Apple’s recently released iPad has brought video streaming formats to the forefront. Why? Because it doesn’t recognize Flash.
It wasn’t that big a deal when the iPhone shunned Flash, but when the iPad, suitable for Internet browsing, didn’t include Flash it meant that its users would have a limited view of the web.
NOTE: YouTube uses Flash video. Apple added an app that allows YouTube videos.
First, a little background on video streaming. True video streaming requires server software that handles the stream. It monitors the connection speed between the server and the viewer and matches the download speed to the connection speed.
Most web video uses progressive download. That’s where a portion of the video is downloaded and the rest downloads as it’s being viewed. The initial wait time (buffer) and streaming rate are built into the video.
The advantage of progressive downloads are its simplicity and ability to run from any web site. The disadvantage is people with slow connections having to wait during viewing for the video download to catch up and people with fast connections not receiving the optimal experience.
The Video Streaming Battle Begins…
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