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Q: What is video streaming?
A: Video streaming allows video to be viewed on a computer, laptop, smart device or TV through the internet as a continuous media stream, instead of saving it to the hard drive. Sites like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu & Netflix use video streaming technology. When streaming media online, a user does not have to wait to download and save a video file before playing it. Because the media is sent in a continuous stream of data, users can pause, rewind or fast-forward, just as they could with a downloaded file, unless the content is being broadcasted live in real-time.
Q: Why does it matter what video streaming quality I chose?
A: Video streaming quality is based on your video screen resolution. Viasat offers plans based on 360p, 480p, 720p or 1080p, which represent the number of horizontal lines a video has from top to bottom. So a video in 360p has a video screen resolution of 480 × 360 pixels and is made up of 360 lines stacked one on top of another from top to bottom, with each line being 480 pixels wide. For comparison, a 480p video has a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels, 720p has a video screen resolution of 1280 × 720 pixels and 1080p has a video screen resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels. The higher the video screen resolution, the better the video quality.
Viasat offers video screen resolution plans available in 360p, 480p, 720p or 1080p pixelation. With 360p being standard size, 480p is considered DVD quality, 720p is HD video and 1060p is full HD.
Q: What types of video can I view at 360p?
A: Streaming at 360p is mostly reserved for streaming videos that are typically viewed on mobile or smaller devices. Smart phones, tablets or small TVs (40 inch screen or smaller) can stream video using 360p video screen resolution. Videos viewed at 360p are well-suited for mobile devices since they use less data. However, you should be aware that images viewed at 360p may appear a bit blurry on larger screens and TVs.
Q: What types of video can I view at 480p?
A: 480p is considered “DVD quality” and recommended for viewing DVDs and streaming video on most laptop and desktop monitors and standard (non HD) TVs. Households with multiple connected mobile devices and people who tend to stream video on their laptops, tablets or standard size TVs can stream most videos at 480p video screen resolution. Shows that don’t have a lot of fast action scenes or high-def graphics look just fine at 480p DVD quality. Some examples include:
- Talk & news shows
- Cartoons/animated shows
- Movies like romantic comedies, dramas & documentaries
- Game shows
- TV series like comedies and dramas
Q: What types of video can I view at 720p?
A: True high-definition (HD) starts at 720p video screen resolution, which is the image resolution most HD television channels broadcast. HD 720p video has 720 lines that are each 1,280 pixels wide, meaning that it is more than twice as sharp as the same video at 480p and can be viewed on much larger screens and HD TVs. A 720p video is crisp, sharp and looks amazing on most displays. Plus, most HDTV channels broadcast at a 720p video screen resolution.
Households with multiple HD-devices running and people who want the best video quality regardless of the device they use are advised to choose a Viasat plan that provides 720p or higher. In addition to HD-TVs, 720p is recommended for streaming movies & videos that have a lot of fast action scenes and high-res graphics.
Q: What types of video can I view at 1080p?
A: If you desire an even higher resolution than high-definition (HD) 720p, you can stream videos at full HD 1080p video screen resolution, which is another favorite for HDTV stations.
Considered full HD-video quality, 1080p video is made up of 1,080 lines stacked one on top of another from top to bottom, with each line being 1,920 pixels wide. 1080p has a video screen resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, meaning that it will provide the clearest, sharpest video image possible and is recommended for streaming videos on big screens and HD-TVs, since it will give your audience the highest possible quality display, with vivid, crystal clear playback.
Q: Will all my devices get the same video screen resolution?
A: The video streaming to all your devices will be at DVD quality by default, optimized for 480p. The difference in appearance on your device’s screens will vary by device depending on the capabilities of each screen.
Q: I don’t see my question listed. What should I do?
A: If you have a question or issue not already addressed, we are here to help. You can Chat with us online (see the lower right-hand corner of your screen below), email us at viasat@getruralinternet.com or use our handy online email form and we will get back to you with an answer or solution to help make your Viasat internet experience the best possible! Better yet, just call and ask us at 1-844-4GETNET (1-844-443-8638) TODAY!
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