Streaming is a term used to define the display of video and audio in real time. There are basically two types of streaming.
“Real” streaming requires a special service that broadcasts audio/video information in real time. The player on the visitor’s computer interprets this stream and displays it immediately. Such technology requires powerful dedicated servers as it needs a lot of resources to run properly. You need this type of server if, for example, you want to stream live videos.
Most streaming server technologies record, encode and deliver your videos in real time, making them suitable for TV broadcasters, live broadcasts or websites such as YouTube.com or DailyMotion.com, where millions of visitors watch and download videos.
What do we need to be able to stream?
Now that we finally know what streaming is, we need to know what are the essential factors for it to work properly.
As a digital system, it requires the strongest possible Internet connection. Depending on the type of item you want to play (video, audio, or both), you will needa faster or slower connection.
In addition, the quality of the file to be distributed will also have an influence. In other words, high definition (HD) and 4K video content requires higher speeds for perfect sound and picture delivery.
In both cases, a speed of 2 Mbps or more is ideal, to avoid buffering delays.
How does streaming work and what does it consist of?
When you access this system, a temporary data file is created which will allow the person accessing it to view it without having to wait for the complete download. Once the user finishes viewing the information, the data is automatically deleted from the computer or cell phone. Some media that use this tool are radio, podcasting programs, and Internet television. When a program is transmitted, a signal is sent to the server, so that it can be picked up by Internet users’ computers or smartphones. There are also links that listeners can connect to.
Examples of platforms using streaming as a business model
To enjoy great audiovisual productions, portals such as those listed below already use it. To do your own streaming it goes without saying that you will rather go to a platform like Youtube :
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon’s membership platform offers its users its own creations that operate according to this economic model. You can enjoy current series and films of all kinds.
Disney+
The Disney Plus streaming service offers all content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, STAR and National Geographic.
DAZN
On DAZN you can enjoy all sports streaming, international events and matches live or on demand.
HBO Max
The American on-demand television channel also offers audiovisual content in this way, so that you can enjoy the highest-rated series in the world.
Hulu
Hulu, which, along with Disney, has managed to grow with public preference.
The support of a giant that has created countless children’s hits could make it one of the preferred options for enjoying streaming content.
Netflix
Who doesn’t know Netflix now? This is truly another success story among the wide range of TV channels that work only via the Internet, for a fee.
If you are a subscriber, you will have noticed that, as soon as you press the “play” button on your remote control, you instantly have the series and film currently playing. This is perhaps the best proof of the immediacy that streaming offers.
