Streaming Video on Your Website - Convert Visitors into Customers

Streaming video is a sequence of "moving images" that are sent in compressed form over the Internet and displayed by the viewer as they arrive. Streaming media is streaming video with sound. With streaming video or streaming media, a Web user does not have to wait to download a large file before seeing the video or hearing the sound. Instead, the media is sent in a continuous stream and is played as it arrives. The user needs a player, which is a special program that uncompresses and sends video data to the display and audio data to speakers. A player can be either an integral part of a browser or downloaded from the software maker's Web site.

Major streaming video and streaming media technologies include RealSystem G2 from RealNetwork, Microsoft Windows Media Technologies (including its NetShow Services and Theater Server), and VDO. Microsoft's approach uses the standard MPEG compression algorithm for video. The other approaches use proprietary algorithms. (The program that does the compression and decompression is sometimes called the codec.) Microsoft's technology offers streaming audio at up to 96 Kbps and streaming video at up to 8 Mbps (for the NetShow Theater Server). However, for most Web users, the streaming video will be limited to the data rates of the connection (for example, up to 128 Kbps with an ISDN connection). Microsoft's streaming media files are in its Advanced Streaming Format (ASF).

Streaming video is usually sent from prerecorded video files, but can be distributed as part of a live broadcast "feed." In a live broadcast, the video signal is converted into a compressed digital signal and transmitted from a special Web server that is able to do multicast, sending the same file to multiple users at the same time.

Streaming media is audio and video that are transmitted on the Internet in a streaming or continuous fashion, using data packets. The most effective reception of streaming media requires some form of broadband technology such as cable modem or DSL. A packet is the unit of data that is routed between an origin and a destination on the Internet or any other packet-switched network. When any file (e-mail message, HTML file, Graphics Interchange Format file, URL - Uniform Recourse Locater request, and so forth) is sent from one place to another on the Internet, the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) layer of TCP/IP divides the file into "chunks" of an efficient size for routing. Each of these packets is separately numbered and includes the Internet address of the destination. The individual packets for a given file may travel different routes through the Internet. When they have all arrived, they are reassembled into the original file (by the TCP layer at the receiving end).

A packet-switching scheme is an efficient way to handle transmissions on a connectionless network such as the Internet. An alternative scheme, circuit-switched, is used for networks allocated for voice connections. In circuit-switching, lines in the network are shared among many users as with packet-switching, but each connection requires the dedication of a particular path for the duration of the connection. "Packet" and "datagram" are similar in meaning. A protocol similar to TCP, the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) uses the term datagram.

MPEG, the Moving Picture Experts Group, develops standards for digital video and digital audio compression. It operates under the auspices of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The MPEG standards are an evolving series, each designed for a different purpose. To use MPEG video files, you need a personal computer with sufficient processor speed, internal memory, and hard disk space to handle and play the typically large MPEG file (which has a file name suffix of .mpg). You also need an MPEG viewer or client software that plays MPEG files. (Note that .mp3 file suffixes indicate MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer-3) files, not MPEG-3 standard files.) You can download shareware or commercial MPEG players from a number of sites on the Web.

The term codec is an acronym that stands for "compression/decompression." A codec is an algorithm, or specialized computer program, that reduces the number of bytes consumed by large files and programs. In order to minimize the amount of storage space required for a complicated file, such as a video, compression is used. Compression works by eliminating redundancies in data. Compression can be done for any kind of file, including text, programs, images, audio, video, and virtual reality (VR). Compression can reduce the size of a file by a factor of 100 or more in some cases. For example, a 15-megabyte video might be reduced to 150 kilobytes. The uncompressed file would be far too large to download from the Web in a reasonable length of time, but the compressed file could usually be downloaded in a few seconds. For viewing, a decompression algorithm, which "undoes" the compression, would have to be used.

There are numerous standard codec schemes. Some are used mainly to minimize file transfer time, and are employed on the Internet. Others are intended to maximize the data that can be stored in a given amount of disk space, or on a CD-ROM. Codec's are used in many popular Internet products, including QuickTime, Netmeeting, Cu-Seeme, and VDOphone.

Flash, is a popular authoring software developed by Macromedia, and is used to create vector graphics-based animation programs with full-screen navigation interfaces, graphic illustrations, and simple interactivity in an antialiased, resizable file format that is small enough to stream across a normal modem connection. The software is ubiquitous on the Web, both because of its speed (vector-based animations, which can adapt to different display sizes and resolutions, play as they download) and for the smooth way it renders graphics. Flash files, unlike animated but rasterized GIF and JPEG, are compact, efficient, and designed for optimized delivery. Known as a do-it-yourself animation package, Flash 4 gives Web designers the ability to import artwork using whatever bitmap or illustration tool they prefer, and to create animation and special effects, and add sound and interactivity. The content is then saved as file with a .SWF file name extension.

Web users with Intel Pentium or Power Macintosh processors can download Flash Player to view Flash content, which performs across multiple browsers and platforms. Flash is lauded for being one of the Web's most accessible plug-in. According to an independent study cited by Macromedia, over 90 percent of Web users already have Flash Player installed. Macromedia was recently acquired by Adobe in a 3.4 billion dollar deal.

