Most Common Terms in Online Video Streaming

Live streaming, one of the most advanced sectors that are going to be in full-blown usage in a few years, is currently meagerly known across the world. The sector is known to people as a technology used in smartphones but seeing live streaming as a business sector is still a vague idea among techies. But some of the tech-freaks who are familiar with the technology are already making full use of it and have started earning too.

There also exist plenty of people who bear the basic knowledge of what the technology is about and how it can be the next big thing in the world. There are the people who want to learn about it and be among the first ones to reap all its benefits but lack the knowledge of where to start. To get you started we have prepared a list of the most common terms. Here they are.

Live Streaming

Much like Live Broadcasting, live streaming is the process of telecasting content over the internet instead of a satellite. The audience will be able to watch this streaming content online on their Smartphones, Smart Televisions or any other Internet-enabled devices.

Live Streaming Devices

Live Streaming devices enable streamers to broadcast their live video content online. The device which uses an internet connection (generally Wi-Fi, or Ethernet), is connected to a recording device (Video Camera) and streams the content as it records.

Live streaming platforms

Live streaming platforms provide a space and servers to store and distribute the content. They also provide extra features like Analytics, Branding options, Password Protection, Ad Integration, etc., to make the streams engaging.

Bitrate

The amount of data transferred per unit of time in a video is known as bitrate. Correctly translated in terms of video, Video Bitrate is defined as the number of bits processed per second, meaning higher bitrate means higher resolution and lower bitrate means lower resolution.

Multiple Bitrates

Various bitrates are used in a live streaming to transfer data. Multiple bitrates are helpful to stream the same video in different devices with different resolutions and internet speeds, enabling every device to be able to play the video without any buffering.

Adaptive Bitrate

When the video is streamed using Adaptive Bitrate the stream adjusts itself to the device’s video specifications and speed and plays the video accordingly minimizing the buffering time. Some Live streaming platforms provide this feature along with other mentioned features and choosing the one that has this feature is beneficial for large-scale broadcasting.

Encoder

Encoders are used to convert the video format of the source video into something that is playable in all the devices. Though encoders are an integral part of live streaming devices, streamers who don’t use a device can use an external encoder to broadcast their content. Encoders also allow the live streamers to use various bitrates to extend their reach of devices.

Buffering

Buffering is known to almost every person who uses online video streaming websites like Youtube, Amazon Video, Netflix, etc. When a video is streamed from a different source onto your device buffering happens when the video is collecting additional data to play the video properly. This usually happens when a high-resolution video is played in devices with nominal internet speeds.

In Live Streaming, Streaming using Adaptive Bitrate technology helps minimize the problem of buffering which in turn keeps the audience engaged.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the amount of data offered by a service to a customer by service providers. In live streaming terms, this measures the amount of data offered by live streaming platforms to the streamers to stream their content. The more the bitrates, the higher the resolution and higher is the bandwidth required by the streamer.

CDN – Content Delivery Networks

CDNs are servers that are placed across the world for the fast delivery of digital content. The streaming content from the user will be transferred to the closest located server to a user and then the cached content is delivered to the user. A good service possesses more CDNs all over the globe that enables a fast delivery of streaming content.

Latency

This word is used to describe the time difference between Real-Time and online streaming time. Both the times are never the same and the latency can be decreased to a certain extent by using different features of the live streaming platforms.

Check out the Freedocast live streaming platform to know about the various features offered and how they work.

Article Source: http://blog.freedocast.com/common-online-video-streaming-terms/

Here’s How Non-Profit Organizations can Benefit from Live Streaming

Empathy, argued by many psychologists and evolutionists as a trait reserved for only humans, is what makes the world a better place. The evolution of humanity as a social animal and the most basic foundations of our system relies on this human trait that lets others rise along with the others. It is due to this belief that we pay taxes, set up charities, and help poor people living across the world.

Never before is the world in need of charity than now. Charities need money and not all charities come with the transparency necessary to compel people to donate more. Plenty of people worldwide carry it in their heart that once in a while, donating to a good charity that helps people might make some good. But the dilemma that arises about the destination of their donation always makes them take a step back.

Whenever the discussion of charity arises, with an equatorial intensity arises the discussion of defraudment. More than half the populace that can afford to donate significant amounts is backing out of the deal just because of the increased probability of fraud. And we have heard countless news about funds being sidetracked for personal benefits in almost every region of the world.

Pragmatically, it is an impossible task for a benefactor, small or huge, to check every account book of a charity to see the flow of funds. Plus, the act is frowned upon in a civilized society. Though most of the charities invite the donors to the charitable events, not every benefactor is at leisure to participate in the event. The attending becomes out of the question if the event is in another country.

Now, what does it have to do with live streaming – Hear us out.

Charities, NGOs and other Non-Profit organizations can improve their transparency and involve the supporters in their events, Fund Raisers, etc., by streaming the events live. With this deed, both the contributors receive the satisfaction of watching someone receive help and the improved transparency can encourage more people to donate. Even the fundraisers which are organized in an entertaining manner can be made available through live streaming which could encourage more people to donate.

As it is a common knowledge, Live streaming is cost effective and is easily available both to the streamers and the contributors. Since it is online and can be logged on from practically anywhere through any internet enabled device, every interested individual will be able to watch the event live, listen to the stories if any, and donate. Due to its availability online, the video live stream can reach millions across the globe which can ultimately lead to more donations leading to the increase in the families that receive the help.

Find out more about live streaming and its benefits in our blog articles. You can avail the Freedocast free trial by simply signing up.

Article Source: http://blog.freedocast.com/live-streaming-benefits-for-non-profit-organizations/