http://ms.mblogger.cn/peon/posts/6757.aspx
Many friends ask for the order of media files to download and stream playback, I am sorted out here:
Flow transmission has two ways of sequential streaming and real-time streaming. Sequential streaming is the order of downloading, while the user can watch online media while downloading the file. Since the standard HTTP server can send this form of file, it does not require other special protocols, which are often referred to as HTTP streaming. Sequential flow files are easy to manage, but do not support live broadcast, strictly saying is a broadcas technology.
Real-time streaming and sequential flow transmission, he needs a dedicated streaming server and transport protocol. Real-time streaming is always transmitted in real time, especially suitable for on-site events. Real-time streaming must match the connection bandwidth. This means that the image quality is deteriorated due to a decrease in network speed. Real-time streaming allows you to control more levels of control over the media, so system settings, management is more complicated than standard HTTP servers.
There is another way to play the entire download, this is very clear, there is not much narrative.
Advantages of HTTP streaming:
Suitable for smaller files
No special server software, the web server grabs a lot
You can also work under low bandwidth network connections, big deal to download and then look at :)
High bandwidth (bandwidth is greater than the bit rate of the stream file), you can realize the playback of edges, just like flow mode
Can be applied to any file type
Network loss will re-transfer until the user receives
Can pass almost all firewalls (this is the benefit of using a web way)
Disadvantages of HTTP streaming:
Cannot broadcast or multicast
Can't broadcast live stream
When the bandwidth is large, the speed of transmission is much larger than the required speed, and the pressure is too large, and the bandwidth is also
You can't skip your head, you must first complete the next before you can see it (this should be overcome)
The client's disk can save the program (this can be said to be the advantage can also be said to be a shortcoming)
Advantages of real-time flow mode:
You can realize live broadcast, you can achieve broadcast and multicast
Material can be randomly accessed
Save user disk space
Do not waste bandwidth
Will not leave COPY in the customer's hard drive (unfortunately, now N "flow download tools)
Can transmit independent streams in a file (intelligent flow technology)
Bandwidth allocation, bandwidth compensation, etc.
Disadvantages of real-time flow mode:
Requires a dedicated stream server
If the file bit rate exceeds the connection speed, watching will be intermittent, this is difficult to endure, so high quality (which means that the high bit rate) is generally downloaded to the hard disk.
Lost packs will be lost permanently
Many format media files cannot use stream playback
It may be blocked by the firewall
The film of the variable code rate (RMVB, a part of WMV) is not suitable for streaming, unless your connection bandwidth is higher than the peak of the file.
Other differences:
Flow transmissions generally use RTP / RTCP MMS RTSP HTTP (this and web HTTP vary) protocol, progressive downloads generally use HTTP protocols, occasionally FTP
