Technology Integration
Streaming Media
What is it?
Streaming media is a technology for delivering real-time or on-demand audio or video to a desktop via an internet browser. The technology allows continuous download and presentation of the media (audio or video). A streamed file is received, processed, and played simultaneously and immediately, leaving behind no residual copy of the content on the receiving device. The digital nature of streaming media facilitates the integration of interactive capabilities such as the chapterization of segments, clickable hotspots within the video frame, URL flips that automatically launch Web pages at specific instants during playback, and the intelligent indexing of media content through the use of searchable keywords.
On the internet, streaming is analogous to broadcasting in traditional media (radio and television). Streaming media is especially suited for transmission of lengthy media clips (5 minutes or more) and live events (such as internet radio or video of congressional sessions broadcast by CSPAN.org). Streamed media cannot be saved or copied by the viewer.
Not all media played via the desktop is 'streamed'. Some must be downloaded (in its entirety) before it can be played; the download time (and subsequent delay in playback) is dependent upon the size of the video file and connection speed. A variation of traditional download, is called progressive download (also known as pseudo-streaming or fast-start streaming) allows playback to begin before the file is completely downloaded. Progressive download allows playback of content that has been
received to continue, while the remainder is still being downloaded.
The term webcasting is usually reserved for referring to non-interactive linear streams or live events. Webcasting is also used extensively in the commercial sector for investor relations presentations (such as Annual General Meetings), in E-learning (to transmit seminars) and for related communications activities.
To stream media a special server (streaming server) and player (client) is required. Additionally, the media (audio or video) must be encoded in a streaming format.
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