I think we're really saying the same thing but from a slightly different perspective. We agree that there a whole series of parameters that can be traded off a

I think we're really saying the same thing but from a slightly different perspective. We agree that there a whole series of parameters that can be traded off against each other: 1. Bandwidth required 2. Number of channels 3. CODEC complexity/engineering effort/cost for encoders and decoders 4. Iframe interval 5. Number of tuners/decoders in receiving equipment 6. Resolution 7. Frame rate 8. Video quality So the standardization people decide how to set those, and basically channel switch time gets set to the maximum value that doesn't cause people to cancel their service. If you want to see something pretty astonishing that can happen if you set the tradeoffs differently, check this out: https://puffer.stanford.edu/player/ https://puffer.stanford.edu/player/