Create your own video streaming server with Linux
In this post, we’re going to delve into everything you need to know about video streaming technology. We’ll start by exploring how streaming video functions in general, then move on to different types of live streaming technology and notable broadcasting tools and equipment. Finally, we’ll discuss a couple of emerging streaming technologies for 2022 and beyond.
The evolution of live streaming over the internet has been rapid over the past decade, with new technology continuously improving and simplifying the streaming experience for broadcasters and viewers.
Especially in the past year, the significance of live streaming in various aspects of life has become evident. It enables hosting virtual events and reaching audiences locally and globally.
Our goal is to ensure you grasp how video streaming technology operates so you can leverage it to advance your business objectives.
How Does Streaming Video Technology Work?
Behind the scenes of live streaming, there’s a lot of intricate technology at work.
Online video streaming is a constantly evolving science, but the current technology available is incredibly powerful, enabling seamless live video streaming.
Nowadays, viewers worldwide can participate in a single event from the comfort of their homes, revolutionizing learning, business operations, media consumption, and leisure activities. All of this is made possible by video streaming technology.
To deliver high-quality video content in real-time, a lot happens behind the scenes. Before we delve into the details of these technologies, it’s essential to understand the journey a video takes from the moment it’s recorded on a camera to when it appears on viewers’ screens.
Here’s a typical setup for online video streaming:
1. The camera captures RAW video
2. Video is sent to the encoder via capture card or another hookup
3. The encoder converts RAW video to a digital file
4. Video is ingested into the online video platform
5. The video is distributed from the online video platform to the video player via a content delivery network
6. The video player displays the stream on the viewer’s internet-enabled device
This setup may vary depending on the specific tools you’re using, but those are the basics of how online video streaming works.
Different Types of Video Streaming Technology
Reviewing the video streaming setup mentioned above, it’s evident that there are numerous moving parts. Several types of video streaming technology converge to create a seamless streaming experience.
The four major types of streaming technology include streaming protocols, codecs, video players, and content delivery networks (CDNs). Each of these components collaborates to transmit video from point A to point B.
Now, let’s delve deeper into each of these video streaming technologies and their roles in online video streaming.
1. Streaming Protocols
Streaming protocols are standardized methods of delivering media across the internet. They break down data into small chunks to make them lightweight enough to transmit over various internet connections.
Protocols play a crucial role in broadcasting as they carry the content from one point to the next in the video streaming process.
Several video streaming protocols are essential for live streaming. Let’s explore a few of the most commonly used ones today.
HLS
One of the most crucial protocols in video streaming technology today is HTTPS Live Streaming (HLS). Developed by Apple to integrate seamlessly with HTML5 video players, HLS is used to deliver media from the content delivery network to the user-facing player.
HLS can also be utilized for ingesting media from the encoder to the online video platform. However, since HLS encoders are not widely used, HLS delivery is often combined with RTMP ingest.
RTMP
Another critical protocol that broadcasters use today is the Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP). Initially designed to deliver content to Adobe’s Flash player, RTMP has evolved to serve a different role in streaming since Flash has become obsolete.
Today, RTMP is primarily used for RTMP ingest, transporting videos from the encoder to the online video platform or directly to the content delivery network.
RTMP offers the advantage of low-latency streaming and access to cost-effective RTMP encoders.
RTSP
Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is a lesser-known but significant protocol in video streaming technology. While often confused with RTMP, they are distinct protocols with different roles.
RTSP carries commands from the user to the video player, such as Play, Pause, Fast-Forward, and other in-player commands.
Moreover, RTSP enables viewers to access video content before it is fully downloaded, enhancing the viewer experience by reducing wait times to start playing desired content.
MPEG-DASH
MPEG-DASH is an open-source streaming standard structured similarly to HLS, but it stands out as the first to support adaptive bitrate streaming. This feature enables viewers to automatically access a stream in the quality best suited for their internet speed, preventing excessive lagging and buffering for users with slower connections.
Although MPEG-DASH is often categorized with streaming protocols, it operates with the assistance of TCP, another protocol.
This standard is gradually gaining support from related technologies, expanding its compatibility.
Streaming protocols are vital components of video streaming technology, ensuring the seamless transportation of data over the internet.
2. Codecs
When you record a video on a camera, the RAW video files consist of thousands of still frames that create the fluid motion of video. However, these files are too large to be streamed directly. To make them streamable, they need to be converted into digital files.
To convert videos into digital files, unnecessary duplicate frames are discarded or compressed for transportation. This process is handled by a codec, short for “coder-decoder.” Codecs come in two types: audio codecs and video codecs.
Essentially, a codec compresses video files, allowing them to be efficiently transported from one point in the streaming process to the next. They maintain compactness to facilitate smooth transmission over the internet.
The tools that utilize codecs are called “encoders.” Encoders can be hardware or software-based, and we’ll discuss these tools in more detail later on.
Encoders play a crucial role in video streaming technology by converting RAW video files into digital files that can be shared online.
3. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
A content delivery network (CDN) is a network of servers strategically placed across a geographic region to deliver high-quality content to remote locations from the stream’s source.
Here’s how it works: The streaming CDN distributes the content to a network of servers. Users select their desired content via video players connected to the online video platform. The CDN then redirects the request from the originating server to a server within the CDN that is closest to the user, delivering the cached content.
By having servers located closer to both the source and the destination, content can be delivered much faster.
Many broadcasters access CDNs through partnerships formed with their chosen online video platform. For instance, Mslive partners with top-tier CDNs like Akamai and Limelight to provide fast, high-quality streaming to viewers worldwide.
A content delivery network is a crucial component of video streaming technology, ensuring smooth content delivery to viewers globally.
Emerging Video Streaming Technology for 2022
With the latest advancements in online communication, streaming video technology continues to evolve.
Video streaming technology is advancing rapidly, with new developments constantly pushing the boundaries and enhancing various aspects of online streaming. Emerging technologies aim to improve quality and user experience, while others explore new territories.
Here are a few examples of innovative streaming technologies to keep an eye on as they develop and gain popularity:
WebRTC
WebRTC is an emerging streaming project initiated by Google to enable real-time, low-latency, and peer-to-peer streaming.
Currently utilized in numerous video conferencing apps, WebRTC is gradually being adopted by online video platforms to leverage its ultra-low latency capabilities. While WebRTC is still under development, its future depends on how related live streaming tools adapt to support it.
SRT
SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) is an evolving streaming protocol renowned for its low latency and reliable security. With these characteristics and more, SRT is capable of streaming at a level that rivals the combined capabilities of RTMP and HLS.
Another significant advantage of SRT is its responsiveness. It dynamically adjusts its carrying capacity based on internet speed to prevent buffering, lagging, and failure.
Currently, only a few online video platforms support SRT, but this protocol is expected to gain popularity as more video streaming tools become compatible.
Final Thoughts
CAPTION: Are you ready to start streaming online?
Online video streaming is crucial for businesses and organizations aiming to engage with their current audiences and expand their reach to new viewers.
While some of the live streaming software technologies mentioned may seem complex, most broadcasters can manage with just the basics. With professional streaming solutions like Mslive, much of the technical setup is automated. However, having a general understanding of how it works will empower you to make informed decisions throughout the process.
Looking for a powerful online video platform to kickstart your streaming journey? Consider Mslive. Our platform provides all the tools broadcasters need to host, manage, and deliver high-quality video content. With features like white-label streaming, global content delivery, video monetization, top-notch security, and more, Mslive has you covered.
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