Football fans seeking to avoid spoilers during the World Cup can achieve the most immediate viewing experience by utilizing traditional AM/FM radio, according to a guide released by the UK regulator Ofcom.
Streaming services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX, while popular, can introduce delays of 30 to 100 seconds. These delays occur due to the technical processes involved in packaging content for internet transmission, including necessary buffering to ensure continuous playback. Additional delays can arise from production processes and the coding of signals for different platforms.
Ofcom's analysis indicates that AM/FM radio offers a near-instantaneous feed, with no noticeable delay. Digital radio (DAB) follows closely, with an average delay of approximately two seconds. Broadcast television, whether terrestrial, satellite, or cable, experiences a delay ranging from five to 20 seconds.
Streamed audio is reported to have an average delay of 20 to 50 seconds, placing it as the second-worst option for real-time viewing. Streamed video incurs the longest delay, potentially up to 100 seconds.
To further minimize the risk of spoilers, Ofcom suggests turning off mobile phones or placing them on airplane mode.
In related news, a supercomputer simulation conducted by scientists at the University of Liverpool has predicted Spain as the most likely nation to win the World Cup, with a 26.1% probability. England follows with a 17% chance, ahead of France (13.5%), Argentina (12.4%), and Portugal (10.6%). The simulation also identified Norway as a dark horse with a 3.6% chance of winning.
The supercomputer also projected potential Golden Boot winners, suggesting Erling Haaland of Norway or Mikel Oyarzabal of Spain, both predicted to score an average of 5.2 goals during the tournament.