Introduction

The subject of streaming is complex and ever evolving. This page outlines some of the simpler and better known technologies that web site builders can easily employ.

What is real time streaming?

Think of real time streaming as being broadcasting for the internet.

Real time streaming requires specialist server software to broadcast content (usually video and radio) over the internet. It works just like your TV or radio. If your connection isn't fast enough or the network becomes congested, then playback may glitch or mute. When it resumes you will have missed a bit.

You cannot usually rewind or review a real time stream because it usually does not cache or buffer.

What is HTTP streaming?

HTTP streaming is not really streaming at all but a clever way to make playback begin before a file has completed downloading. As long as the data rate of the connection is greater than the data rate of the audio or video file being "streamed" (downloaded really), it will seem to play in real time.

HTTP streamed files are usually cached in RAM (QuickTime does but Windows Media doesn't seem to) and so can be saved to disk and played again.

Streaming technologies

There are currently 3 pre-eminent technologies for delivering streaming video over the Internet ...

1. RealMedia (using the RealPlayer browser plug in)

2. QuickTime (using the QuickTime browser player plug-in or QuickTime Player application)

3. Windows Media Player

RealMedia

RealMedia video requires files to be located on a special RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) server hosting the RealMedia server software. If your site is hosted by a server which has this software you will be able to pay a fee to use it. The process of preparing and the cost of paying for the service may be prohibitive for independent webmasters. By the way, the RealPlayer browser plug-in can deliver both RealMedia and QuickTime streaming files and is cross platform.

Find out more at ... http://www.real.com/

QuickTime

Click here for an overview of QuickTime real time and HTTP streaming and how you can add this facility to your web site.

Windows media player

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