NewTek TriCaster TC1 (2 RU) - Manual (Page 199)

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SECTION 18.5
CAPTURING THE STREAM
To archive a live stream file as it is created by an encoder, simply configure and check-mark a File Capture
preset for that encoder.
SECTION 18.6 STREAMING STRATEGIES
One of the best approaches when beginning (to stream your productions) is to establish a relationship with
a commercial streaming media provider. A good provider can guide you past firewalls, provide public
addresses for everyone to view your stream, and provide no end of valuable guidance.
And it may not be as expensive as you think (costs vary based on considerations such as how many viewers
you expect, how much web bandwidth you use each month, and so-on). Some services based on an
advertising model will even host your stream free.
18.6.1 ON DEMAND OR LIVE STREAMING?
Not all ‘streaming’ is ‘live streaming.’ The difference is similar to i) watching a television program you
previously recorded at a time convenient for you, or ii) watching a live event.
On demand streams are stored on a server (often supplied by an external service provider), ready to be
transmitted whenever a viewer wishes. Live streams are available at the time they are broadcast, such as
during a live concert or event.
O N D EMAND H OSTING
The Record module permits you to capture your productions to a local hard drive. The resulting files can be
hosted on a network later, so viewers can connect whenever they like. If you have the resources available,
you can host the video yourself
– but if many people will likely want to view your production, you will likely
avail yourself of a service to stream it on your behalf.
Ideally, ‘on demand’ streaming video begins to play on request after a few moments. (Letting the stream get
a bit ahead of the client playback device is called ‘buffering’, and helps ensure smooth playback). This stands
in contrast to other types of online video distribution which requires the viewer to completely download the
video file before he can begin play. Given a sufficiently high speed connection between host and viewer, they
may well be able to enjoy a seamless viewing experience without stuttering or other issues.
L IVE S TREAMING
Live streaming is a growing international market, and one you may well wish to serve. This form of streaming
is a somewhat more demanding implementation. Rather than record a file and deal with it later, live video
is transmitted over the network (effectively in real-time
, give or take a little ‘time in the pipe’ as it were.)
Delivering a good quality stream requires that you consider both your network connection capabilities and
that of your viewers. As well, to ensure reliable delivery, you will ideally have some idea of the size of your
audience.
Naturally, streaming video is highly compressed to reduce bandwidth demands and make it available to a
wider group. The decision as to which encoding format to use for your live stream is up to you or
– in some
cases – your client. Here are some things to consider: