To most individuals, the concept of streaming video arises many questions.  Many people become confused by the technical talk associated with streaming video formats.  Our goal is to help you better understand the basic concept around streaming video and the "tech talk" associated with it.

**Please Note:  All of the questions listed below were answered by our technical staff (except definitions).  We attempt to make these answers as easy as possible to better knowledge you on streaming media.**

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is streaming media?
Streaming multimedia is a type of format that allows internet users (such as yourself) to view a video clip without first completely downloading the entire file.  Video files are very large in size.  By allowing streaming video files to be viewed while downloading is a VERY nice timesaver for the internet user.  The quality will be determined by how fast of an internet connection you have.

What does 56k, 100k and 300k mean?
These numbers represent the streaming video file that is associated with an individual's internet speed.  If you have a 56K (most common), you would click on a video clip that has a "56K" associated with it.  Higher connections, such as DSL, are typically 100K and above.  Bottom line, the faster your internet connection, the higher quality of video you will be able to watch instantaneously.

How do I get streaming media?
You have to have a "player" that decompresses the files when they get to your computer. The player also sends the file's video elements to your computer's screen, and the audio elements to the speakers.  Most newer computers will come with some type of streaming video program already installed.  It is however best that you download the latest player of your choice.

What are the most popular video players of streaming media?
There are three main competitors in the market to-date.  Although there are some new ones arising in the marketplace, most companies will want to deal with Real Network's Realplayer, Microsoft's Windows Media Player, and Apple's QuickTime.  These are all programs which allow users to view streaming multimedia.  If you would like more information on any particular company, click on any one of the names (above) to visit their website.

When I play a video clip, the size of the picture is very small and distorted?
The odds are that if you are asking yourself this question, you have a modem speed connection.  Unfortunately, many homes still use modems to dial up to the internet because DSL or Cable lines are still not available in their areas.  The result is a small, pixellated video.  You see, video takes a large amount of data to transfer from one place to another.  When you watch a streaming video file using a modem, you are faced with the limitation of a small video screen.  Full screen, full motion video is available in perfect quality, but you would have to have a few T-1 lines to experience that quality!

Is streaming video just a "fad"?
Streaming video is definitely a step into the next generation.  It will not be going away any time soon, only getting better.  Right now, streaming video is still a very new concept.  We are waiting to see who the main supplier's of streaming video will be, what company will create the best compression algorithm, or whether or not it will replace TV all-together!  In the next 5-7 years, we will definitely see some great improvements and further integration for streaming video.

What does "codec" mean?
Codec stands for "compression/decompression" and refers to the program or algorithm embedded in a streaming media player that compresses and decompresses streaming media files.

Have a question we didn't cover?
If you have a specific question that relates to streaming media needs, please feel free to e-mail a representative of our staff at:  info@videobydemand.com