Think back to the first time you tried to stream a video. Perhaps you’re circle of friends constantly talked about the launch of Netflix which eliminated the need to mail in movies. Or your partner announcing after a long day of work that movie watching took a 180 turn.

No matter what the story, streaming technology has made huge strides. Slow internet speeds proved to be one of the biggest hurdles to complete one movie without the buffer icon. Fast forward to today, viewers can watch almost anything by streaming the content. You have Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix and live sports events from Sling as well as various other types of content for different viewing preferences.

With the number of streaming platforms and services available, those who are not familiar with streaming might find it overwhelming. But that’s why we’re here to help. We want you to have the best experience. Here we’ll share with you all you need to know to stream your TV shows and movies.

What is Streaming? What is a Smart TV?

Streaming

Streaming is a method of sending and receiving audio and video material over the internet in a continuous flow to a device such as a smartphone, laptop, or Smart TVs. This allows viewers to start playback as the remainder of the data gets sent over. It provides viewers the convenience and flexibility of watching content wherever and whenever they want.

Smart TV

A Smart TV looks like a regular flat-screen TV but you’ll find more options when you turn it on. You can connect it to your Wi-Fi so you can stream shows from YouTube and Amazon Prime Video apps. In essence, a Smart TV is like a bigger version of your tablet or phone.

Connecting a Smart TV to the Internet

1. Push the Menu button on the remote

2. Choose Network Settings. Then select Set up a wireless connection

3. Choose your Wi-FI name from the list

4. Enter the Wi-Fi password by using the remote.

Do I need to buy a Smart TV to stream?

Smart TV is just one option you have if you want to stream shows from Hulu, HBO, or Netflix but it’s not a requirement. You can use a streaming device like Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Apple TV to connect your TV to a Wi-Fi network and stream content. Most streaming platforms have a monthly subscription plan.

Can I use a streaming service if I already have a cable TV plan?

Yes. Many households usually have what we can traditional cable plus a streaming service subscription. There are also cases where you need a cable subscription to watch certain shows through your player. One example of such is HBO. If your cable plan includes access to HBO, you can go to the HBO Max app to stream on-demand content. Just enter the login details and you’re good to go.

How to stream from a tablet or smartphone?

Streaming platforms have mobile apps that you can download to your phone or tablet. For instance, if your family has a shared Netflix account, you can download the app on your mobile device, log in with the account details, and stream to your heart’s content. The biggest advantage of a mobile app is that you can enjoy your TV shows and movies anywhere. Do note that streaming itself can drain your battery faster.

Can I stream live TV from my preferred service?

The answer depends on which streaming platform you’re using. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV NOW, and Sling TV are among the streaming platforms that offer live TV streaming. Each service will give you access to a different set of channels so it’s important to choose one that will broadcast your favorite shows.

If you’re not yet sure which service is the best option, no worries because most of them offer a free trial. You can use this period to explore their interface and library to find out which one you prefer. To avoid any unexpected charges to your card, set a reminder to cancel the trial period before the deadline.

How to avoid buffering videos?

The best solution to enjoy a continuous and smooth streaming experience is to place the router at the same height as the TV. Routers are good at sending horizontal signals more than vertical ones. If the router is on a different floor than the TV you’re using, you can expect some issues with loading. You can also connect to the internet with an Ethernet cable which ensures the most stable connection.

Why am I experiencing delays and slow internet when streaming?

If several people in your home are streaming simultaneously from different devices, this means that you’re fighting for bandwidth. Multiple devices streaming at the same time can reduce the quality of the video and slow down the loading time. If you enjoy different content, try to schedule different times for each member. You can also upgrade to a more premium Wi-Fi plan which gives you faster speed.

Although streaming offers a lot of advantages, there are also some downsides worth nothing. For live events, you will experience real-time delays which could go from 13 up to 39 seconds. Although this isn’t exactly a long time, a lot can happen especially when you’re watching a climactic sports event. The best solution to prevent delay is to turn off phone notifications and avoid going on social media.