A one-way audio transmission over a data network. It is widely used on the Web as well as company networks to play audio clips and Internet radio. Computers in home networks stream audio (mostly music) to digital media hubs connected to home theaters. Unlike sound files that are played after the entire file has been downloaded and stored, streaming audio begins playing after only a small amount is received, and the audio data is not stored permanently in the destination computer. See digital media hub.
If the streaming audio is broadcast live, then it may be called "real time audio." However, technically, real time means no delays, and there is a built-in delay in streaming audio (see real time audio).
It's Already in the Buffer
Listening to momentary blips in music or a conversation is annoying, and the only way to compensate for that over an erratic network such as the Internet is to get some of the audio data into the computer before you start listening to it. In streaming audio, both the client and server cooperate for uninterrupted sound. The client side stores a few seconds of sound in a buffer before it starts sending it to the speakers. Throughout the session, it continues to receive audio data ahead of time.
VoIP Is More Demanding
Voice over IP (VoIP) is more taxing on the network than streaming audio. It requires real time, two-way transmission with sufficient bandwidth for audio coming in and going out at the same time without being able to buffer any of it. See streaming video, VoIP and Windows Media.
If the streaming audio is broadcast live, then it may be called "real time audio." However, technically, real time means no delays, and there is a built-in delay in streaming audio (see real time audio).
It's Already in the Buffer
Listening to momentary blips in music or a conversation is annoying, and the only way to compensate for that over an erratic network such as the Internet is to get some of the audio data into the computer before you start listening to it. In streaming audio, both the client and server cooperate for uninterrupted sound. The client side stores a few seconds of sound in a buffer before it starts sending it to the speakers. Throughout the session, it continues to receive audio data ahead of time.
VoIP Is More Demanding
Voice over IP (VoIP) is more taxing on the network than streaming audio. It requires real time, two-way transmission with sufficient bandwidth for audio coming in and going out at the same time without being able to buffer any of it. See streaming video, VoIP and Windows Media.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- Can XM-Sirius merger stand up to Washington politics?
- After well over a year of scrutiny, the proposed merger between the country's two satellite radio providers - XM and Sirius - is finally on the home stretch, set for an approval vote as early as Aug. 1. But wait. This week, one of the FCC commissioners proposed even more...
- Blog posts 2008-07-18
- DirectDVD (exe)
- DirectDVD is a professional Hollywood DVD Player, includes 3D DVD Bookmarks, Xtract, SRS Circle Surround II, and WOWHD. Users can use powerful Audio 3D Environments and Digital Filters to customize their DVD Experience. Built in HD control panels. Users can control Surround Mix engine and 10 Band Surround EQ.Version 8.0...
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- Qplayer (exe)
- Qplayer from Qbox is an ultra-light download and unobtrusive desktop player that provides on-demand access to over 21 million songs from MySpace, YouTube, and Bebo - with more supported sites to come. Qplayer is essentially an online remote control for all the social network music now available for free streaming....
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- Tune4Win M4P Converter (exe)
- Tune4Win M4P Converter is a M4P to MP3 music converting tool which converts unprotected music and any purchased iTunes music M4P, M4B, M4A files to plain MP3 with a Virtual CD burning method ready for use on any computers or mobile music devices such as iPod, PSP, Zune, iPhone, cell...
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- AD Stereo Changer (exe)
- AD Stereo Changer is a sound program for creating additional stereo effect and playing an audio file in real time. It can move the sound source that is equally presented in both stereo channels and situated just in the middle of acoustic space to the left or right enhancing perception...
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- Moo0 AudioPlayer (exe)
- Moo0 AudioPlayer is a very simple audio player. It is very small and simplified for easy use. If you are looking for a lightweight audio player, this may be the one for you. Also, it includes skins in various colors to suit your liking. This version is the first release...
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- Sound Recorder (exe)
- Sound recorder is the simplest way to record sound on your machine. Anything that plays through your speakers can be recorded as well as microphone and line in inputs used for external devices. Files are recorded in Wav file format as it is one of the most available and one...
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- USB Digital Media Data Recovery (exe)
- Download Portable mp4 player songs recovery to undelete Mp3 photo songs, images, music, and digital snaps from thumb drive, pen drive, external hard disk, removable drive, compact flash memory card, multimedia card, memory stick, smart media, SD card or equivalent removable media. MP4 audio player files rescue software can restore...
