- Glossary
- Streaming
You should have heard the term streaming very often today, especially when referring to the acts of watching videos, listening to music, or joining live events across the internet. But essentially, what is streaming, and why is it so important?
Streaming is a means of delivering video or audio content over the internet in real time. As opposed to making a copy on a device like when downloading, streaming allows playing the content directly as it is delivered. Consider this to be like listening to a live radio show or, similarly, watching a TV show over the internet without having to wait for the download of the whole file. Be it a live sports game, your favourite songs, or a live webinar, streaming does it all without consuming much space on your device.
Transmission of Data: Streaming manages to transfer the data from the server down to your device continuously. The content is segmented into little parts that come via the internet and are thus played back immediately.
Streaming Protocols: These are rules that provide a guideline on how data should be sent and received. Common protocols include HTTP Live Streaming, Real-Time Messaging Protocol, and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP. They help in smooth playback even if your internet speed changes.
Buffering: You know when sometimes the video stops, but then it loads? Yeah, that's buffering in action—temporary storage of data so that playback runs smoothly. While a certain level of buffering is normal, extreme amounts of it are just annoyingly obtrusive. Streaming services work to reduce the problem for a better user experience.
Streaming Platforms: These are the services or apps where you access streamed content. Examples include Netflix for movies and TV shows, Spotify for music, and Zoom for video calls. Each platform handles streaming differently.
Codec: A codec (short for coder-decoder) compresses/decompresses digital content so it can be more efficiently transmitted at faster speeds without quality loss. Common codecs are H.264 for video and AAC for audio.
Content Delivery Network: They are geographically spread networks of servers which enable fast content delivery. They reduce delays and buffering by sending data from a server near you.
Streaming is changing how we experience events. Here's how:
Live Stream: Stream allows activities, whether speeches, panel discussions or just concerts, to be viewed in real-time from wherever one is. It therefore accommodates participation by viewers from all over the world, wherever they are.
Virtual and Hybrid Events: The more events that are staged online or in a mix of online and in-person formats, the greater the need for streaming. This helps get more people involved by accommodating in-person participation for those who cannot make it physically.
On-Demand Content: So, many events allow watching recordings later; thus, you may catch up with sessions or performances of interest at your convenience.
Interactive Features: Advanced streaming platforms have taken to live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions, which make events more interactive and engaging for viewers joining in remotely.
Follow these best practices to get the best experience while streaming:
Test and Optimize: Before starting live streaming, test your streaming setup quite vigorously. Test your internet connection, video and audio quality, and different device compatibility.
Use dependable systems: Choose straightforward streaming services. If necessary, then look for interactivity features.
Monitor: Observe the performance regarding streaming during your event and be ready to fix any sort of issues as quickly as possible. Having tech support handy can help manage problems.
Engage Your Audience: Through interactive features, try keeping viewers interested. Live chats, polls, and Q&A sessions are the ways to get participation.
