We've been watching hockey via live streaming and frequently the stream goes all jerky - starts and stops every few seconds.
What could cause that?

Slow processor
slow graphic card
slow connection speed
outdated software
too many processes running in background

All checked and no change.
I have noticed that it gets worse when we have high winds and improves when the wind dies down. We have DSL.

  

There's your first problem... DSL. Speed depends on how far you are from the main terminal. It also sends the data in "packets"... not the ideal way to get a live stream.

Plant some hedges around your TelCo box to brake the howling wind.
Also, lay off your beans when hockey games are scheduled.


Checked your phone wires outside? Your phone company might check your connection speed and correct it if there are probs with your outside wiring.
Have you checked what processes are running in the background? Do you have enough free memory?

Right now the picture is frozen but the audio is just fine. Makes for some weird hockey.
Is there a way I can check the speed here?

Yes, there is one. Look on this page all the way down. Further!

Or click here  http://www.speedtest.net/index.php?link=1

Watched hockey last night without a problem except for the Chevy ads.
The only difference was using IE9 instead of IE8. Do you know of an issue with IE8 and streaming?

I don't use IE. Too many issues all around.
Try Firefox and see if that gives you a nice stream even for commercials.

If you were watching hockey on CBC - those Chevy ads are brutal. Somebody fucked up the compression.

Those are the ones.
Hope their cars work better than those ads.

Problem solved.
There was a loose wire at the telephone pole.

Now you can get all your TV for free! Unless of course Bell and the other communication cartel members are successful in getting their wish for usage-based billing. Conveniently, the CRTC will be coming out with their "review" AFTER the CONs have won their great and coveted majority.

But... I digress...

Is that before or after the law about truth-in-the-news is changed to allow lieing FOX to broadcast its drivel?

My post #4 mentioned that possibility.
I guess I can cancel my appointment with Kathy for my annual mental evaluation.

Sign Bell up for some appointments. The telephone twits wouldn't listen when I mentioned the wind. They kinda laughed at me until the phone was affected as well. Took a technician about 3 minutes to fix.

  

They would rather slough you off because if the problem is outside the distribution box mounted on your house, they have to pay for it. If the problem is in your house, it's your responsibility. I had the same gripe with Bell for weeks. They refused to accept that the problem was theirs to fix. It was only when I refused to accept it was my responsibility to pay their regular invoice that they finally decided to do something about it.