What is internet streaming?

Internet streaming is the process of transmitting audio and/or video content over the internet to a device, such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet. This content can be live or on-demand and can be viewed or listened to by users anywhere in the world.

Streaming on the Internet is a term that refers to watching a video or listening to audio online in real-time instead of downloading the media file. This service requires reasonable internet bandwidth, which varies depending on the quality level.

For example, the minimum bandwidth requirement to watch a high-quality video on YouTube is significantly higher than low-quality videos. As a further illustration, watching a low-quality video on YouTube for a PC (400×226 pixels) requires more internet speed than the same video for smartphones (How to set up IPTV on a smartphone) (320×240 pixels), since the PC (How to set up IPTV on PC) have larger screens.

Streaming Content Specifications (Video on Demand)

Video on demand (VOD) is a streaming content service that delivers television shows and movies over the internet to viewers. This content can be viewed on computers, mobile devices, or televisions, depending on the service.

There are two types of video on demand: subscription and advertising-supported. With subscription VOD, viewers pay a monthly fee to watch a predetermined selection of movies and TV shows. With advertising-supported VOD, viewers watch commercials in exchange for watching free content.

Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO GO, Showtime, STARZ, and a slew of other streaming content providers have made it so that viewers no longer have to wait until the next day or week to catch their favorite show. If it’s available on one of these platforms, then it’s generally available “streaming now.”

Each provider has its own set of specs when it comes to streaming video content. For example, Netflix recommends a broadband connection speed of 5 Mbps for HD quality streaming, while Hulu recommends a minimum of 1.5 Mbps.

Streaming VOD content requires a near-fast internet connection, and how fast simply depends on the type of media you’re watching. A speed of 20 megabits per second (Mbps) or greater is required to stream standard definition video without buffering, degradation in quality, or buffering interruptions. HD and 4K media require faster speeds for perfect performance.

Live streaming (IPTV)

Live streaming and IPTV are identical to the streaming discussed previously, but it is used precisely for internet content that is presented in real-time as it occurs. Live streaming is common with live television shows and certain one-off sports or events.