Distribution platforms:
You can use your normal web server if you only
have light traffic, though for moderate and heavy traffc you will
need lots of storage and connectivity. For optimum performance we can
provide dedicated streaming media servers which are able to handle
large traffic loads.
Delivery methods:
There are
many different ways we can deliver your content from the server to
the public. Although they are all based on similar technologies each
has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Downloading: The entire file
must download and saved on your system before playback begins, so
there is a delay that depends on the size of the file. It is not
viewed in real time and so cannot be used for live content.
It allows transfer to portable devices. Downloading is fine if you
don't have copyright issues and your audience doesn't mind waiting. It is fine for small file sizes but for large files and long presentations it can be very off-putting.
Downloading examples: Podcasts
viewed or listened to via a podcast client or portable device; purchased
music files.
- Progressive Download: Plays
back the file as it is being downloaded, playback begins after part of
the file has been downloaded, the player estimates how much to buffer
before playback begins. This can be very effective for short-form content,
though you have to be aware of copyright issues.
Progressive Download examples: YouTube
and most all UGC sites; Most movie trailers.
- Streaming: Plays the file in
real time after short initial buffering period. The file is sent to
the user in a constant stream which is accessed as it arrives. As the
file is not stored locally the content can be live or on demand. The
quality is limited by bandwidth of the viewer. Streaming is ideal for
longer content, copyright protection, user control and is the only
way to deliver live content
Streaming examples: Live webcasts;
IPTV; PPV movies; most Internet Radio;
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