Streaming platforms and formats

There are two kinds of streams we can make and watch on our computers.
1. Progressive or HTTP streaming video
With Progressive or HTTP streams, the file is downloaded on to the user's local computer. You may watch it as it is downloaded. With Quicktime HTTP steaming, this is called Fast Start which downloads the movie at the user's highest data rate the player can support. However, the point at which the user is watching the movie may overcome the download, resulting in the movie stopping or hesitating. Progressive streaming is well suited to short videos, of a small file size, yet provides a fairly crisp picture. These files can be streamed from an http or ftp server. We will be streaming QT progressive streams from the vpa server.

Here are some examples of http streaming video.

Belief (Belief is a progressive communication studio pioneering the future culture of media interaction founded by artists and ex-art students. Watch the experimental projects, especially the "untitled series".

2. Realtime Streaming or RTSP
Realtime streaming does not download the movie. It provides a data stream at a more or less constant data rate which plays in real time and is adjusted in realtime to the user's connection speed. After the data is displayed, it is discarded. It is also interactive for the viewer who can stop, rewind, go to a chapter, etc. in the movie. Some streaming platforms allow the movie to adjust it's data rate on the fly to allow for network traffic, computer connection speed, complexity of movie, etc. Realtime Streaming is well suited to longer videos with higher data rates.

Here is an good example of a RealMedia video streaming live:
C-SPAN Notice this is a LIVE stream as indicated in the RealPlayer window. Also notice the low quality resollution it looks. This is an example of simply re-purposing media without necessarily reconsidering the site.
KCRW radio plays in Windows, MP3 and Real.

Quicktime provides both Real Time Streaming and Progressive Downloads.
This Quicktime Video Gallery Site showcases MPEG-4 compressed videos in both Realtime Streaming and Progressive Downloads. Notice how the site gives you a choice between the two with information on how large the download is.

Some sites provide a choice for viewers between RealPlayer and Quicktime.
These sites have good examples of a movies being presented in two platforms, with different data rates:
My site (Kristine Diekman) utilizes both Quicktime Progressive Streaming and RealPlayer Realtime Streaming.
Desperate Optimists also uses multiple formats, for instance to stream "Domestic". Notice that "Domestic" also has a Flash version which is quite different from the other videos. We will look more carefully at this video and discuss it. Visit other areas at Domestic Optimists. Note that some of this work is produced by BBC television, a non profit organization like our PBS. Here are some links to the current and previous "Shooting Live" projects which are produced by the BBC and the Arts Council of England. Shooting Live 2003. Shooting Live 2002.