The key to streaming is buffering. Before beginning to play
the video clip, the player will load the first several seconds of the clip.
Then, what is stored in the buffer is played to the user.
Streaming software | Example | Server platform | Client platform | Development system | Codec |
REALPLAYER by Real Networks |
Mimi's Lecture, Real Stream (56 kbps) Mimi's Lecture Real Stream (256 kbps) |
Linux, Windows, Solaris (Mac not included in latest versions) $8,000+ | Any, freeware | Any freeware or $149.95 for pro version. | RealVideo G2 with SVT proprietary codec |
WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER by Microsoft | http://www.msnbc.com/m/v/video_news.asp
select from the list of top stories and then choose a connection speed. |
Windows NT (no additional cost after NT) | Any, freeware | Windows | Proprietary windows media codec |
QUICKTIME by Apple | http://www.apple.com/trailers/ (pick any movie!) | Any (no software needed unless you want to do live streams) | Any, freeware | Any | Sorensen |