Latency is delay between an action or data event and its corresponding result at another point in a system. Network tools often measure a particular round-trip delay, while viewing delay includes production, encoding, buffering and display processing too. These measurements answer different questions and should not be treated as one universal performance score.
A practical example
A connection can deliver enough data for smooth playback while a live programme appears behind another viewer's screen. That difference may come from media preparation and buffering rather than poor download throughput on the household connection itself.
A common misunderstanding
A low ping does not guarantee a low-delay live stream. Ping measures a specific network exchange, while the programme's full path contains additional stages and timing decisions.
Related terms
Stable technical definition. Editorial approach