FAQ on Streaming:

Windows Media, Flash, Real Networks, Quick Time, H264, (H.264), MPEG4, MPEG1, MPEG2, Program and Transport streaming

"Streaming" relates to a service that the server, or a peer computer, transmits video over the IP Internet/Intranet to receiver station(s). Receiver stations can view the video while "data bits" are coming in. There is NO need to wait till the complete video file is transferred before playing; otherwise, it will become file transfer (FTP). Receivers have options to save these streamed video files.

Streaming services are used for on line IPTV, video presentation, demo, video archive and retrieval, video broadcasting over the web, remote monitoring and high quality (DVD-like) video surveillance. If you need video surveillance product at modest price, please go to our web site, www.remote-security.com . Video surveillance streaming emphasis on special features, non-standard high compression for a small audience. This www.stream-video.com web site provides detail on broadcast or IPTV quality streaming using international standard CODECs for a large audience.

To select streaming products, one should consider the following 7 items:

  1. Bandwidth is usually not a big issue on LAN, and if there are issues, you can get around by using Multicast. On the Internet, end-to-end bandwidth will gate the streaming quality and the no. of audience that you can serve. Following are the details:
    • End-to end bandwidth: The encoder will upstream its contents to the streaming server and the server will downstream to its clients. In most DSL environment, upstream bandwidth are typically 300-600Kbps although downstream bandwidth can be as high as 1-3Mbps. This low upstream bandwidth affects the outcome quality. A higher upstream bandwidth or using ISPs to serve will resolve it. However, if you stream to handheld devices, your bandwidth requirement is much less and there might not be an issue.
    • No. of users: For example, if one stream uses 300Kbps, 100 users would need 100 streams, totaling to 30Mbps. Multicast on a LAN can resolve this problem, but Multicast is not available on the Internet. Internet users can get around using ISP to service the streams, or to use Progressive download detailed below.
  2. Streaming server is required when you want to
    • stream live, with minimum delay (<0.5 seconds) using RTP over IP, or,
    • stream live to multiple users (typically 5+), or,
    • stream long sessions (hours long), or;
    • stream to users group that are registered, billable, with privilages, or,
    • stream live with codecs like: Real, Quick time, Flash.
    You can do live streaming directly from an encoder if your requirement is less than above, e.g. stream live to 3 users using Windows media at 300Kbps each, your total bandwidth requirement would be 3x300Kbps=900Kbps.
  3. Live Streaming allows users to see the video within 0.5 seconds. It is best for situation where there is an interactive “Question & Answer” period that delay has to be minimized. Live streaming bandwidth usage is directly proportional to the no. of users. To get around to this problem, you would be better off to upstream one stream to the ISP and let them downstream to different locations, because they have the bandwidth and/or relaying servers. If you stream with Multicast over the LAN, then, the above bandwidth problem is irrelevant. To summarize, Live streaming has less than 0.5 second delay, usually requires a server (in addition to the encoder), good for interactive and/or long session. Live streaming is most economical on LANs, and in a geographically spreaded large audience situation, it is best supported by ISPs or service bureaus.
  4. Progressive streaming can be a low cost alternative to live streaming. The streaming server can be an encoder, or the encoder relay streams to an ISP web server. Clients can open up windows media or other players, type in the ISP's (or encoder's) address and once their player buffers get filled up (in 2-10 seconds), the video will start to play. This video will continue to play while the ISP is downloading to the users. There is a delay for the stream, typically caused by the network and player’s buffer. This buffer helps to keep the video continuous if there are congestions on the network, and users can optimize the buffer based on their network quality. Sometimes, the delay can be 30+ seconds if the client is on the other side of the world. The streaming bandwidth is also directly proportional to the number of users. This can also be resolved by using the ISP to stream. Clients will have to “pull” their streams from the ISP, like pulling a file from a web site. ISPs can easily service larger number of users, because their bandwidth and front end cache is designed to handle large volumes. This streaming method is good for short, less than an hour session. If the session is too long, you can split up the streams into multiple files. In case when clients get disconnected, they would not have to start the progressive download again from the beginning. To summarize, progressive streaming has 2-10 seconds delay, good for short sessions with no interactivity and is economical. You might use ISPs as your streaming server.
  5. Standalone or card based encoder selection will definitely affect your budget. Standalone product typically starts from $3500 and can be a appliance slaved to a laptop; can be a standalone portable appliance for reporters; and can be a rack-mountable PC in portable cases for off site events. Windows based card encoders are less expensive, starting from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the video input type (S-Video, Composite, Component, SDI, Firewire), filters and add on features. If you are streaming at less than 500Kbps, the input type will NOT affect your outcome quality at all. On high bandwidth streaming, quality difference can be remarkable.
  6. Stream from LIVE or from existing file. Most of the above streaming discussion is based on NTSC or PAL camera input, rather than from a pre-designed still frame or video. However, there are some encoders that allow you to stream direct from a DVD or from an archived video, or froam a bunch of still frames. These files has to be in a ‘stream-able' format.
  7. Streaming Codec selection is detailed in the next session. The common ones are Windows Media, Flash, H264, Quick time, Real, MPEG4, MPEG2, MPEG1. The decision factor should base on what CODEC is most convenient for your client (such that they do not have to install), and on the bandwidth they have. For example, any Windows computer can view Windows Media, Mac users can view Quick time. MPEG2 is used extensively by broadcasters, but their bandwidth requirement is high. Flash, H264, MPEG4, Real have their hype, but not all users have these decoders, and you might have to consider purchasing the license. For bandwidths up to 500Kbps, consider Windows Media, Quicktime, Flash, Real. For 500Kbps to 1Mbps, consider Windows Media, Quicktime, Flash, Real, MPEG1,4, H.264. For 1Mbps and above, consider Windows Media, MPEG1, MPEG4, H.264. For high bandwidth high quality (DVD or better), consider Windows media VC-1, MPEG2, MPEG4, H.264. For 3Mbps+ high definition streaming, consider MPEG2, H.264, and VC-1.
The following chart provides your choice on encoders, CODEC, decoders, and streaming software or your choice. These products are categorized in different streaming bandwidth sections.

