What is Flash Streaming Server and when should I use it ? In general, for
INSTANT playback on videos longer than 15-20 minutes long, and if you want
to "protect" the FLV from internet sharing. The difference between
progressive and streaming is very subtle. A Progressive Download in Flash
means you are able to watch the video while the rest of the video is loading
into the player and is caching into the users temporary internet files.
Flash Streaming Server works differently by using the Flash Player, you can
command it to stream
directly from the server, with no caching
into computer temp folders. This method is preferred for videos longer than
around 15 minutes
FLV's being played remotely from the server use Streaming Playback. If the
FLV file is not playing through a Flash Server you won't be able to use
Streaming Playback.
FCS DEMO
# 1 Demonstrates a 2 hour movie that plays without any buffer waiting,
either to begin the movie, or at any time during the movie if moving the
slider bar
Though nearly identical to Progressive download, server streaming does
have some advantages to the developer. Streaming servers can, invisibly
adjust for changes in bandwidth, allow the user to move to any position in
the video and to set up playlists that have no lag between videos. Flash
application communicates through the
FLV hosting
uses
WOWZA MEDIA SERVER PRO .
Even though the browser can play the file while connected to the server,
the file cannot be played locally, and it is not cached to the users temp
internet files. Given the connection to the MX server however, it allows the
user to play the movie directly in their chosen browser. This eliminates the
need for a third party download such as Quicktime, Windows Media Player,
Divx or Real Player.
Flash is embedded in 98% of all internet browsers, a higher percentage
than WM, Real Player and Quicktime combined.
Player Demo 2 Demonstrates the versatility of player construction with
the use of thumbnails and cue points at 1/16th of the total movie time. Look
for the button next to the volume for the scenes control. This allows for
instant fast forward or navigation similar to a DVD chapter listing.
Embedding the player is limited only to the developers html and xml skills.
The player can be made to be a launched in a new window. This kind of player
is also suitable for members areas for Pay Per View and other user
controlled situations.
The players in the demos are available for purchase, see below. NOTE: If
just buying the SWF you will need an account with FLV Hosting as they are
configured for our servers. If purchasing the source files you can alter the
FLA file to use a different RTMP setting.
Free RTMP Streaming FLV Players are located
HERE
FLV Flash - A Fantastic File Format
The file format used in this process is Flash FLV or Flash Live Video, and
it plays in a Streaming Server Flash Player. While traditional methods of
media delivery include some kind of download to the user's computer, either
in a pre-loader or through temporary Internet files, Flash server and a
Flash FLV Player connect in a completely different manner. Simply put, it's
a new connection to the file each time the user uses the controls in the
player. This means that in the background it's a "start here" "stop here"
"start again here" style of play, a bit like a remote VCR or DVD player, but
with no downloads or caching.
Here's The Top Ten Reasons to Stream Video Using Flash
1. FLV format file sizes after conversion are up to 60% smaller, saving
server storage costs.
2. FLV's start - stop connection style saves on bandwidth (which is as
much as 60% less per month).
3. FLV format has no local player in operating systems, so file sharing
is virtually nullified.
4. FLV format plays directly in more browsers than Windows Media, Real
Player or QuickTime.
5. FLV server can authenticate clients, and control users as you wish.
6. FLV players can be completely customized for logos, branding and
embedded links.
7. FLV players can play files from a programmable database, and simple
administration area.
8. FLV players can be programmed to integrate with databases for free
previews, time, users.
9. FLV encoding can include user information for content tracking,
misuse, or DRM.
10. Flash s servers are easier to maintain than others, and
less prone to security hacks.
Who is using Flash Streaming Servers? Yahoo, IBM, Sony, Universal
Studios, the list is growing. According to Computerworld's "IBM to Drop
Windows-based Storage" article dated July 7th, 2003, "IBM plans to
discontinue its line of Windows-based network-attached storage (NAS) devices
in order to focus on higher-end products, including an upcoming file server
that will run Linux, sources said..."
Flash is suitable for various applications, including live, on-demand,
audio and video streaming, 24 x 7 live radio broadcasting, pay-per-view,
with digital rights management, delivery to mobile devices, including
phones, product demonstrations, commercials and movie trailers, employee and
partner training, corporate communications ? the list goes on and on...
The primary use of flash servers is that it creates an open socket
connection.. This is push technology as opposed to pull technology. A users
connection however does not become "more stable or faster because of it.
Open socket connections are primarily used in gaming/vrml chat environments
and adds little value to precompiled content such as video's streaming
video's in my opinion.,
The advantage of push/open socket is in "live content" such as the
aforementioned environments and Live broadcast video/communication where by
one would/could use multiple ports for simultaneous streams/connections to
and from the server. In such situations these servers tax the processor of
the server computer more to process and send the data.
FLV
hosting uses
WOWZA
MEDIA SERVER PRO for large size (20 mins or more) video streaming and
server side recording
