General Concepts
What is Streaming?
Definition
The continuous transmission of audio or video content over the internet, allowing immediate playback without downloading files first.
Understanding Streaming
Streaming technology powers the majority of entertainment subscriptions today. Services like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and Disney+ deliver content on-demand through streaming. Key technical concepts include adaptive bitrate streaming (adjusting quality to your internet speed), CDNs (content delivery networks for fast global access), and DRM (digital rights management to prevent copying).
Streaming quality ranges from SD (480p) to 4K Ultra HD, with higher quality requiring faster internet and often premium subscription tiers.