Intro to Streaming

Streaming has revolutionized the way we consume television content, offering an on-demand and flexible viewing experience. If you're new to it, you're in for a treat!

What is streaming?

Unlike traditional cable, which broadcasts scheduled programming, streaming TV allows you to access your favorite shows and movies anytime, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection.

There are two main types of streaming: on-demand, where you can watch pre-recorded content at your leisure, and live streaming, which lets you watch events or shows in real-time.

How does streaming work?

The secret lies in the power of the internet, which connects you to a vast world of movies, TV shows, and live events.

When you use streaming services, the content you want to watch is sent over the internet, reaching your streaming devices, such as a smart TV or streaming box. Your device then pieces the content together, creating a smooth, continuous video stream that you can enjoy without interruptions.

How does streaming compare to cable or satellite TV?

When we think about streaming and cable TV, it's like comparing ice cream flavors: each has its own special appeal.

Streaming is like a custom-made sundae, where you can pick and choose your favorite movies and shows anytime you want. It's all about personal choice and the freedom to watch what you like, whenever you like.

Cable TV, on the other hand, is like visiting an ice cream parlor with a wide variety of flavors, where there's always something happening. You get a mix of live events, news, and sports, all served up on different channels.

So, whether you prefer creating your own entertainment sundae with streaming or enjoying the classic ice cream parlor experience of cable TV, there's a tasty treat waiting just for you!

Requirements for streaming

In order to stream content, you’ll need two things, a streaming device or Smart TV, and a fast internet connection. Let’s go over these.

Streaming devices

Streaming devices are an essential component of the modern TV streaming experience, providing users with access to various platforms and a wide range of content. These devices, such as Roku Streaming Players, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and Apple TVs, enable you to turn a regular TV into a smart one by connecting it to the internet and streaming services.

These devices work by connecting to your TV's HDMI port and establishing a connection with your home Wi-Fi network. Once connected, the device acts as an intermediary between your TV and the streaming platforms, allowing you to access content from Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other services. The device downloads the content from the internet and then sends it to your TV for instant playback.

User-friendly interfaces and remote controls, often equipped with voice command capabilities, make it easy for users to browse through content and find their desired shows or movies.

Smart TVs

Smart TVs are an excellent addition to the world of streaming, as they come with built-in streaming capabilities. These cutting-edge TVs come with popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video pre-installed, making it easy for you to access your favorite content right away.

Just connect your Smart TV to the internet, and you're good to go. With a user-friendly interface, you can seamlessly navigate through various apps and streaming services, creating a personalized entertainment hub right on your TV screen.

Fast internet connection for streaming

Remember the most important ingredient, though: a good internet connection. With speedy internet, you can watch your favorite shows and movies without those pesky pauses or buffering, keeping you glued to the action. And when it comes to picture quality, fast internet lets you dive into crystal-clear HD and 4K videos, making you feel like part of the scene. So, to enjoy your streaming to the fullest, make sure you have that fast internet connection from Elevate ready!

Popular streaming services

Now that we have our bases covered, it’s time to guide you through some of the most popular streaming platforms, showcasing their unique offerings and highlighting the audiences they cater to.

Elevate TV

Elevate TV is a full-featured digital television service delivered to your smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart TV, and other streaming devices. Our packages include everything from the basics with local broadcast channels, plus on-demand content, to our Extreme package, complete with more sports and kids' entertainment than you can handle. Every subscription comes with 100 DVR hours and with 72-hour look back, you can catch the show you missed last night.

Sling

As a live TV streaming service, Sling TV offers a more cable-like experience, with a focus on providing access to popular TV channels such as ESPN, CNN, and AMC. Sling TV is an excellent option for those who want a more traditional TV experience with the flexibility of streaming, including live sports, news, and popular TV shows, without being tied to a cable subscription.

Prime Video

As part of Amazon's Prime membership, Prime Video provides a mix of movies, TV shows, and original content. This platform caters to a wide audience, offering a diverse selection of genres, from drama and comedy to action and sci-fi.

Disney+

Targeting families and fans of the Disney universe, Disney+ offers a rich collection of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. This platform is perfect for those who love iconic movies, animated films, and family-friendly content, along with exclusive original series like "The Mandalorian."

Hulu

Hulu is a streaming service that primarily focuses on TV series, offering episodes from popular networks like ABC, NBC, and FOX, often within a day of their original broadcast.

It also features original content, such as "The Handmaid's Tale" and "The Act." Hulu appeals to those who enjoy staying current with the latest TV shows while also having access to an extensive library of past series.

Hulu + Live TV

Building on the Hulu streaming platform, Hulu + Live TV combines the extensive library of on-demand content with over 75 live channels, including major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as sports and news channels. This service caters to users who want the best of both worlds – access to the latest TV series, classic shows, and Hulu Originals, along with the ability to watch live events and broadcasts. With its diverse content offering, Hulu + Live TV appeals to a broad audience seeking a versatile streaming experience.

Apple TV+

Focusing on original content, Apple TV+ offers a smaller but growing library of exclusive series, movies, and documentaries, such as "Ted Lasso," "The Morning Show," and "Greyhound." This platform appeals to those interested in exploring fresh, unique content from renowned creators and actors.

HBO Max

Known for its high-quality programming, HBO Max combines content from HBO with a selection of movies, TV shows, and original series from WarnerMedia. With popular shows like "Game of Thrones," "Westworld," and "Succession," HBO Max primarily caters to an adult audience seeking premium, critically acclaimed content.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a comprehensive channel lineup, including popular networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. It provides a similar experience to traditional cable but with the flexibility and convenience of streaming. Catered to viewers who want access to live sports, news, and entertainment, YouTube TV also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing users to record their favorite shows and watch them at their leisure.

Netflix

One of the most popular streaming platforms, Netflix offers a vast library of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. Known for its critically acclaimed series like "Stranger Things," "The Crown," and "Narcos," Netflix caters to a broad audience with diverse tastes, spanning various genres like drama, comedy, sci-fi, and animation.

SO. MANY. OPTIONS! Streaming has truly transformed the way we watch and enjoy content, providing an unparalleled level of choice, flexibility, and convenience. As you embark on your streaming adventures, remember that a stable and fast internet connection can make a world of difference, ensuring smooth, buffer-free experiences. Elevate internet is designed to support your streaming needs, delivering top-notch performance without being intrusive. So, go on, have a blast discovering new shows, movies, and live events, and let the magic of streaming bring endless entertainment to your screens!