A one-way video transmission over a data network. It is widely used on the Web as well as private intranets to deliver video-on-demand or a video broadcast. Unlike movie files (MPG, AVI, etc.) that are played after they are downloaded, streaming video is played within a few seconds of requesting it, and the data is not stored permanently in the computer.
If the streaming video is broadcast live, then it may be called "realtime video." However, technically, realtime means no delays, and there is a built-in delay in streaming video (see realtime video).
It's Already in the Buffer
Watching momentary blips in video is annoying, and the only way to compensate for that over an erratic network such as the Internet is to get some of the video data into the computer before you start watching it. In streaming video, both the client and server cooperate for uninterrupted motion. The client side stores a few seconds of video in a buffer before it starts sending it to the screen and speakers. Throughout the session, it continues to receive video data ahead of time.
Videoconferencing Is More Demanding
Videoconferencing is more taxing on the network than streaming video. It requires realtime, two-way transmission with sufficient bandwidth for video coming in and going out at the same time without being able to buffer any of it. See Windows Media, videoconferencing and streaming audio.
The Streaming Concept
Extra packets are buffered in memory in order to compensate for the unpredictable delivery over the Internet.
Filling the Buffer
"Buffering 70% complete" means 70% of a reserved area in memory is filled. When it gets to 100%, the software (Windows Media Player in this example) will start "playing" the video.
If the streaming video is broadcast live, then it may be called "realtime video." However, technically, realtime means no delays, and there is a built-in delay in streaming video (see realtime video).
It's Already in the Buffer
Watching momentary blips in video is annoying, and the only way to compensate for that over an erratic network such as the Internet is to get some of the video data into the computer before you start watching it. In streaming video, both the client and server cooperate for uninterrupted motion. The client side stores a few seconds of video in a buffer before it starts sending it to the screen and speakers. Throughout the session, it continues to receive video data ahead of time.
Videoconferencing Is More Demanding
Videoconferencing is more taxing on the network than streaming video. It requires realtime, two-way transmission with sufficient bandwidth for video coming in and going out at the same time without being able to buffer any of it. See Windows Media, videoconferencing and streaming audio.
The Streaming Concept
Extra packets are buffered in memory in order to compensate for the unpredictable delivery over the Internet.
Filling the Buffer
"Buffering 70% complete" means 70% of a reserved area in memory is filled. When it gets to 100%, the software (Windows Media Player in this example) will start "playing" the video.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2007 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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