About the Author: Ole Arndt is President of Global Media LLC, in Branchburg NJ.

Correspondence to: oarndt@streamingmediabiz.com

Chicago charter limousine service Streamwood .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Tips to prevent your holiday decorations from being stolen
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson lays out the immediate steps you should take if your phone has been hacked and your personal information becomes vulnerable.
Fraudsters are sending people bogus invoices through PayPal as part of a sneaky scam that is going around; here's how to protect yourself from being fooled.
A former Colgate-Palmolive employee was shocked to discover $750,000 had been drained from her 401(k) account. "CyberGuy" offers tips on how to prevent identity theft.
Electric vehicle maker Harbinger recently showed its electric delivery truck can handle icy roads with agility and stability in winter.
To make the busiest time of year more manageable, here are some tricks for tracking your packages, taking quality family photos and curating the perfect Christmas playlist.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to keep your online Amazon gift purchases a secret from loved ones or friends this holiday season.
Factory resetting an iPhone is a crucial step to protect your privacy and prevent theft when you are selling, trading or donating your device.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents seven options this holiday season to help shoppers save time and money, from cash-back apps to discount tools.
Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson tackles blockchain scams, which are often disguised as legitimate offers that promise easy investment returns.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Chinese cyber espionage targets U.S. telecoms to steal Americans' information.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows iPhone users how to easily delete multiple emails and manage their inboxes to reduce digital clutter.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says scammers exploit fears, falsely claim computer issues to access your personal data.
Router with built-in VPN or software VPN? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says explore the differences to choose yours.
Updates to apps are essential for maintaining the performance and security of your devices, including bug fixes, new features and security patches.
If your Windows PC or laptop is constantly crashing, Kurt the CyberGuy has some easy fixes you can do at home to keep your computer running properly.
If it sounds like actors on your TV are speaking in whispers, there's a way to fix it to make your TV audio sound better. The CyberGuy has several tips.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
Daisy is an artificial intelligence-powered grandmother created to interact with scammers to waste their time and gather information about their tactics.
Cybercriminals are tricking people into compromising their own technology by mimicking trusted sources; here's how to keep yourself safe from these "scam-yourself" attacks.
Brick My World is an innovative app that allows you to turn any object into a Lego creation with your phone using advanced artificial intelligence and mobile scanning technology.
Be on alert this holiday season for phishing emails. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares several examples of fake phishing emails he's received in his inbox.
If unwanted text messages are piling up in your Android inbox, there are some easy steps you can take to clean things up and keep them organized.

Streaming Video on Your Website - Convert Visitors into Customers

Streaming video is a sequence of "moving images" that are... Read More

Looking for an Innovative Way to Explode Your Sales? Video Software - Benefits, & What to Look for

Insider's Scoop On How To Skyrocket Your Sales Plus Decrease... Read More

Independent Video in the Information Age

One of the primary obstacles for video content distribution over... Read More

How to Star in Your Own Promotional Video

Well, it's official. You are going to star in the... Read More

Video Converters 101

Your PC may contain hundreds of video files, all encoded... Read More

Interview with a Video Virgin

Shani Alexander is the founder of Relocations Made Easy (www.relocations-made-easy.com)... Read More

What You Need To Know if Your Company Wants To Produce A Video

Studies show that people remember merely 20% of what they... Read More

How to Interview on Video

When doing an interview there need to be at least... Read More

Video Biographies; Why Hire a Professional?

There are lots of reasons to create a video biography.... Read More

Working with Royalty Free Music

When creating Multi-Media Content, Flash or Video Clips for a... Read More

Beginning in Videography

If you're looking to get into videography and video editing... Read More

Create a Favicon for Your Customers Bookmarks in Four Easy Steps.

A favicon is a custom icon that sits next to... Read More

Creating Value With Streaming Video Content

Having a corporate or promotional video for your company is... Read More

Is Video Streaming the Future for Corporate Video?

Things have changed quite a bit from when I started... Read More

E-Commerce & Streaming Media: A Marriage that Works

In the heavily populated world of E-Commerce, what determines whose... Read More

Peer to Peer Internet Video Broadcasting

Unlike standard television broadcasting, there are a limited number of... Read More

Look Into My Eyes - New Webcam Technology

If a new webcam technology from Microsoft get the go-ahead,... Read More

When Does a Corporate Video Add Value?

A professionally made corporate video production can greatly enhance your... Read More

Five Ways to Profit from Using Video Online

The newest media wave to hit the online shore is... Read More

Network Marketing and Video Email

I received another e-mail today from someone telling me that... Read More

Google Video Viewer tweaked for Non-Google content

'DVD Jon', a Norwegian programmer, has tweaked Google video to... Read More

How Video can be used Effectively Online

A powerful way to convey your communication messages to your... Read More

Seven Tips on Making a Successful Video Production

Producing a video for your company can be an exciting... Read More

DVD Authoring: An Introduction

DVD Authoring is the process of collecting various content assets... Read More

Shooting High Definition Video Footage in Italy

Italy is without question the place to shoot high definition... Read More

limo O'Hare Elk Grove (west OF 53) ..