Live streaming audio/video

what's the cutting edge?

[tedster]

I've got a client who needs a good technology for delivering global streaming media over the internet. These are limited access applications, so the technology can be dictated to the end users, all of whom are required to have some form of broadband.

Up to now they've used RealPlayer - but there are some major drawbacks. What else is available? How well does it work? We're talking about 75-100 simultaneous connections, with growth in the next 2 years projected to need 150 or more. Outsourcing is not an option, due to security concerns.

[IanTurner]

This is an area we would also be interested in, I have currently been looking at the Real Media and Real Player solution, but as you say there are some drawbacks. The major one being that real player wont hide the actual file that you are streaming from.

[tedster]

I mentioned in the title (but forgot in the message) that this is essentially for live applications, although some recorded streaming is also done. One of the problems we've had is people getting cut off -- so much so that we went to our own kludged up 10 second refresh, rather than true streaming.

[kapow]

I am just starting my first site with video and have been searching for some time for the best technology. Ask me in 6 months and I'll have a better answer (based on experience). Here is what I've gathered so far:

FORMAT: The three main types are: Windows, Real and Quick-Time. Windows and Real seem to be leading. I tend to use CNN.com as a benchmark for format (as they have a lot more time and money than me to research this). Till recently they offered video in both Windows and Real. I just noticed that CNN.com moved over to Real only! To me that is a big endorsement for Real, + all the big UK tv websites use Real too.

DELIVERY: The number of simultaneous streams governs the service provider you choose. Some service providers charge telephone numbers for live delivery to thousands of simultaneas viewers. But 75-100 streams seems not to scary. I've decided to trial hostcentric.com as they seem to be set up for all levels (will know in 6 months).

[BlobFisk]

You may want to have a look at SHOUTcast(www.shoutcast.com [shoutcast.com]).

It's a WinAmp based system for the user, but I'm afraid I don't know much about the broadcaster side of things other than it's free!

Their online documentation is here [shoutcast.com].

Hope this helps!