really stupid "streaming" question

[CanadianJohn]

I used to be good at tech stuff, really, but I've been retired for 18 years and the world seems to be changing faster and faster.

What is meant by "streaming" a movie or a sports event? My TV keeps telling me I can stream movies, but... isn't that just the same as watching a movie on TV. Similarly, my son mentioned he live-streamed a hockey game, and I'm thinking... well, it's that what I'm doing right now with a NFL game?

'Tis a puzzlement.

Streaming is when you watch it live on demand without downloading it to your device, as opposed to watching it at a set time or having to save it on your device, as we did when high speed Internet was less available.

Thanks for your prompt reply. So, when my TV tells me I can stream movies, they are "on demand" rather than being broadcast.

If I "stream" on my computer, then I'm just watching video content, whether YouTube or a news item, in the way I've always done.

Do I have that right?

@CanadianJohn

Thanks for your prompt reply. So, when my TV tells me I can stream movies, they are "on demand" rather than being broadcast.

If I "stream" on my computer, then I'm just watching video content, whether YouTube or a news item, in the way I've always done.

Do I have that right?

Not really. Watching anything online, whether it's live or on demand is streaming. Downloading and saving it to your device (to potentially watch when you're not online) is not streaming.

Most common use is on demand.
So catch up/ Netflix/ YouTube etc.

Difference between streaming and live is you can watch whenever you want rather than live on TV.. And unless got something meaning you can pause live TV like our old sky box. You can pause take a piss then play.

Reading your OP again I think they mean viewing via net rather than satellite etc.

I'd just say that's good and go and watch columbo with a drink/ chocs/ whatever floats your boat!

Unless you don't like columbo then well I don't know what to suggest

Btw using lingo is common esp IME with blokes.

I work in IT and when sitting with a Dev they generally go jargon jsrgon I'm so clever you aren't a Dev complicated thing look baffled and impressed.

And often I say oh. Just to make sure get it. It's doing the same as xyz well known function.

And they say. Yes. And look fucked off