Streaming Conventions and Architectures

The ITS Streaming Video Service supports MPEG, MP3, QuickTime, Real, and Windows Media for video-on-demand. MPEG-2 is only available for on-campus viewers (because of bandwidth requirements). Webcasting is currently being offered in Real and QuickTime.

Which convention to select depends on several factors, including audience location, what streaming players your audience is most comfortable using, and what tools you are most comfortable using in preparing a streaming program. ITS is investigating transcoding equipment that would allow us to record/store in one format, but deliver multiple formats in real-time.

The following is a quick explanation of some of the basic terms you will encounter in streaming media discussions.

CO-DEC - a COmpression-DECompression algorithm used for efficient storage and transmission of a data file, such as a video or audio file.

MPEG - the Moving Picture Experts Group defines industry standards for the encoding, management, and delivery of content through various media.

MPEG-1 - a codec designed for near-VHS quality video. MPEG-1 is primarily designed for CD-ROM delivery of content through various media.

MPEG-2 - a codec designed for high-quality video. MPEG-2 is primarily used for DVD disc encoding and other high-quality archival solutions, but can be streamed over high-bandwidth connections, such as Internet2. MPEG-2 playback often requires additional software and/or hardware.

MP3 - a codec designed for audio. MP3 is the most popular standard used for distribution on the Internet and in portable music players, such as Apple’s iPod. Note that MP3 stands for MPEG Audio Layer 3, not MPEG-3 (there is no MPEG-3).

MPEG-4, QuickTime, Real, and Windows Media are all streaming media architectures. They can handle a variety of media such as audio, video, text, animation, and 3D. They also support some forms of metadata (information about the media asset) and interactivity.

MPEG-4 - built around non-proprietary codecs, MPEG-4 excels at multi-architecture compatibility. Future codecs should enhance quality.

QuickTime - built around several non-proprietary codecs, QuickTime excels at medium to high bandwidth clips. It supports MPEG-4.

Real - built around proprietary RealNetworks codecs, Real format excels at low to medium bandwidth clips. It supports MPEG-4. Producers can use the SMIL language to add interactivity.

Windows Media - built around proprietary Microsoft codecs, Windows Media excels at medium bandwidth clips. It does not support MPEG-4.