Streaming jargon, explained simply: from APK to HDR

Tech guides are full of jargon and abbreviations. This list explains the common ones in a sentence or two, roughly in order: apps first, then picture, then networks, then devices.

APK

The file format for Android apps. When you install an app from outside Google Play, you're installing an APK.

Sideloading

Installing an app from outside a device's official store, like putting an APK on a TV or Fire Stick.

Unknown sources

An Android permission that lets a specific app, such as your browser or Downloader, install APK files.

Play Protect

Google's built-in protection that scans apps on Android devices, including ones installed from outside the store.

Resolution

How many dots make up the picture: 480p is standard, 720p is HD, 1080p is Full HD, and 2160p is 4K.

Bitrate

How much data each second of video carries. Higher means a cleaner picture, and a faster connection needed.

Frames per second (FPS)

How many pictures are shown each second. Dramas are usually 24, 25 or 30; sport is often 50 or 60.

HDR

Widens the gap between the brightest and darkest parts of the picture and gives richer colour. Needs a TV that supports it and content made for it.

Codec

The way video is compressed. H.264 is everywhere; H.265 (HEVC) is newer and gives the same quality at a smaller size, but needs a device that supports it.

Buffering

That spinning circle while the player waits for more data. If it keeps happening, your connection is slower than the quality you've chosen.

Cache

Temporary files an app or browser keeps to open faster. Clearing it is safe and fixes a lot of problems.

Megabits vs megabytes

Internet speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps); files in megabytes (MB). One megabyte is 8 megabits.

Ping

How long a signal takes to reach a server and come back. Matters more for gaming and calls than for watching video.

DNS

The internet's address book, turning a site's name into a numeric address. Changing it can fix sites that won't open, but rarely speeds up video.

Router

The box that shares your internet around the house over Wi-Fi and cables.

Ethernet

A network cable. More stable than Wi-Fi because walls and interference don't affect it.

Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6

Wi-Fi generations. Wi-Fi 5 is 802.11ac; Wi-Fi 6 is 802.11ax, faster and better in homes full of devices.

Mesh

A Wi-Fi system of several units working as one network to cover the whole house.

Casting

Sending a video from your phone to the TV so the TV plays it straight from the internet and your phone acts as the remote.

Mirroring

Copying everything on your phone screen to the TV as-is. Heavier than casting and harder on the battery.

AirPlay

Apple's way of sending picture and sound from an iPhone, iPad or Mac to an Apple TV or a compatible TV.

Android TV and Google TV

Google's system for TVs and its newer interface. Both can install apps from APK files.

Launcher

The main screen you see when you switch on a TV or TV box, showing your apps and suggestions.

Home screen web app

A shortcut to a website on your iPhone or Android home screen that opens full screen like an app.