Video Streaming Technology
Video streaming technology powers how video content is delivered, viewed, and interacted with in real time or on demand. It combines multiple components that ensure smooth playback, quality delivery, and reliable performance across different devices and networks. From ultra-low latency delivery to adaptive bitrate encoding, it supports a wide range of live streaming use cases. This section provides an overview of commonly used streaming protocol s, video and audio codecs, and container formats.
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20
Years
of providing live streaming solutions since 2005
10
Regions
for Global infrastructure coverage and performance
10
BILLIONS+
connection minutes every month
Use Cases
/ Empowering live streaming in any industry.Live Events
Remote Production
Online Auctions & Bidding
Government & Surveillence
Gaming & eSports
Casinos & Betting
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Server software designed for ultra-low latency streaming at scale for thouse who need to deploy on-premises and have more flexibility and customization.
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Red5 SDKs
Integrate flexible, scalable, and interactive live streaming into your iOS, Android, HTML5, Unreal Engine, Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unity applications using Red5 live video streaming SDKs.
Red5 Open-Source
Free tools for developers, including the Red5 media server, TrueTime Solutions™, Load Testing Tools, and more.
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FAQs
What is video streaming technology?
Video streaming technology is a method that delivers video content over public (internet) or private (intranet) connection. This technology powers everything from live broadcasts and video calls to on-demand platforms like YouTube or Netflix.
What technology is used for streaming?
Video streaming relies on a combination of key technologies including media servers, streaming protocols (such as WebRTC, RTMP, HLS, and SRT), and codecs like h.264, h.265, VP8, VP9, AV1, or Opus for compression. These technologies work together to send video and audio data efficiently across networks, ensuring smooth playback, low latency, and consistent quality for users on any device or connection speed.
How does video streaming work?
Video streaming works by breaking video files into small pieces and sending them over the internet or intranet using streaming protocols. As these packets reach the viewer’s device, a media player decodes and displays them almost instantly. The process continues in a loop, so playback feels continuous. Factors like bandwidth, latency, and codec efficiency affect how smoothly the stream plays.
What streaming technology lets you stream and watch video without an internet connection?
Air-gapped streaming allows video to be streamed and watched without any internet connection. It uses a closed, isolated network where data is transferred locally between devices for maximum security. This method is often used by government, defense, or enterprise organizations to ensure real-time video transmission while completely preventing external network access or data leaks.
What protocol is best for reliable streaming?
There’s no universal protocol that fits every streaming use case. Each protocol has strengths depending on your use case, requirements, and goals. For instance, WebRTC is ideal for real-time, ultra-low latency communication. HLS works best for scalability and adaptive playback. SRT ensures reliable delivery over unstable networks.
What codec is best for reliable streaming?
There’s no single “best” codec for reliable streaming. It depends on your use case, requirements, and goals. For example, if you need 4K video quality, you should use the AV1 codec. But if your setup requires compatibility with SRT streaming, you’ll need to choose the H.264 or AVC codec.
What protocol and codec Red5 supports?
Red5, as a protocol-agnostic company, supports multiple streaming protocols like WebRTC, RTMP, RTSP, SRT, ERTMP, Zixi, HLS, WHIP and WHEP, and codecs including h.264, h.265, VP8, VP9, AV1, and Opus. You can also use multiple protocols in a single workflow. For example, combine WebRTC and HLS. This flexibility allows you to optimize for quality, efficiency, or compatibility based on your specific real-time streaming requirements.