If you are new to streaming, then you are about to enter an exciting world of on-demand content at your fingertips. There are numerous ways to stream sports and entertainment, such as movies and series. We are here to help you get in touch with your technical side so you understand how to stream. Call it a Streaming TV for dummies guide if you will!
How Streaming TV Works
To state the obvious, you can stream via smart TV or any other device connected to the World Wide Web. There are various options, such as paid streaming services and free streaming services. For example, BBC iPlayer, if you live in the UK, is free. Well, to a certain extent, because as a UK citizen with access to the BBC, you need a TV licence. Paid services include cable TV. Sky GO is a popular example. On top of this, you have Netflix and Disney Plus, which are probably the most well-known. Plus, we have to mention Amazon and a range of other movie and series streaming services.
Free services are usually terrestrial TV within your home country. Most of these channels are available because they make money from advertising, like ITV in the UK. Speaking from personal experience, being a UK citizen, or as mentioned above, the service operates via TV licensing, such as the aforementioned BBC iPlayer, which I found via Streamtipz.
On-Demand TV
If you are a complete novice to streaming online, the next step in this guide is to help you understand why people stream online. The first word that springs to mind is convenience, and the second is On-Demand viewing. On-demand viewing = convenience. The reason is that you have a list of sports events, movies, and series available via the streaming service you choose to sign up for.
You choose the program you want to watch, and you can pause it when you want. If you are only part-way through the program, you can turn it off and come back at a later time at your convenience to watch the remainder of the program.
Let’s look at this from the opposite side of the coin. If you are watching regular TV, you have to stick to the time the TV channel airs the movie. You cannot pause. You cannot come back later to watch it. In effect, you are tied to the timing of the broadcasting company. Hence, on-demand TV is so popular because you watch the entertainment you want to watch at your convenience.
Signing Up For a Streaming Service
There are two types of service we want to introduce you to. Free versus paid seaming.
Signing Up for a Free Streaming Service
Free service requires just an email. That is all there is to it. If you are overseas and you are looking to take advantage of, let’s say, the BBC iPlayer, you will need a VPN to connect to this service. I watch it from overseas regularly using my VPN as I enjoy the Champions League and Match of the Day Premier broadcasts.
Security
Try to avoid streaming services that are not legit or well-known brands. The problem some people face with free services is they can require you to download their software.
Our advice is to avoidant of these options unless you can find them on the Apple Store or Google Play. Of course, you always have the option of using a web browser as long as you have anti-virus software installed. Although, you can avoid all of this by just sticking to brand names like BBC and Sky.
Signing Up to a Paid Streaming Service with a Free Trial
Just to reiterate the point made about the World Wide Web, you will need to make sure you have an internet connection before you sign up for a streaming service. All you need to do is sign up for the service with an email. If it is your first time signing up, you will usually have a one-month free trial to get started on most paid streaming channels. Take advantage of this offer because, after 30 days, you may feel the service does not offer enough variety, and you can always cancel your subscription.
Conversely, if you enjoyed the paid streaming service, then you can continue with your subscription.
Multiple Streaming Services
Don’t feel you have to stick to one streaming channel. Most people sign up for multiple free and paid services. If you have the budget for multiple paid channels, then great! The more streams you have access to, the more movies and sports you can watch. But as mentioned, please make sure the company you choose to stream with is a reputable one.