BernClare has products for all types of streaming:

Streaming Methods

Products

28Kbps+ streaming
Low bandwidth, on the Internet

Recommended format : The recommended compression formats are: Windows Media, Flash, Real Networks, Quick Time.

Expected quality : At 28Kbps, you can stream audio with video at 1 frame per second (fps), 160x120 pixels. Under this mode, audio becomes the key media, whereas video can only be supportive working like a slide show. At 128kbps, you can stream video at 320x240 pixels, 15fps at an acceptable quality. At 350Kbps, you should be able to stream video at 352x240 pixels, 30fps at a good quality. At 500Kbps, you should be able to stream video at 640x480 pixels, 30fps at s-VHS quality.

How to stream :

  • The simplest way is to use progressive streaming, or Live streaming (Unicast) to the no. of users that your upstream bandwidth can handle.
  • Some encoder or streaming software come with options to serve its streams in Unicast or Multicast mode. In both cases, clients can open up Windows media, type in the IP address (mms://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:pppp xxxx for IP address, pppp for port) to retrieve the video stream. Unicast or Multicast streaming handle live or archived contents.
  • You can use Windows Server to serve the video file in Unicast or Multicast mode. Windows Server allows you to monitor key parameters for streaming, such as bandwidth usage, IP addresses of clients, and no. of requests.

Standalone encoding / streaming system
  • Niagara Go Stream: This small box streams Windows Media, Real from 64Kbps to 1.5Mbps. All you need is to input the box with video and audio, provide IP connection for transmission. Playback with Windows Media player. Best used in CIF (352x240pixels) format, preset buttons and remote control for field application.
  • Optibase MGW400: This box streams ISMA compliant MPG4 from 10Kbps to 4Mbps. All you need is to input the box with video and audio, provide IP connection for transmission. Takes 2 or 4 inputs, playback with QuickTime, Real Player, VideoLAN Media Player (VVLC) and Windows Media Player. Low end to end latency. Preset buttons and remote control for field application.
  • StreamZ: Standalone and rack mounted models for streaming low and high bandwidth (64K to 10Mbps). Streams at multiple formats, inclusive of Windows Media version 7,8,9,10, VC-1, Flash, Real, Quicktime, MPEG4 (Windows, ISO, DivX), MPEG 1, 2 on system, program or transport stream. Playback with Windows media player.
PC Cards for low bandwidth streaming system:

