NewTek TriCaster Studio - Manual (Page 243)

Page | 223
B STREAMING, NETWORKING AND THE INTERNET
TriCaster places high production value Internet video streaming
within reach of just everyone. Numerous technical considerations
do have an impact on the quality and accessibility of your stream,
however. As well, there are a number of alternatives as respects
the manner in which your productions are propagated to the world.
This chapter reviews these matters, and will help assure your
viewing audience the best experience possible with the resources
you (and they) have available.
Live webcasting has dramatically altered the broadcast landscape. Information can now be
shared among audiences around the world for a very small transmission cost – and the future is
bright!
11.4 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 people watch your stream, how much web bandwidth you use
each month, and so-on.) Some services based on an advertising model will even host your
stream free!
11.4.1 ON DEMAND, OR LIVE?
Not all ‘streaming’ is ‘live streaming.’ The difference is similar to a) watching a television
program you previously recorded at a time convenient for you, or b) 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 only available at the time
they are broadcast, such as during a live concert or event.