A video streaming server delivers video content over the Internet to a user with a computer, smartphone, or other connected device. The term “streaming” refers to the actual process of transmitting the video, with the server in a constant state of delivering the content similar to a steadily flowing current in a river. The behind-the-scenes mechanics of video through the Internet are hidden from subscribers, who enjoy streaming content on their chosen devices in much the same way that they would watch a movie in a theater or view a program on TV.
Deciding How to Stream Video While Providing High Performance and Universal Access
A quick perusal of resources on how to stream video will introduce you to the basics of online streaming, making the step-by-step process seem straightforward enough. Unfortunately, due to the different types of networks, player environments and various competing streaming technologies populating today’s media ecosystem, even the first few steps required for preparing an online stream quickly become problematic.
Delivering high-quality streaming video to demanding consumers is costly and challenging. Content providers cannot afford to decide on a file format or codec arbitrarily. When providing a superior viewing experience and universal access to your media matters to your business, every choice is consequential: from video transcoding decisions to media player customizations. This is one reason businesses are using media analytics—to discover what consumers want from online media and decide how to stream video in the most cost-effective, consumer-friendly manner possible.
