A streaming media server streams video to requesting clients. The best server depends on cost, supported OS, container formats, protocols, and features. The process involves a web server forwarding a message to the streaming media server, which streams the file directly to the visitor. GPL servers are free, while proprietary ones have a cost. The protocol used is critical, and some widely used ones include HTTP, TCP, RTP, RTSP, and RTMP. The best match for the media you plan to serve will provide you with the best streaming media server.
A server is a combination of hardware and software designed to serve particular needs, usually of multiple clients. A streaming media server streams video stored on the server to requesting clients when called by the web server. The best streaming media server for your purposes will be the one that best meets your needs in terms of cost, supported operating systems, supported container formats, supported protocols, and other key features. Also, it’s important to decide whether to run your own server or buy a hosted streaming plan.
This is how the media streaming process works. A website visitor clicks on a video file they want to view. The web server forwards the message to the streaming media server. Finally, the streaming media server streams the file directly to the visitor, and the software on the visitor’s computer plays the file. In general, if the visitor does not have the appropriate software or the latest version of the software on their computer, a helpful message will be provided, usually with a link to a free download. The streaming media server must be able to handle the traffic and bandwidth required by the stream.
Streaming media servers with a GPL license are likely to be free. Servers with a proprietary license are more likely to have an associated cost, at least for commercial use. Not all streaming media servers work with Mac OS X, Linux or other Unix operating systems, so it’s important to make a choice that works. Proprietary servers can also handle fewer formats than open source servers. For example, Apple® QuickTime® Streaming Server supports fewer formats than Helix® Universal Server, which supports Microsoft® platforms such as Windows Media® as well as Apple’s QuickTime® and MPEG-4.
The protocol that the streaming media server uses to deliver the data is critical to how the server works under heavy load and what kinds of things can go wrong with the service. Some of the most widely used protocols include HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), which may be the most popular, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), RTP (Real-time Transfer Protocol), RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), and RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol), the latter of which is used by Adobe® Flash® Media Server. The combination of these that make the best match for the media you plan to serve, coupled with the choice of serving the material yourself or purchasing a hosted streaming plan, will provide you with the best streaming media server for your purposes.
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