Viasat’s internet plans differ based on download speed and video streaming quality, allowing you to select plans based upon the speeds and video quality desired. Depending on your internet needs, you can choose to stream from small screen quality optimized for 360p, DVD quality definition optimized for 480p, high definition (HD) optimized for 720p and now even FULL HD Quality optimized for 1080p.

Why is Video Streaming Quality Important?

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.

Video streaming quality is based on your video screen resolution. For example, 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. The higher the video screen resolution, the better the video quality.

Viasat Internet Video Quality Options:

360p — Standard Size

Streaming at 360p is mostly reserved for streaming videos that are typically viewed on mobile or smaller devices. 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.

GOOD FOR: People who mostly tend to stream videos on multiple mobile devices, smart phones, tablets, laptops or smaller screen TVs (40 inch screen or smaller).

480p — DVD Quality

480p is considered “DVD quality” and recommended for viewing DVDs and streaming video on most laptop and desktop monitors and standard (non HD) TVs. Shows that don’t have a lot of fast action scenes or high-def graphics look just fine at 480p DVD quality.

GOOD FOR: Households with multiple connected devices and people who tend to stream video on their laptops, tablets or standard screen TV and for people who want the best quality regardless of the device they use. Recommended for people who stream most of their movies and TV shows or for CORD CUTTERS who value high definition quality.

720p — HD Quality

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 a 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. People who want the best 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.

GOOD FOR: Everyone! For households with multiple HD connected devices running at the same time. Ideal for watching videos on HD TVs. Recommended for people who stream most of their movies and TV shows on larger screens or for CORD CUTTERS who value high definition quality.

1080p — Full HD Quality

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. A 1080p has a video screen resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, meaning that it will provide the clearest, sharpest video image possible and recommended for streaming videos on larger screens and HD TVs, since it will give your audience the highest possible quality display, with vivid, crystal clear playback. 1080p 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.

GOOD FOR: Everyone! For households with multiple connected devices running at the same time. Ideal for watching videos on full HD TVs and for people who want the best quality regardless of the device they use. Recommended for people who stream most of their movies and TV shows or for CORD CUTTERS who value high definition quality.