Streaming vs. Downloading: What's the difference? Part 1 of 2

The major difference between the two is that streaming video gives an almost constant amount of data to a client at a time,while downloading provides data to the end user as fast as they can accept it. So downloading is better, right? Actually the answer is a resounding, No!

The server delivering multiple constant streams can serve a much high number of clients than the same server that is downloading video to clients. As a matter of fact a server that is downloading video can easily become overloaded because of the processor intensive nature of downloading files.

Streaming has many advantages from the client's perspective as well. With a streaming technology the video starts playing immediately. On the other hand with a downloading method the end user has to wait until a significant portion of the video has finished downloading. With some formats the client has to wait until the
whole clip has been downloaded! This can take between minutes and hours, depending on the size of the clip. So why would anyone use downloading? Well it's the cheapest solution, but let the buyer beware! This may be the appropriate solution if you have a very limited amount of video content, but if you are offering video content
as part of your day to day operation this is not an acceptable practice.

For all your media and video needs contact Duane today! Check us out - DW Video & Multimedia is using todays media to market your business!

A Streaming Media Primer
A Guide for the Absolute Beginner
by Jonathan L Miller
11.01.2004
www.vx30.com
used with permission

Streaming vs. Downloading: What's the difference? Part 2 of 2

Another important difference between streaming and downloading is that in the end downloading the same clip will use more bandwidth5 than the same clip that is streamed. How is this possible if the videos are the same size? Well the answer is that not everyone will watch your whole video. When downloading the client will download the whole video but may only watch part of it. With streaming video you only supply them with as much bandwidth as they need to view the video, or segment of that video. In the end this can result in an incredible amount of bandwidth savings.

A final consideration between downloading and streaming video is digital rights management Once someone has downloaded your video content onto their system they than have a local copy of your property. Even if your content is right protected it is still possible for a hacker to break your protection and than redistribute your content, without your permission. However when streaming it is much more difficult to record the video.

Contact DW Video for all your video and media needs!

A Streaming Media Primer
A Guide for the Absolute Beginner
by Jonathan L Miller
11.01.2004
www.vx30.com
used with permission

Video Streaming – The Player

First off, thank you to all those that have posted some very nice comments

In regards to this site. I apologize for not staying on top of the updates.

Business has been very good to me. One comment that sticks out is where

I come up with the titles for my blogs. Basically, my goal with this site is to

educate current and potential customers on what we do, how we do and how

it effects them. Thanks again for all your comments.

Back to Video Streaming:

There are two types of video players; the native player and the

“playerless” system. The native player is a piece of software that is

distributed by the streaming software provider that has to be

installed on the client's computer for the video to work. Examples of

a native player include Quicktime, Real Player and Windows Media

Player. The java player is also known as the “playerless” system. The

“playerless” uses java so it does not require the client to install any

software on their system to view the video. Both systems have their

advantages, which will be discussed further in the “Player Debate”

section.

At DW Video & Multimedia we moving toward the playerless system

with a product from our friends at VX30. Stay tuned for the next post

Streaming vs Downloading: What’s the difference?

To add video to your web site contact Duane today!

A Streaming Media Primer

A Guide for the Absolute Beginner

by Jonathan L Miller

11.01.2004

www.vx30.com

used with permission