Multi-device streaming: How to watch on any device, anywhere

Gone are the days when movie nights meant scrambling for the remote and fighting over who gets the biggest seat on the sofa. Today, the world of entertainment is at your fingertips, quite literally and multi-device streaming has revolutionised the way we watch our favourite shows and movies.

So let’s explore the ins and outs of multi-device streaming and let’s look at some tips and tricks to ensure a seamless viewing experience across all your devices.

Ready to unlock the ultimate convenience and flexibility in entertainment?

The evolution of TV

Our viewing habits have been nothing short of revolutionary. In the early days, families gathered around a single television set, watching scheduled broadcasts dictated by the networks. The advent of cable brought a wider variety of channels and the luxury of channel surfing, but it still tethered viewers to a specific time and place. In fact, from limited channels to cable boxes offering hundreds of options, viewers craved more control and flexibility, until the rise of the internet, which opened the door to streaming services, letting us choose what we watch, when we watch it. Then, as technology progressed, so did the devices we use to stream TV – from desktops and laptops to smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

Today, multi-device streaming has become the norm, catering to our increasingly mobile and on-the-go lifestyles, ensuring we can enjoy our favourite shows and movies anytime, anywhere so that we can binge on a show on our phone during a commute, catch up on a documentary on our tablet or gather around the big screen for a family movie night – all thanks to the magic of streaming.

What exactly is streaming and how does it work?

TV streaming refers to the process of transmitting video content over the internet in real-time. Instead of downloading a file and then watching it, streaming allows you to start watching almost immediately as the data is sent to your device in a continuous stream. This method enables viewers to access a vast library of shows, movies, live events and more, all without the need for traditional cable or satellite TV services.

The beauty of TV streaming lies in its complex yet efficient technology that makes everything look effortless. Some of its key components include:

• Content delivery networks (CDNs): to minimize buffering and latency, streaming services use CDNs, which are networks of servers distributed globally that store cached versions of content. When you stream a video, it’s delivered from the nearest server, ensuring faster load times and a smoother experience.
• Adaptive bitrate streaming: this technology adjusts the quality of the video stream in real-time based on your internet speed. If your connection slows down, the stream automatically switches to a lower resolution to prevent buffering. When the connection improves, it goes back to higher resolution.
• User-friendly interfaces: streaming platforms invest heavily in creating intuitive interfaces. Features like personalized recommendations, watchlists and easy navigation enhance the user experience, making it easier to find content you’ll love.

What are the pros of multi-device streaming?

Flexibility and convenience

The most significant advantage of multi-device streaming is its flexibility. You can start watching a show on your TV at home, continue it on your tablet while cooking dinner and finish it on your smartphone in bed. This seamless transition between devices allows you to enjoy your content without being tied to one location so that you can fit entertainment into your schedule, rather than the other way around.

Personalized viewing experience

Multi-device streaming caters to different preferences within a household. While one person watches a drama series on the living room TV, another can enjoy a sports event on their laptop and the kids can watch cartoons on a tablet. Everyone gets to watch what they love, simultaneously. In addition, with many streaming services you can create profiles for different family members, ensuring that everyone gets personalized recommendations based on their viewing habits.

Enhanced mobility

For those who travel frequently, multi-device streaming is a game-changer. It ensures you’re never without your favourite shows and movies, whether you’re on a plane, in a hotel or commuting. All you need is a stable internet connection and your entertainment is right there with you.

Diverse content library

Streaming services often offer a vast library of content that can be accessed from any device. This diversity means you’re more likely to find something that suits your taste, whether it’s a blockbuster movie, an indie film, a classic TV show or the latest trending series.

On-demand content

Multi-device streaming allows you to watch content on demand. Missed the latest episode of your favorite series? No problem. You can catch up at your own pace without worrying about spoilers or broadcast schedules.

Cost-effective

For many, streaming services can be more cost-effective than traditional cable or satellite TV. With various subscription plans available, you can choose one that fits your budget, plus you often get access to a vast library of content without the need for additional purchases.

Additional features

Many streaming services offer features like offline downloads, so you can watch content without an internet connection and parental controls to ensure safe viewing for children.

What are the cons of multi-device streaming?

While multi-device streaming offers incredible freedom, it’s important to be aware of some potential drawbacks:

Internet dependence

Streaming relies heavily on a stable internet connection. If your internet is slow or unreliable, your viewing experience can be interrupted by buffering or poor video quality. This can be particularly frustrating when you’re in the middle of an intense scene or important match.

Data drain

On the flip side, if you’re not using Wi-Fi and you’re not on an unlimited data plan, you might find yourself reaching your data limit quickly, leading to additional charges or reduced internet speeds.

Content overload

Having access to a vast library of content can sometimes be overwhelming. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide what to watch and this can lead to indecision and wasted time scrolling through titles.

Device compatibility

While most streaming services are designed to be compatible with a wide range of devices, not all devices are supported. Older models or less common devices may not have the necessary apps or capabilities to stream content effectively.

Tips and tricks for optimal multi-device streaming

• Optimise your internet connection: ensure you have a robust and fast internet connection and consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan if you experience frequent buffering. Also, don’t forget to position your router centrally in your home to maximize coverage.
• Manage data usage: keep an eye on your data consumption whenever you’re not using Wi-Fi. Many streaming services allow you to adjust the video quality so lowering the resolution can significantly reduce data usage without compromising too much on viewing experience.
• Make use of offline downloads: most streaming services offer offline download options. By downloading your favorite shows and movies when you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can watch them later without worrying about internet connectivity or data usage.
• Keep your devices updated: regularly update your streaming apps and devices to ensure compatibility and the best performance. Updates often include new features, improved security and bug fixes.
• Optimise device settings: linked to the above point, adjust the streaming quality settings on your devices to match your internet speed. This means that if you’re experiencing buffering, lowering the video quality can help maintain a smoother streaming experience.
• Use parental controls: if you have children, make use of parental controls to manage what they can watch and to make sure that these young viewers only access appropriate content.

GO TV: Streaming made easy

Your gateway to over 20 top local and Italian channels, as well as the Tokis channel, featuring the best of Maltese drama and movies with hits like Iċ-Ċaqqufa, Noli, Luna, Il-Kazin, Simshar, Luzzu and so many more, get ready to elevate your TV time with GO TV.

Here are some of GO TV’s key features:

• Works on any internet connection: you can use GO TV with your existing internet provider, eliminating the hassle of switching services.
• Watch on any device: download the app on your mobile, tablet, browser, Android Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Samsung TV, LG TV or your normal TV set with Chromecast.
• Watch anywhere: sit back, relax and catch up with your latest show whether on the sofa or at the beach.
• Add TV Passes: boost your TV experience with our TV Passes. Choose from the Movies & Series TV Pass, the Sports TV Pass and the Entertainment TV Pass.
  Cancel anytime: don’t need the service anymore? Cancel anytime you wish without having to worry about penalty fees.

Find out more about GO TV.

Read through how the rise of OTT streaming has revolutionised entertainment and take a look at this ultimate guide to choosing streaming devices. And here are some interviews by some of the top local content like Lara Azzopardi, Brian Farrugia, Jeanelle Spiteri and Fabian Scerri de Carlo.