What is streaming?

There are two different things to understand:

Internet speed

Speed indicates how quickly data reaches your device.

It is generally measured in Mbps.

Streaming can work with around 10 to 15 Mbps in some cases, but for comfortable use we generally recommend around 45 Mbps or more.

Network stability remains just as important as speed.

The amount of data used

Streaming also uses a certain amount of data while you watch.

This usage is measured in MB / GB.

The higher the video quality, the more data you use.

As a general guide, one hour of video can use approximately:

• low quality / SD: less than 1 GB;
• HD: around 1 to 3 GB;
• Full HD: a few GB;
• 4K: several GB per hour.

These figures can vary widely depending on the service, compression and selected quality.

Be careful with mobile data

On a phone or tablet, watching a lot of video with mobile data can quickly use a large portion of your mobile plan.

In Canada, where some data plans remain limited or expensive, it is best to use Wi-Fi whenever possible when watching a lot of video content.

A simple example

A connection can be fast enough to watch a movie perfectly while still using several gigabytes of data during that movie.

Speed and data usage are therefore not the same thing.

The content you watch is generally not stored on your television or box.

It is located on a server accessible over the Internet.

Your device connects to this server and receives the video while you watch it.

The role of each element

• The television or box displays the content.
• The application organizes and plays the content.
• The service provides access to the content.
• The Internet carries the video to your device.

A simple example

When you open Netflix, the movie is not already stored on your television.

The Netflix application connects to the service’s servers and begins streaming the video to your device.

The same principle applies to YouTube, on-demand video and live TV over the Internet.

The source matters too

Even with:

• an excellent Internet connection;
• a very good device;
• a good application;

the quality can be poor if the source or server being used is slow, overloaded or provides poor-quality video.

Seeing 4K or 8K displayed on a channel or device does not automatically guarantee a good picture.

Resolution is only one part of actual picture quality.

What affects the picture

Quality also depends on:

• the quality of the source;
• the compression used;
• the video bitrate;
• the codec;
• the application;
• the box’s power and generation;
• the television’s picture processing.

Good 1080p can be better

A good 1080p source can sometimes look much cleaner than a source advertised as 4K or 8K that is overly compressed.

The highest number is therefore not always the best choice.

Large screens show more flaws

On a small television, some flaws may go unnoticed.

On a 55-, 65- or 75-inch television, compression, lack of detail and pixelation become much more visible.

The box matters too

An older device can work properly but become the weak link when used with a large modern television.

You therefore need to choose a device based on:

• its exact model;
• its generation;
• the screen size;
• the applications used;
• the type of content watched.

Streaming can be used to watch two main types of content.

Live TV

The video is broadcast in real time.

For example:

• a hockey game;
• the news;
• a show broadcast at a specific time;
• a sporting event.

You watch what is being broadcast at that time.

On-demand content

You choose what to watch and when to start.

For example:

• a movie;
• a series;
• a recorded show;
• a YouTube video.

Netflix, Crave, Prime Video and Disney+ primarily use this model.

Some services offer both

The same application or service may offer:

• live TV;
• movies;
• series;
• replays;
• on-demand content.

The available features depend on the service being used.

Streaming can be very simple, but the right choice depends on several things:

• your television or screen;
• your Internet connection;
• your device;
• the available applications;
• what you want to watch.

Before buying a device or application, or choosing a service, it is best to check that everything will be compatible.