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Select "Back" or "Forward" to move through the learning pages or select the specific link that suits you the best. |
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There are three main parts to the streaming process:
- The Broadcaster - the content producer, you
- The Content Distribution Network (CDN)
- The Viewer.
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 The Broadcaster |
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Is responsible for creating and producing the content to be broadcast over the internet, either audio or video and making it available to the content distributor. Generally through an Encoder and broadband connection to the distributor network.
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Media content can be encoded live through a broadcasting device (a mixer, a microphone, a camera, etc) or Live from files on a PC. An Encoder is a software program that takes your content, digitizes it, and controls the quality of your broadcast. Or content file can be uploaded to the Distributor's network for On Demand or archived streaming. The broadband connection must be capable of transmitting data at a minimum of the chosen broadcast speed or Bit rate.
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We can supply more information on how this software functions, as well as how to optimize it, at your request.
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 Your Content Distributor |
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The Content Distributor is responsible for accessing your broadcast, and delivering it effectively to your audience.
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A Distributor can either connect to your broadcast through an IP address (Pull method), or a broadcast sent to it from the Encoder (Push method). For short broadcasts the Push method can be very effective and is easier to configure. However a broadcast lasting more than 2 or 3 hours should use the Pull method which is more stable.
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We can supply more information on these methods at your request.
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 The Viewer |
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The purpose of any internet broadcast is to deliver the best possible experience to an audience, and to make it as easy as possible for them to view a broadcast.
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All a viewer (or listener) needs to do is click on a hyperlink in a website, or in an email, to automatically begin receiving the broadcaster's stream (through the distributor).
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The viewer will need to have an internet connection with enough bandwidth to receive the data at the same rate you are broadcasting at, and have a player installed that is able to play the broadcast (Windows Media Player is installed on about 98% of all computers in the world).
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Conclusion |
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Now that you have a basic idea of how streaming works, we can move forward and address some of the specific questions you may still have.
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You can Learn More here.
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You can Move Forward here.
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