Do you know what does streaming mean? Well, it is the new frontier of tech innovation that delivers incredible outcomes for businesses and individuals. The definition of streaming has its advantages. Options like live broadcasting and live streaming offer unmatched real-time viewer engagement. With these techniques, connecting with the audience on a deeper level becomes easy. If you are chasing conversions then you need to include them in your digital marketing arsenal.
But first, you need to know the difference between live broadcasting and streaming.
What is Broadcasting?
When we talk about a live broadcast, we often think of the evening time when we all sit together to watch TV. It could be the news or a pre-recorded program; the content is set to play at certain times, so you have to catch it when it’s on.
Earlier, TV signals were transmitted to the sets using antennas. The same signal would go to everyone. It often gives a smooth picture and sound. You’d tune your setup to a specific channel to get the signal. But, just like with the radio, the picture might need to be clearer if you were far from the tower.
Nowadays, digital broadcasting has replaced the old analog signals. This has continually made TV transmissions much better. This change also brought more HD channels for the audiences. But still, broadcasting works the same way. One signal is transmitted to other TV sets, so viewers have to watch at the right time to see their favorite shows.
What is Streaming?
Streaming is different from live broadcasting. Here, the signal goes directly to your device. So, even if you’re watching a show on Netflix, it won’t affect someone else watching the same show. Each device gets its own signal, even if they start at the same time. This is how video-on-demand works.
The same goes for how does tv streaming work. While you’re watching the same content at the same time as others, your signal is unique to your device. It’s adjusted to work best on your device and with your internet connection. It might sound complicated, but it’s what gives us convenience and good quality when we stream.
Live Broadcasting vs. Live Streaming: Key Differences
These contrasts would be just like watching a live show or when you watch online. Read on:
- Ease-of-Use
Live streaming is attainable by everyone with internet-accessible gadgets as long as they are connected to the internet. Of course, the easy beginning attracts more than just enthusiasts, and the lack of barriers to the mediums makes it all the more accessible. Whereas, standard broadcasting needs additional devices like a converter box, satellite dish, or cable wiring. Further, in most cases conventional broadcasts can only be viewed on mobile gadgets only if one utilizes a broadcasting smartphone application.
- Interactivity
During a live show, you get to communicate with your fans personally. Streaming platforms often have different appliances which help viewers intervene in the proceedings.
The downside of a live broadcast is that it may not contain tools that allow the audience engagement and participation. The closest it gets is when broadcasters use separate tools or devices for interactivity. As for example, they reveal the phone number of the organization and invite viewers to call it to donate some money or pick something during a TV show.
- Video Quality
The Analog TV usually has the option to see HD (high definition) as well as the SD (standard definition) channels. Depending on the viewer choice, the same content, more precisely, people watching, might tune in to either the standard definition version or the highest-quality HD resolution version. Alternatively, the TV service may be configured to automatically switch to HD if it is available. This would be like you can watch improved quality content if your device has the ability of it or not.
Contrary to this, streaming has different ways of managing the clarity factor of videos. It can use various methods like:
- WebRTC simulcasting
- scalable video coding
- variable bitrate (VBR) streaming
- Global Scalability
Regular broadcasts usually only reach people in specific regions, depending on the TV providers and equipment available there. Similarly, some live-streaming services might not be accessible everywhere due to government rules.
However, in reality, streaming online is great for showing things to a worldwide audience. If you have the internet and the right technology for sending videos (like a CDN), someone streaming from USA can expect people in Japan to watch them.
- Latency
Latency refers to the delay between the broadcast and when it’s actually seen or heard. For a long time, cable and satellite TV had an advantage because they had minimal delays. But streaming over the internet can have longer delays. This can go up to 45 seconds compared to just five seconds for traditional setups. However, newer streaming methods like Apple’s low-latency HLS and CMAF for DASH have reduced these delays to just a few seconds or less.
Live Broadcasting vs. Live Streaming: Use Cases
Here, we’ll see what is broadcast and how each is useful in different ways:
- Shopping
Now, streaming has taken over with live videos where you can shop as you watch. You can interact with the person streaming and buy things instantly. It’s much easier than waiting for specific shows.
- Fitness:
Traditional TV has fitness programs you can watch, but streaming takes it further. You can interact with the instructor and other people in the class. Some fitness streams even use virtual reality to make it more fun.
- Education:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, live streaming became important for education. Unlike traditional TV shows, educational streams allow students and teachers to interact in real-time. This makes learning more dynamic and engaging compared to just watching a show.
- Live Events:
Traditional TV still has an edge in viewership for many big shows. Although these events can be streamed, there are often restrictions. They are prohibited from where and how they can be shown online.
Parting notes
Relying on new technology can be hard because there are often problems at the beginning. However, the answer to what is live streaming isn’t new anymore. When you hear about new ways of streaming and more companies getting into it, it shows that it’s still developing and improving. Traditional broadcasting, on the other hand, isn’t changing much.
So, instead of asking why you should choose streaming over broadcasting, maybe the better question is why you haven’t already made the switch. This means that traditional broadcasting can’t rely on its old advantages anymore. Streaming is becoming faster and more adaptable. This often encourages more investment in its improvement. It is the future!