Streaming Video, Another Great Perk of Broadband Internet Service!

What is Streaming Video?

Streaming video is a series of moving images that are sent in a compressed form over the Internet and are presented to the viewer as they arrive. Streaming media is the same thing, but with sound.

In most cases, the streaming video you view is taken from prerecorded video files. However, in some cases, it is possible to view a live broadcast “feed.” Multiple viewers can view these files at the same time, and this is referred to as a multicast.

What Are the Advantages to Streaming Video?

The biggest advantage to streaming video is that the viewer does not have to wait for a large file to download before viewing it. Instead, the video is sent in a stream that the viewer can watch as it arrives. The viewer will need a special player that is capable of viewing streaming media, as the media needs to be de-compressed before being viewed and/or heard.

Some Internet browsers automatically come with these players, but other players can be easily and quickly downloaded from the company’s Web site.

What are the Best Streaming Video Companies?

There are a lot of companies that make streaming video software and players. However, RealNetwork, Microsoft Windows Media Technologies and VDO are some of the best and most popular players.

RealNetwork makes the popular RealSystem G2 player, and Microsoft makes Windows Media Player. In terms of speeds, Microsoft offers streaming audio at up to 96 Kbps and streaming video at up to 8 Mbps.

What are Some of the Uses for Streaming Video?

Streaming video has many applications ranging from educational purposes to entertainment purposes. Streaming video is often used in college classrooms to help students learn a certain principle or lesson. Streaming video can be used to view demonstrations, how-to scenarios, language lessons, etc.

However, some of the most popular uses for streaming video involve entertainment. Movie clips can be viewed, as well as news broadcasts, music videos, all sorts of live broadcasts and more.

What Do I Need To Use Streaming Video?

First and foremost, you’ll need to have a high speed Internet connection. Most streaming video cannot be viewed without a broadband connection. You’ll also need a special player, and these can be downloaded for free from various company Web sites. You’ll also want to check your browser to see if it already comes with a player – chances are that it does.

Another way to check to see if you have all the necessary things to view a streaming video is to click on a streaming video link. If the link works, great! If not, you’ll usually be given an option to download a particular player at that time. With a high speed Internet connection, this will take less than a minute!