial Connections: Sky Glass users can take advantage of a little-known aerial port by plugging in an aerial and selecting the TV aerial option on the main screen to bypass streaming delays.
- Optimise Broadband Speed: Ensure a stable connection by unplugging data-intensive devices like gaming consoles (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation) and avoiding other simultaneous streaming or gaming activities that can slow broadband speeds.
- Avoid Casting: Instead of casting live broadcasts from a mobile device to a television, watch directly through the Smart TV app to reduce additional layers of delay.
- Consider Cable TV: For the most reliable live experience, a cable TV connection, such as those offered by Virgin Media in the UK, provides minimal lag time. Using an Ethernet cable connected directly to the router can also enhance streaming quality, with a recommended download speed of at least 25mbps for HD viewing.
Finale Preview and Schedule
Heading into the series finale, only six contestants remain, with tensions running high after Wednesday's episode. Rachel and Stephen, who have formed a protective alliance, face mounting scrutiny, and Rachel hinted at potentially naming Stephen to safeguard their partnership. Stephen expressed concern over the stress of the situation, noting suspicions about Rachel's role as a Traitor.
The extended finale of The Traitors airs tonight at 8.30pm on BBC One, followed by The Traitors: Uncloaked at 9.45pm. From Friday, January 30, the time slot will transition to Rob Brydon's Would I Lie To You at 8.30pm, with Death in Paradise returning at 9pm, introducing new characters to the detective series.
