Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Flavia Calina
When you stream a video, enough data must transfer so the stream will play. Otherwise, the video will buffer.
RTMP
RTMP is a streaming protocol that provides low latency, which makes it ideal for live video. It is adaptable and may be applied to applications for both live streaming and video on demand. RTMP is often used in the first-mile delivery of footage before transcoding into HLS or other formats for delivery to viewers.
Unlike HTTP or HTTPS, RTMP uses the TCP protocol for transmission. It guarantees a stable and reliable connection between the server and the viewer’s media player. RTMP streams are encrypted, ensuring only the intended recipient can view them. This feature is essential for sensitive videos, such as those about medical procedures or employee training.
While RTMP is still commonly used, newer protocols are gaining ground in live streaming. SRT, for example, preserves video quality better than RTMP and has less trouble getting past corporate firewalls.
RTMP is the client-server protocol that connects a server and a media player. The server sends the encoded multimedia data to the media player, and the media player decodes the stream and plays it back to the user. The user may so manage how the movie is played back. It is how users can create one-to-one video connections for quick meetings and team huddles. It’s also possible to use RTMP to deliver video over a secure TLS or SSL connection, which reduces the chance of man-in-the-middle attacks by unknown third parties.
HLS
HLS, or HTTP video live streaming API, is the streaming protocol of the moment. It is widely supported, provides high-quality video, and can be used on various devices. It also runs on standard servers and is compatible with almost any HTML5 video player. Anyone who wishes to share their material with a larger audience should use it.
It divides the video into small segments, each encoded at a different quality level. These segments are then duplicated into a playlist file and distributed to the client device over a content delivery network. The video player software reads the index file to determine which chunk of the video is ideal for its playback conditions. If the user’s network conditions deteriorate or improve, the video player will switch to another quality level.
However, HLS isn’t without its flaws. One of these is its latency, which can be a significant problem for some broadcasts. It is particularly true for streams involving real-time gameplay or sports events. Fortunately, some tools can help reduce latency. Combined with a high-quality CDN, this can provide a seamless viewing experience for your viewers.
RTSP
RTSP is a protocol that establishes a session between a source and a streaming server. It works as a network remote control for time-synchronized streams of continuous media like audio and video. It sends commands to the streaming server, such as pause, play, and set up. It also enables clients to communicate with the server via various request operations. These requests can be used to transmit information, such as a new URL, or to change settings.
Unlike other streaming protocols that require files to be physically stored on devices, RTSP streamed media is played back directly from the server. It means users can access content without downloading or buffering, which is especially useful for live videos that require high performance.
Though RTSP is less popular than other streaming protocols, it’s still widely used in video workflows. Most notably, RTSP is the preferred protocol for video contribution from IP cameras. However, next-generation solutions like secure reliable transport (SRT) are poised to replace RTSP in these workflows.
Regardless of your streaming protocol needs, choosing the right one depends on your use case. Comparing the features of each protocol is the best method to select the best one for you. For example, RTSP has several advantages over SRT, such as its ability to simultaneously deliver low-latency streaming to multiple destinations.
Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABS) is a video streaming technology that automatically adjusts to users’ network conditions to deliver the highest quality video experience. It divides large video files into smaller segments that can be transmitted independently. Each segment is usually a few seconds long. The adaptive video streaming technology can then detect the speed of a user’s internet connection and switch between bitrates as needed. This process helps avoid video buffering and keeps the videos playing smoothly without interruptions.
The main advantage of adaptive bitrate streaming is that it provides users with a more flexible viewing experience. It also improves video quality and eliminates the frustration of watching a poor-quality stream. ABR is an ideal solution for various applications, from live broadcasts to on-demand content.
The need to improve the viewing experience and demand for video content rises. Most mobile devices have variable internet connections and display resolutions, so providing users with the best possible video quality is essential. The underlying technology behind adaptive bitrate streaming is HLS and MPEG DASH, which allow for multiple renditions of the same video file.
When a video is encoded, the encoder creates different versions in multiple bitrates, each with quality characteristics. The server then transmits each segment to the end-user device at the appropriate bit rate according to bandwidth and display resolution. The system uses a “ladder” of quality to match a particular user’s device, starting with the lowest bitrate and increasing gradually.
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