Live video streaming is known to people as technology being used in smart phones and many who do not see live streaming as a boon to the business sector. Some tech-freaks are well aware of the technology and are already making full use of it and have started earning through it. It is being predicted that this advanced sector will have full-blown usage in coming years, even though people hardly know and make use of it in the present. There are people in the world who bear the basic knowledge about Live webcasting and various live video streaming solutions available in the market. There also exist plenty of people who want to start but lack enough knowledge, so here are common terms used in the context of live video streaming that will prove beneficial.
- Live streaming– a lot like broadcasting, Live streaming services include process of telecasting content over the internet and not satellite. The audience can enjoy the content online one Smart TV, Smartphone and other internet-enabled devices.
- Live streaming platforms– provide servers and a space to distribute and store the content. To make the stream engaging, they also provide features like Ad Integration, Password Protection, Branding options, Analytics and more.
- Live streaming devices– they enable streamers to broadcast their live video content online. The internet-enabled device is connected to recording device and the content is streamed as it records.
- Bitrate– is the amount of data transferred per unit of time in a video. Video Bitrate is the number of bits processed per second, this means higher bitrate equals to higher resolution and vice-versa.
- Adaptive Bitrate– when streamed using Adaptive Bitrate, the stream adjusts according the device’s speed and video specs and plays accordingly, this reduces the buffering time. Some live streaming platforms offer this feature along with other ones. Choosing a platform that provides this feature is best for large-scale broadcasting.
- Multiple Bitrate– various bitrates are used to transfer data in a live stream. Multiple bitrates helps in streaming the same video in different devices with different internet speeds and resolutions, thereby enabling all devices to play video minus the buffering.
- Buffering– all those using online video streaming websites like Netflix, Amazon video, YouTube etc. are aware of buffering. Buffering happens when a video gets streamed from a different source on to your device. The video is collecting additional data to play the video hassle-free. This happens when a high-resolution live video streaming is being played in devices having nominal internet speed. In live streaming, using Adaptive Bitrate technology the problem of buffering can be minimized thereby keeping the audience engaged.
- Encoder– is utilized in converting the video format of the source video to something that is playable in all devices. They are integral part of streaming devices; streamers who do not use a device can also opt for external encoder to broadcast the content. Encoders enable live streamers to make use of several bitrates to maximize their reach of devices.
- Latency– it describes the time difference in between online streaming time and real-time. These two timings can never be the same and latency can be reduced to certain extent by using various features of live streaming platforms.
- CDN (Content Delivery Networks) – they are servers placed across the globe for efficient delivery of content. The streaming content from the user is transferred to the nearest located server to a user, after that the cached content is delivered to the user. A good service has more CDNs all over the world that allows the streaming content to deliver fast.
- Bandwidth– the amount of data given by a service by providers to a customer is bandwidth. In live streaming, this measures the amount of data offered to the streamers to stream their content by the live streaming social platforms. More bitrates equals to higher resolution and higher bandwidth required by the streamer.
Live Webcasting Services 