Streaming Media over the Internet

Streaming media over the InternetA million channels and there is still nothing on!

By Samuel Shiffman

Streaming Technologist

Seton Hall University

[email protected]

Why are we turning our computers into television sets ?

Question:

Answer: Because we can

• Future Broadband convergence will allow for this.

• Cable, DSL, Satellite. MPEG2

What is Streaming Video ?

Streaming multimedia allows the user to begin viewing video clips without first completely downloading the entire file.

After a brief initializing and buffering, the file begins to stream.

Most streaming media requires that the viewer install a downloaded player on

the viewing computer.

Keep in Mind..

What are the Current players?

Real Player

• Biggest Market share.

• Most Used Player around.

• Goes to show that the spoils of war often go to whoever gets there first.

Apple QuickTime

• Huge installed base via Video Editing programs.

• Multimedia artists tend to be Mac Loyalists.

• Looks really good.

Windows Media Player

• Its Free, The Server is Free

• Comes bundled with Microsoft OS.

History of Video Streaming

• Only Been around since 1995

• Progressive Networks

• Now Real Networks

What Does Streaming Media look so bad ?

• Your picture quality will be determined by your available bandwidth (download speed) and computer processor.

• Users with older 486 processors and slower modem connections will have more dropped frames and idealization.

The process of preparing audio and video sources such as video tapes, film, CD, slides etc. for streaming media is called “encoding”.

How do I get my Media on the Web?

How do I get my Media on the Web?

Encoding requires specialized playback and capture equipment and software that converts the audio/video signal to a streaming media file in the format of choice.

Encoding Media Files

Encoding

Audio and video quality in streaming video are highly dependant upon the original source material.

Using professional quality tape formats when acquiring the source will help to ensure good image quality in streaming.

Streaming Media Production

Production

It is very important that quality standards and professional equipment be used in the encoding process. When the source is “captured” all audio and visual information is converted digitally.

Keep in Mind!!!!!

Encoding

This means that if your source footage stinks, video “noise” or poor signal quality is also captured and encoded.

This adds to the overall file size and bandwidth requirements to play the file and degrades the overall performance of the streaming media.

Encoding

The Better the Source, the Better the Stream.

Keep in Mind!!!!!

Encoding

Remember that all audio and visual information will be captured and “encoded” in the stream.

That means that unnecessary camera movement, high motion backgrounds, and “busy” scenes will result in streaming media that requires more bandwidth and may not play clearly.

Streaming Media Production

Production

Appropriate lighting and camera techniques are also critical for the best streaming media.

Streaming Media Production

Production

The best images for streaming are steady, fairly simple compositions such as a head and shoulders shot.

Streaming Media Production

Production

The viewers that watch your streaming media are called the “Target Audience”.

Target Audience and Bandwidth

Target Audience

It’s important to know as much about them as possible before selecting streaming formats.

Target Audience and Bandwidth

Target Audience

The type and size of connection to a network or the Internet that the target audience has will help to determine the “bandwidth” that your clips should be encoded for.

Target Audience and Bandwidth

Target Audience

The rate at which a clip is encoded for is called "bit-rate.” If the target audience is 56K modem users, a clip encoded at a bit rate of 80 Kbps will be useless to them.

Bit Rate

Bit Rate

They won’t be able to play it and will have a frustrating experience.

Bit Rate

Bit Rate

It’s also important to determine what players your target audience is likely to have.

Players

Remember, if the viewer does not have the player installed, they will have to download it.

Many times, clips will be encoded in several formats, and at several bit rates to accommodate different players.

Players

Reality Check:

What do I need to make a streaming media presentation?

Multimedia Video Production Process

• Source Footage

• Video and Sound Editing Software

• Encoding production software

Multimedia Video Production Process

Real Video = Real Producer

QuickTime = Sorenson Broadcaster

Encoding Production Software

Windows = Media Encoder

Multimedia Video Production Process

Media Cleaner Pro - Terran

Adobe Products like Premiere

Encoding Production Software

Sound Forge - Sonic Solutions

Multimedia Video Production Process

• Live Real Video = Windows NT

• Live QuickTime = Sorenson Broadcaster

Live Video Encoding and Streaming

• Windows Media Encoder- Windows NT

Multimedia Video Production Process

Servers

Remember: In order to stream media you need a server that is configured with the right streaming software.

Servers

RTSP

The Real Time Streaming Protocol, or RTSP, an application-level protocol for control over the delivery of data with real-time data, such as audio and video. Sources of data can include both live data feeds and stored clips.

Streaming Production Overview

• Hardware and Software Encoders

• Source Footage

• Streaming Server

Final Streaming Checklist