How Does a Video Stream Work?
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Video File Format
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After uploading a video file from a camcorder, the file is encoded by software on a computer. The type of encoder depends on the file format. PC users will use Windows Media Encoder to create a video stream. PC users and Mac users may use Real Media format as well. Another popular format is Quick Time, promoted by Mac, but also works on Windows OS. Other formats for streaming video include Adobe Flash and MPEG.
Streaming Method
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A streaming format is uploaded to a server. Most online streaming is really an imitation of streaming video, meaning that the file is partially downloaded, then plays bits of the video clip progressively. This isn't true streaming, but the process falls under the same banner --- most people don't notice the difference. True streaming requires a dedicated streaming server and is more expensive than HTTP streaming (imitation streaming video servers).
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Streaming Servers
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Streaming servers are required for processing true streaming video. Users remotely control servers to watch video streams. The user's computer is able to accomplish this by use of the real time streaming protocol (RTSP). Dedicated servers (servers that are always running) run RTSP data 24hours a day.
Streaming servers are really just a software package that is run on a server. Helix Universal Server supports all the common video files (Windows Media, Real Media, MPEG and Quick Time). Flash videos are best supported on a Macromedia Communication Server.
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