Encoder cards for Windows Media, Real, Flash, Quick Time:

  • Digital Rapids DRC500, DRC1000, DRC1400, DRC1600, DRC2000, DRC2600: These cards are best for live or archive streaming. It pre-processes (cleans up) both video and audio so to optimize signal transmission, then, uses compressors to real time compress and streams out contents as Windows Media, Flash, Real, MPEG-4, etc. Its streaming quality is very high, typically, twice to 4 times better than other encoders. A simple streaming software is included, and can be upgraded for full fledge bandwidth managed streaming.
  • Osprey 100: This card is best for live or archive capture, uses software compressor for Windows Media, Real, Flash. Audio input via your audio card.
  • Osprey 210: This card is an Osprey 100 card with on board audio to ensure "lip sync.", best for live or archive capture, uses software compressor for Windows Media, Real, Flash. Options available for balanced audio input. Osprey 230 is the same as 210 but supports 64 bit PCI-Express, Osprey 240 is 230 with component input.
  • Osprey 530 series: Osprey 200 with de-interlacing, on board processor for SDI input. Options available for Windows Media Format.
  • Optibase Movie Maker 400 encoder for MPEG4.

Server software

Typically, server software in this catalogue is available from Microsoft Windows, Real networks or Apple Quick Time. Cards from Digital Rapids come with the essential streaming software for this application.

Decoders

These formats are playable from Windows Media Player using the appropriate software decoder that can be downloaded from Microsoft Windows, Real networks or Apple Quick Time.

500Kbps to 3Mbps streaming
Medium to high bandwidth, for DSL, Intranet

From 500Kbps up, Windows Media 9, 10, Flash, Real, MPEG4, H.264 are recommended.
From 750Kbps and up, Windows Media 9, 10, Flash, Real, MPEG4, H.264, MPEG1 streaming is recommended.

The network should either have high-speed DSL lines, cable modems, or IP Intranet. MPEG contents are sent on Transport stream over IP. Typical picture quality is as follows:

  • At 500Kbps, one should get S-VHS quality for most CODECs at 640x480, 30fps. Playback with Windows media at 4x resolution.
  • From 750Kbps and up, MPEG1 transport stream can deliver VHS quality, best used for set top box.
  • From 1Mbps onwards, Windows Media can deliver 720x480 DVD like quality.
  • From 2Mbps onwards, MPEG2 can deliver 720x480 DVD like quality, playable on set top boxes.

    Decoders play a key role in streaming quality at higher than 2Mbps, especially for "live" streaming. In order to get to the contents, especially in the case of MPEG 1,2,4, decoders would have to receive the stream, strip the IP envelope out, strip the transport stream away, and take the content out to decode. High bandwidth streaming takes more CPU power on the receiver side to receive and to decode. With a hardware decoder, the decoding and interpolation to full screen functions are taken off from the CPU. Hardware decoders will also improve picture quality, avoid "frame dropping", stream backups, and latency. Set top boxes are designed to handle transport stream and will also use hardware decoding.

 Turnkey Encoding / Streaming system:
  • Niagara Go Stream Plus: This small box streams Windows Media, Real from 64Kbps to 3Mbps. All you need is to input the box with video and audio, provide IP connection for transmission. Playback with Windows Media player. Stream and encode at CIF or D1 format, preset buttons and remote control for field application.
  • StreamZ: Standalone and rack mounted models for streaming low and high bandwidth (64K to 10Mbps). Streams at multiple formats, inclusive of Windows Media version 7,8,9,10, VC-1, Flash, Real, Quicktime, MPEG4 (Windows, ISO, DivX), MPEG 1, 2 on system, program or transport stream. Playback with Windows media player.
  • Optibase products:
    Optibase MGW2000e is a turn key, rack mounted, standalone video streaming appliance that encodes and transmits up to 6 live and 10 per-recorded streams in MPEG 1,2. It supports RTP and UDP, with web based remote management, streams MPEG 1 or MPEG 2 transport stream, UDP/RTP over IP from 32Kbps to 3Mbps.
    Optibase MGW1000 is a standalone device with two MPEG4 or MPEG2 channels.
    Optibase MGW400: This box streams ISMA compliant MPG4 from 10Kbps to 4Mbps. All you need is to input the box with video and audio, provide IP connection for transmission. Takes 2 or 4 inputs, playback with QuickTime, Real Player, VideoLAN Media Player (VVLC) and Windows Media Player. Low end to end latency. Preset buttons and remote control for field application.

PC cards for building your own streaming system:

All encoders listed in above chart can stream up to 3Mbps using the appropriate CODECs. In addition to that, please check on the following MPEG encoders:

Encoders for MPEG 1, 2, 4 live streaming:

  • Optibase:
    Optibase encoders work best with CISCO IP and Optibase Commotion UDP. The latter is streaming software for Unicast or Multicast, live or archive. It encapsulates MPEG with UDP (or RTP) and transmits over IP.
    MovieMaker 230 for MPEG 1,2 150Kbps to 30Mbps, and with optional s/w, can encode to transport stream.
    Optibase Movie Maker 400 encoder for MPEG4.
  • Digital Rapids:
    Digital Rapids DRC500, DRC1000, DRC1400, DRC1600, DRC2000, DRC2600: These cards are best for live or archive streaming. It pre-processes (cleans up) both video and audio so to optimize signal transmission, then, uses compressors to real time compress and streams out contents as Windows Media, Flash, Real, MPEG-4, etc. Its streaming quality is very high, typically, twice to 4 times better than other encoders. A simple streaming software is included, with options to upgrade.
  • Osprey
    Please see the section above for Osprey products.

Server and Receiver Software for MPEG Streaming:

On the server, the software encapsulate MPEG with UDP header over IP, ready for Unicast, Multicast and Broadcast. On the receiver side, these software strip off the IP and UDP headers for the computer to decode the MPEG streams.
  • Optibase players:
    Optibase Player automatically shows you which video streams are currently being streamed across a network, as well as the video files that are stored on your local computer. Taking configuration and installation ease to new heights, Optibase Player can either be installed locally on your PC or operated from a remote web site. Combining powerful features with total ease-of-use, and compatible with Optibase's streaming platforms, the Optibase Player is an optimal solution for organizations and corporations that stream video over their IP networks.
  • InfoValue products:
    InfoValue streaming software are in modular form, best used for managing Multicast and Unicast streaming, live or archive. They have advanced modules for scheduling, archiving, streaming management, and can work with set top boxes. InfoValue software is highly scalable. It supports from one stream at a few Kbps throughput to hundreds of gigabits per second.

Software or Hardware for Decoding:

These decoders take MPEG files and display onto the monitor and/or TV screens. MPEG-1 or 2 software decoders that works with Direct-X will do, but hardware decoders reduce CPU load and retain original MPEG quality. They are good especially for high bandwidth streaming, decode transport streams.
  • Optibase hardware decoder:
    VideoPlex Express Works with Active X and Direct Show for output to both Monitor and TV. Reduces decoding delay. SDK optional. Handles MPEG-1 and 2, but NOT DVD compatible. Windows based.
    VideoPlex Plus Output to TV only. Very high quality. Compatible with transport streams. SDK optional. Handles MPEG-1 and 2, NOT DVD compatible.
    VideoPlex Pro, VideoPlex YUV Output to TV only. Studio quality. Compatible with transport streams. SDK optional. Handles MPEG-1 and 2, NOT VCD or DVD compatible.
  • Sigma Designs:
    Hollywood Netstream 2000, 4000 Works with Active X and Direct Show for output to either Monitor or TV. Reduces decoding delay. Handles MPEG 1 and 2 streaming, VCD or DVD compatible. Windows and Linux based.
    Hollywood Netstream 4000 Works with Active X and Direct Show for output to either Monitor or TV. Reduces decoding delay. Handles MPEG 1, 2, 4 streaming, DVD compatible. Windows and Linux based.

High bandwidth, 3Mbps+ streaming

MPEG-2, H.264 streaming is recommended. Users should expect DVD SD and HD quality.

The network should be IP Intranet. MPEG contents are sent over transport stream via RTP/UDP on IP. Picture quality is typically as follows:

  • SD DVD quality at <3-10 Mbps, MPEG-2, 720(or704)x480, 29.9 fps, stereo audio (can be PCM, MPEG or AC-3)
  • HD DVD quality at >10+ Mbps, MPEG-2, 1080p, 29.9 fps, stereo audio (AC-3)

  • During playback, the player (hardware or software) will interpolate the encoded "pixel format" to your required resolutions, e.g. for TV, or for VGA, SVGA, XVGA. (Interlace and progressive scan is available on some hardware decoders.)
Turnkey Streaming system: (MPEG 2 HD and/or SD)
  • Optibase products:
    Optibase MGW2000e is a turn key, rack mounted, standalone video streaming appliance that encodes and transmits up to 6 live and 10 per-recorded streams. It supports RTP and UDP, with web based remote management, streams MPEG 1, 2 from 32Kbps to 12Mbps.
    For those who are familiar with Optibase products, this system comprises of a CPU, 6 slots for MPEG encoders plug-in ( MM200 networker based cards), two IP connectors, SCSI connector for video servers, and the Commotion Pro software.
    MovieMaker 230 for MPEG 1,2 150Kbps to 30Mbps, and with optional s/w, can encode to transport stream.
  • Digital Rapids:
    Digital Rapids StreamZHD Encoding serveris a format-agile media encoding server, expanding the powerful and flexible features of StreamZ into the high definition domain, offering multi-format, high-performance HD/SD content ingest, encoding, transcoding and streaming with outstanding output quality for a broad range of professional applications. Supports SD/HD-SDI, Windows Media9, 10, VC-1, H264, MPEG4.

Cards for building your own HD/SD streaming system:
  • Optibase products:
    Optibase products work best with CISCO and Optibase Commotion UDP streaming server software and media players. Optibase Commotion UDP encapsulates MPEG with UDP (or RTP) and sends the streams out over IP.
    MovieMaker HD for MPEG2 HD and SD, up to 150Mbps. Other applications: DVD, VOD conformed, Dolby5.1, 4:2:0 and 4:2:2. Transport, program streams.
    For Optibase SD cards, please see above table.
  • Digital Rapids:
    Digital Rapids : DRC-5650 HD PCI card encodes and streams single channel SD/HD-SDI, 8 channels AES or embedded SDI audio. It pre-processes (cleans up) both video and audio so to optimize signal transmission, then, uses compressors to real time compress and streams out contents as Windows Media VC-1 H.264, MPEG-4, etc.
    Digital Rapids DRC500, DRC1000, DRC1400, DRC1600, DRC2000, DRC2600: These SD cards are best for live or archive streaming. It pre-processes (cleans up) both video and audio so to optimize signal transmission, then, uses compressors to real time compress and streams out contents as Windows Media, H.264, MPEG-4, Flash, etc. Its streaming quality is very high, typically, twice to 4 times better than other encoders. A simple , but upgradable streaming software is included, with options to upgrade.

Software or Hardware for Decoding:

SD/HD decoders take the MPEG file and display onto the monitor and/or TV screens via DVI or SDI.
  • Optibase hardware decoder:
    VideoPlex MPEG2 HD supports DVI or SDI, supports Playlist for back to back/seamless playback, MPEG-2 MP@HL video decoding covering all 18 ATSC formats. Ability to choose mapping or allocation tables from MPTS files. Simultaneous analog and digital RGB output via DVI-I, or digital YUV output via SDI/HD-SDI. Automatic SD/HD up/downscaling Audio pass through, including 5.1 Dolby Digital audio, via optical TOSLink