- Software downloads 2008-07-18
- D-Link launches new surveillance cam with Powerline networking
- D-Link is shipping the first in the line of its D-Life products, a series that is designed to enable users to easily manage networking devices via its D-Life Web site. First up is a surveillance camera kit that allows remote viewing of live streaming video from a remote Web browser....
- Blog posts 2008-07-17
- Song Mixer (exe)
- Song Mixer is a music manager somewhat similar to iTunes however with different features. With it, you can use any standard USB MP3 player, not just iPods. You can prepare music for burning onto a Mix Disc (although version 1 will not do the actual burning), you can, of course,...
- Software downloads 2008-07-17
- REC (zip)
- REC: record on the fly for free. Very simple app for audio recording. First click launch the app, second click record. After recording you can select which part of the file you want to save. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
- Software downloads 2008-07-17
- LMA (Learning Mobile Author) (exe)
- Hot Lava Softwares Learning Mobile Author is a mobile content authoring and publishing tool that allows the rapid design, editing and publishing of trackable mobile learning and testing content. Authors/Publishes online for mobile phones,cell phones, smart phones, podcasting, wireless devices, desktop machines, and any Internet device. Authors/Publishes stand alone for...
- Software downloads 2008-07-17
- 2008 Honda Odyssey Touring
- Photo gallery:2008 Honda OdysseyAlthough Honda claims a major update for its 2008 Honda Odyssey minivan, the results look to us like a minor facelift, just a little work around the eyes and mouth but the same old body. The front of the car exhibits some modern touches around the headlights...
- Product reviews 2008-07-16
- Sony's Centrino 2 laptop lineup
- Details of Sony's new laptops have been trickling out for several weeks, but Sony held off on an official announcement to coincide with Intel's Centrino 2 launch this week. Sony introduced four new VAIO lines ranging from the 3-pound Z-series ultraportable with a 13.1-inch display to the...
- Blog posts 2008-07-16
- The myth of Windows "Workstation" 2008
- The myth of Windows "Workstation" 2008If you want a better Windows experience...switch to Linux/KDE. Sorry I just couldn't resist. I don't really believe that. I do believe if you want a better Windows experience run XP or even W2k. No matter how much I experience Vista it...
- Discussion threads 2008-07-16
- RM RMVB to AVI DIVX MP4 MPEG WMV Converter (exe)
- RM RMVB to AVI DIVX MP4 MPEG WMV Converter is a powerful, splendid, and simple to use application for RM to AVI, RM to MPEG, RM to MP4, RM to WMV, RM to VCD, RM to DVD, and RM to SVCD video converting. The main features include: Batch convert RM,...
- Software downloads 2008-07-16
- Moo0 AudioEffecter (exe)
- Moo0 AudioEffecter is software that enables you to convert audio files into ones with various effect. The effect includes detailed adjustment of each tone range. Also, it includes enhancement of vocal and instrument sound, although it is still experimental. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
- Software downloads 2008-07-16
- Moo0 AudioTypeConverter (exe)
- Moo0 AudioTypeConverter is software that enables you to easily convert audio files into different format. It is very easy to use, and you just need to drag and drop files onto this software. It currently supports only wave and mp3 format. This version is the first release on CNET Download.com.
- Software downloads 2008-07-16
- Doremisoft AVI to WAV Converter (exe)
- Both AVI and WAV are popular audio formats. Sometimes, maybe your device is not compatible AVI but compatible WAV. In this status, free AVI to WAV Converter can do you a favor. DoremiSoft AVI to WAV Converter, this free software is suitable for both newbies and veterans. It has a...
- Software downloads 2008-07-16
- Ease Audio Cutter (exe)
- Ease Audio Cutter can cute and trim a large audio file into multiple smaller pieces. It supports formats MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, APE,AAC used by iTunes, FLAC lossless compression, MP2, MP4, M4A, MPC MusePack, AC3, TTA, ofr OptimFROG, SPX Speex, RaReal audio, and WavePack. This version is the first release...
- Software downloads 2008-07-16
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- ZDNet News Videos
-
Tech news covering the latest in products, conferences and blog commentary, from ZDNet video.
- Watch the latest video >>
- The Cisco Mobility Resource Center is your source for FREE mobility solutions
-
The Cisco Mobility Resource Center offers FREE videos, downloads, podcasts and more, all designed to help small and medium businesses get mobile connectivity solutions, improve productivity and drive sales and revenue.
- New mobility solutions at the Cisco Mobility Resource Center
