The Notion of Live Streaming

One of the biggest platforms nowadays is that of live streaming. Sites such as twitch for example, give creators the opportunity to be able to stream a multitude of activities such as gaming; to talking about music and other forms of media, to even DIY; which has been heralded by a number of creators, such as Broxh to give an example.

In short, live streaming has become one of the best ways for small creators to be able to put out content and be able to engage with their fans in real time. It can also be said that live streaming is one of the biggest innovations within the internet, and within this article; I will be going over the notion of live streaming, with reference to the technology most heavily used within streaming.

In Which Areas is Live Streaming Used The Most?

As was aforementioned, Twitch is one of the sites which utilises live streaming the most. However, another area where Live streaming is used heavily is within Online casinos and sports betting; to show games in real time, as well as to show live dealer games and let one play table games in real time. Slots games have also advanced to the point that they allow one to be able to stream themselves playing bonanza slots and a number of other different slot games on online casinos.

Another notion of streaming used heavily within televised sports as the streamed live on our televisions; and computers in real time and allow us to be able to follow them as they happen; and even get replays of key moments during the game itself.

What type of Technology Is Used Within Streaming?

The Sphere of Live streaming is one which is built on the fidelity; and strength of the technology which powers it, and as a result; one’s stream is only as good as the technology which he or she may choose to utilise. Below are a number of these technologies, explained in basic detail; to give an idea of what tech is typically used in live streaming.

Streaming Protocols

Streaming protocols universally accepted systems for transmitting media over the web. They disassemble information into manageable pieces so that they may be sent efficiently across a wide range of network speeds.

Since video is often streamed from one location to another, protocols play a crucial role in broadcasting. Real-time Messaging Protocol and HLS Live Streaming are two examples.

Codecs

The smooth motion we recognise as video really the result of hundreds of individual still images stored in RAW video files throughout the recording process. The problem is that the file sizes are too large to streamed. The process of transforming them into a digital file is necessary for making them streamable.

The process of digitising a video requires the elimination or compression of any unneeded or redundant still images. The term “codec” is short for “coder-decoder” and describes the machinery responsible for this process.

Video Players

Video players allow viewers to watch streams. Adobe’s Flash player was the norm, but mobile streaming made it obsolete, as the former was not compatible with mobile streaming.

HTML5 video players are now standard. Apple created this mobile video player. Most internet-enabled devices support HTML5 video players.

Content Delivery Networks

A content delivery network (CDN) delivers high-quality material to faraway areas by strategically placing servers throughout a region.

Streaming CDNs transmit material to servers. Online video players let users choose material. The CDN then redirects the request from the original site’s server to the nearest CDN server and delivers the cached content.

A Couple of Brief Concluding Statements

When it comes down to the notion of live streaming, good tech is key and most streaming services; and streamers utilise this technology for the benefit of the viewer, allowing for smooth, and fluid viewing.