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The quality and attractiveness of streaming video continues
to rise with the availability of high-speed (broadband) Internet connections.
Streaming is complex and constantly changing with three leading options and many second-tier solutions (see resources at the page end).
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Click Image for QuickTime From WGBH
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SERVES
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Users With a PC and a Network Connection
The quality of the streaming experience depends upon the bandwidth
available. Modems allow
"postage stamp"-sized video streams. Cable, DSL, satellite, and institutional or corporate
networks support up to full screen / full motion video playback. Services are
under development for delivery of high-bandwidth streaming media via a DTV data
broadcast to PC's with DTV tuner cards or dedicated receiver / storage devices.
INGREDIENTS
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Video Acquisition System
Traditional video production equipment can be used to create a live or
delayed program for streaming.
Streaming Encoder Software
Streaming Encoder Hardware
Streaming Server Software
Although stored QuickTime or Real Media files can be delivered by a web server, streaming live content and other media types requires specialized server software. Intense three-way compettion in this field has led Apple and Real to release open source versions of their respective server products.
Streaming Server Hardware
In addition to the hardware and operating system requirements specified below, be sure to include enough hard-drive capacity to allow growth of media files - sometimes in multiple versions for various bandwidth delivery.
Fast Network Connection
Do the math. Just 1,000 simultaneous viewers with broadband connections
could easily demand a 100 Mbps network connection to your streaming server.
OR
Streaming Hosting Service
For occasional streaming applications with moderate to low demand, it may
be more cost effective to contract a service to encode or serve your streaming
content, rather than invest in the equipment and personnel necessary to host it
in-house.
OR
Content Delivery Network - CDN
For streaming applications with sustained or momentary high demand, the use
of a Content Delivery Network offers distinct financial and performance advantages.
Some services improve performance by distributing popular content to multiple
servers at the "edge" of the Internet. Some services even delay
encoding until user requests arrive when they detect the user's choice of
player and available bandwidth, and encode content "on-the-fly" to provide
the best match.
INSTRUCTIONS
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1. Create program source or
produce live programming feed
Use many traditional video production techniques, but keep in mind two
important factors. First, the video will look much better at low bit rates if
motion and detail are kept to a minimum. Reconsider the value of
pans/tilts/zooms and detailed background sets and graphics. Second, since the
streaming video is normally viewed in a very small window, you may need to
increase graphics font sizes.
2. Encode Content
This can be done with a live video feed, from a video tape or from a
digital video file. Real-time encoding can be done with special hardware or with
software only, given a fast enough machine. Generally, the hardware solution
produces a better quality image in a shorter period of time. Files already
encoded and playable by QuickTime still need to be "hinted" in order
to be served by the QuickTime Streaming Server.
3. Store encoded content on the
media server or feed live encoded content to the server over a fast connection.
4. Develop an interactive link
to encoded content
The interactive link permits viewers to select the video stream. RealMedia requires a text -.rm file
that points to the RealSystem Server location for the requested streaming file.
5. Provide link to client
playback software
Viewers who do not have the necessary plug-in should be directed to a
self-installing plug-in or client software source. Smart systems will determine the viewer's connectivity
and technology and automatically upgrade or link to the plug-in site.
RESOURCES
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QuickTime
RealMedia
Windows Media
General
- Akamai - Provider of distributed
application and content delivery services
- Cisco Video - Hardware & software streaming solutions for corporate networks
- eStudio - Live interactive or on-demand webcasts
- Generic Media - Deliver across all devices, formats, and bandwidths
- IVast - End-to-end MPEG-4 solutions
- Media 100 - Interactive streaming production system
- Optibase - Video streaming over broadband networks
Revised Monday, 10-Mar-2003 15:27:08 CST
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