What does it mean to stream?
Let us answers all of your questions about what streaming means and how to stream TV online!
Streaming live TV is the budget-friendly, easier and more flexible way to watch the TV that you know and love. Instead of using traditional cable line or satellite dish, streaming delivers your content using the internet.
The concept of streaming first came around with movies and music, and now can be used for everything from video games to smartphone apps and – you guessed it – live TV.
Your favorite shows and live games are sent to your TV in real-time over the internet, meaning that there’s no download time or need for storage space. Your show arrives in a continuous stream when you press play, and disappears once you’ve watched it.
When you’re streaming live TV, this means that your show or game is coming right to you as soon as the broadcasters send it out just as it would if you were watching on a cable or satellite connection. If you’re streaming on-demand video option, then the video is ready to watch as soon as you ask for it.
Streaming requirement #1: High-Speed Internet
The biggest requirement when it comes to streaming is a reliable internet connection. Because streaming doesn’t download data, it needs to be able to transfer the video to you in real time. If your internet connection is too slow, you might run into problems with buffering or poor video quality.
It’s generally recommended to have an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps if your household uses multiple devices at the same time. So if you’re watching a cat video on your phone while your streaming your favorite show, you likely have all the speed you need.
Streaming requirement #2: Compatible streaming device
In order to stream, you also need to have a compatible streaming device. If you want to mirror a traditional cable experience, get your main TV set up to stream by connecting it to a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick or AirTV Mini.
(Fun fact: Sling has great streaming device deals that will help you get set up!)
If you have a smart TV, you can stream without needing a separate device by downloading the streaming service from the app library. You can also stream on a huge number of mobile devices so you can watch on the go, from your iOS or Android smartphone to tablets and laptops.
The wide range of compatible device options helps you avoid the need for equipment rental fees and ultimately saves you money when compared with a cable or satellite subscription. Streaming TV services like Sling also save you money by offering flexible bundles that let you customize your service so you’re not paying for dozens of channels that you’ll never watch.
Check out our full list of compatible devices that you can use to watch live TV on Sling.
Streaming requirement #1: High-Speed Internet
The biggest requirement when it comes to streaming is a reliable internet connection. Because streaming doesn’t download data, it needs to be able to transfer the video to you in real time. If your internet connection is too slow, you might run into problems with buffering or poor video quality.
It’s generally recommended to have an internet speed of at least 25 Mbps if your household uses multiple devices at the same time. So if you’re watching a cat video on your phone while your streaming your favorite show, you likely have all the speed you need.
Streaming requirement #2: Compatible streaming device
In order to stream, you also need to have a compatible streaming device. If you want to mirror a traditional cable experience, get your main TV set up to stream by connecting it to a streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick or AirTV Mini.
(Fun fact: Sling has great streaming device deals that will help you get set up!)
If you have a smart TV, you can stream without needing a separate device by downloading the streaming service from the app library. You can also stream on a huge number of mobile devices so you can watch on the go, from your iOS or Android smartphone to tablets and laptops.
The wide range of compatible device options helps you avoid the need for equipment rental fees and ultimately saves you money when compared with a cable or satellite subscription. Streaming TV services like SLING also save you money by offering flexible bundles that let you customize your service so you’re not paying for dozens of channels that you’ll never watch.
Check out our full list of compatible devices that you can use to watch live TV on SLING.
Want to learn more about how to stream TV?
Do you have more questions about SLING or what streaming TV is? Slingucation wants to answer them all! Here are some more topics to check out: