A Very Basic Introduction to Video Streaming in the Internet

Video streaming is an Internet technique whereby video files can be sent to you across the Internet. Video files are very large, therefore, rather than transferring the complete file to the user, a streamed file is transmitted as it being watched. There are two common types of video streamed files called RealMedia and Windows Media and to see a video you will need either RealPlayer or Windows Media Player (or both). Unfortunately neither player is able to play both types of file. These players are free on the Internet at http://www.Real.com or from Microsoft (as above). At the present time Real demands that you "hire" their player but you can withdraw from the contract after 14 days leaving RealPlayer Basic on your computer, ie. all that is necessary to see our files. We have decided to support Windows Media files only and would recommend users to install the latest version of Windows Media Player , currently version 9.

The quality of the video you see depends on the speed and reliability of your Internet connection. In this pilot project we have decided to send two qualities, a low quality designed for a 56k Modem and a high quality only visible if you are able to receive at 450 Kbits ie broadband access. The Real files contain both of these qualities in the same files and your computer will decide which quality it is able to show. However, if you are using Windows Media Player then you will need to decide on the quality, most likely the 56k Modem file. If you attempt to watch a quality too high for your system then you will probably not be able to see any picture nor hear any sound.

Windows Media Player tip: When I used a 56K modem I noticed that the video was freezing and seemed to be receiving the file very slowly. However, I got much better results when I specified the speed of my modem, rather than letting the Player detect the speed for itself. To do this open Windows Media Player and click on Tools, then Options, then Performance and then click on My connection speed is ... and then click on 56K. Now click on Apply and close.

As the videos also include sound, you will need a sound card and speakers/headphones to hear the sound track.

We would very much welcome feedback on the quality of pictures received around the world and any difficulties that you have. With experience we will be able to feedback more detailed advice to users.