You can stream TV live or on demand. Either way, the video you’re watching is transmitted over your internet connection while you watch it. In other words, it is streaming.
That’s what live and on-demand streaming have in common. But what makes them different?
Basically, on-demand streaming lets you watch individual TV series and movies whenever you want, while live TV works more like cable or satellite by offering local broadcast networks and other live programming.
Think of an on-demand streaming service as a large library of videos you can browse and watch when you want. These services tend to have more movies and older shows, plus exclusive originals produced by the streaming provider. Examples include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Max.
On the other hand, live streaming feels more like traditional TV with news, sports, current shows, and broadcast networks. You tune in to watch a show when it’s scheduled in the TV guide. Live streaming can be a good cable TV replacement. Examples include YouTube TV, Hulu+Live, and DirecTV via Internet.
Whether live or on-demand streaming is a better fit for you depends on your watching preferences. Since streaming is flexible, you can pick, combine, or switch your services easily. When you stream, you choose!
What You Can Watch
If sports, news, and local channels are important to you, consider a live streaming service. Most live streaming providers will have at least some access to live sports, including local sports channels, plus your local news networks.
However, if you’re a movie buff who wants your home to feel like the cinema, on-demand streaming is where you’ll find a greater variety of films. Many video streaming services offer a large library and high-quality audio and visuals.
Both live and on-demand streaming services carry television series, but their availability will differ. Current shows aired by networks like CBS or ABC are usually aired first on live television, then moved to on-demand streaming. But on-demand providers also have their own exclusive shows (and movies) you can only watch on their platforms.
When You Can Watch
Most live streaming services offer unlimited cloud digital video recording (DVR) so you can record live programming to watch later. On-demand streaming is available any time, so there’s no need for a DVR.
Let SRT Help
SRT can walk you through and help you find exactly what you want based on your preferences. We can also offer you a free in-home setup of the TV streaming service you’d like. We’d do all the work and all you have to do is enjoy watching your favorites.
To get started, click Find Your Streaming Service with SRT Communications or call us at 701-858-1200 for a free streaming checkup.
NEXT UP: We’ll talk more about how to choose your streaming services in our next streaming blog post.
