What is streaming? Easily explained
The word "streaming" is usually used when it comes to films and series. In this practical tip, we explain what exactly streaming is, how it works and what you need to consider when streaming.
Streaming - that's what streaming is all about
Broadly speaking, streaming means playing content on your computer over the Internet or over a network.
- As you stream, packets of data are continuously transmitted and processed directly.
- For example, when you watch a video on YouTube, the video file is downloaded in small parts to your device and played directly. In contrast to a conventional download, the data is not saved permanently, but discarded immediately.
- Streaming becomes problematic when your internet connection is too slow. In this case, the video will stall because the next data has not yet been downloaded.
- A stream can of course also take place from one of your devices to another. For example, you can stream media from your iPhone to your Apple TV.
These streaming portals exist
There are now quite a few streaming portals that you can use in Germany.
- Netflix: The streaming provider from the USA offers you television series and cinema films as well as many in-house productions that have even been awarded Golden Globes. Read how Netflix works here.
- Amazon Prime Instant Video: The online retailer's streaming offer is also very extensive and offers you many different series and films. More information about Amazon Prime Instant Video can be found in this article.
- Maxdome: The German streaming provider Maxdome offers you not only American films and series but also many German productions. We have summarized more about the current highlights on Maxdome in another article for you.
In this practical tip you will read how you can stream from your Latop to a Samsung Smart TV.