Too often, what appears to be a demo is just a simulated run through the program.  It is like saying ‘here's what we built, but we daren't show it actually live on the ‘net, because there may be glitches.'

In the streaming video business, for a number of reasons, I have almost never seen live demos.  Many companies seem to prefer showing their video from their hard drive!   When they have no connection, they have no choice.  But if they are in the online streaming movie or TV business, and not a production company whose contribution is the production values themselves, then there is a responsibility to demonstrate their transmission live before the audience.  Even if someone is in the downloaded video business, I would expect some demo of download speeds.

It is a badge of corporate pride that I always make the point to use someone else's laptop when showing a streaming video demo.  This sends a clear signal throughout the room (to anyone paying attention) that I am not ‘streaming a KlikVU video' from a hard drive.  The room sees me navigating to the site, clicking on ‘demos' and choosing one to view.  And as a TV-like video appears and I go through the paces of interactivity, there should be no doubt whatsoever that these are actual functionalities.

If there is a glitch, the presenter should be honest about it.  And that's the whole point:  disarm them with your honesty and clarity of vision. 

Is a demo from the hard drive hype or deception?  You choose.