Downloads and streaming

Downloading and streaming are two ways of sending things like TV and radio programmes over the internet.

The difference is that downloaded programmes can be stored on your computer and enjoyed more than once. The downside is that you have to wait for the programme to arrive which might take several hours.

Streaming means you can watch or hear the programme straight away but you can't keep them. It is more usual to stream programmes although there are an increasing number of new services like BBC iPlayer which let you select programmes to download and watch later. The picture quality is much better when you download programmes.