What is streaming video

Video streaming is the process of converting video and audio into a compressed digital format, so the distribution of data across computer networks. These data can be compressed more easily by using computer networks because of its reduced size. The video and audio content can be live or pre-recorded, and can be continuously streamed or delivered as an on-demand content.

Internet video streaming is similar to broadcast television standards. Software is used to convert video and audio into a format suitable for delivery through a network of computers. Broadcasters to use special hardware to convert video and audio data in a format suitable for transmission. Special computer network transport protocols enable the delivery of multimedia content for the end user (viewer) with respect to the use of radio and television broadcasting transmitters to send the video and audio content to individual television sets.

The first step in the process of streaming digital video is to compress the audio and video content. This is necessary to conserve bandwidth that is used for the delivery of the content. Specially developed software applications, called codecs are used to compress the video data and audio. Codecs use mathematical algorithms to compress data. Most of the codecs use a method of data compression known as lossy compression of data. This method enables you to compress content without losing the quality of original video and audio content. Advanced codecs require large amounts of computer resources for high-definition video and audio data compression. A balance must be established between the compression quality, consumed bandwidth and computing resources used. This balance provides a quality viewing and listening experience for everyone.

The next step is to distribute the encoded video and audio content. Special server software is required for the continuous distribution of multimedia content. This specialized software can be installed and run on different computer operating systems including: Windows, Linux and Macintosh, and several other operating systems. The individual files may be distributed using at the time of delivery of the request for content, without the need for specialized server software. Content on demand can be accommodated with a standard web account.

The final step is to prepare the compressed content for delivery. The method of data transmission used to deliver content through computer networks is determined by several factors including: software used to compress audio and video data, the architecture of the computer network used for distributing content and requirements of 'end user. Delivery of these data over computer networks using special software or hardware instructions to route video and audio content for the end user. Each network protocol of the computer operator has its unique characteristics that make it applicable in specific situations. Mode of transport of multimedia data are: HTTP, RTSP, IP Multicast and P2P.

No broadcast license or technical certification is required for streaming on the Internet, unlike a standard television broadcast station. Standard television broadcasters are required to have a broadcast license and transmission engineers certificates. The only requirements for streaming video on the Internet: specialized data transmission server software, special audio and video encoding software and large amounts of bandwidth. Bandwidth is required for the delivery of video and audio content for the end user. The formula for determining the amount of bandwidth required for video streaming is: Bandwidth required = number of encoding data speed x consecutive desired users.

All multimedia contents are subject to applicable intellectual property laws. These regulations vary from country to country, but the general rule for audio and video is the station of origin of the flow of the Internet must have, or have a license to distribute the material is covered by copyright law. Content that has been released under creative commons, public domain or has fallen out of copyright protection is not subject to the rules on intellectual property and may be transmitted without special licensing requirements of content ....