A number or software applications are available to create live and
on-demand streaming media productions for distribution over the Internet.
Because streaming media requires significant bandwidth, a high-speed
Internet connection such as SDSL is needed to either upload files to a web hosting company
that specializes in streaming media or to stream the media
directly to the listeners/viewers.
If you anticipate that there will be many concurrent listeners/viewers at peak periods, it is
advisable to use a professional web hosting service because streaming to large audiences
requires specialized servers, significant bandwidth, powerful computers and
some expertise. It is feasible, however, to transmit a live
stream via an SDSL Internet connection to a professional streaming media
hosting company,
which then relays the webcast to a large audience.
On-demand webcasts (e.g. newscasts), can be easily created and stored on a hard
drive. The media files can then be periodically (e.g. hourly, daily)
uploaded via SDSL to a streaming media server at a web hosting company for
streaming.
Many schools, universities and businesses are beginning to webcast
sporting and other events over the Internet. As file compression
technologies improve, less bandwidth is needed and people discover SDSL,
more live webcasting will result.
The most popular streaming media formats are currently:
- RealNetworks' RealMedia
- Microsoft's Windows Media
- Apple's QuickTime
- ISO-standard MPEG-4.
The following tools are available for generating and compressing audio
and video files:
- RealProducer Basic (free) and Real Producer Pro (from RealNetworks)
- QuickTime Pro (from Apple)
- Windows Media Tools (free from Microsoft)
To learn more about streaming media, visit:
-
Broadcast-live.com
-
Broadband-television.com
