A streaming media player is a software program that plays media over an internet connection. It can handle video and audio, and some can save progress. They can be accessed through search functions, links, or embedded on websites, requiring a plug-in for the browser.
A streaming media player is a software program equipped to handle streaming media, which means that the media is constantly delivered to the program over an Internet connection and played for the consumer. Some programs are proprietary, designed to work with specific systems, while others can handle multiple platforms and are designed for people who want more flexibility. Many are available for free as downloads on program websites.
The design of a streaming media player can vary. Many are equipped to handle video and audio, with controls that let people skip, stop, pause, and back up. While users cannot download or save media files, they can manipulate them in the streaming media player, to some extent, and the player usually also fetches a small buffer to keep the playback clean in case of fluctuating quality over the internet connection or similar problems. Some can even save a space so that if someone is disconnected, they can pick up where their media streaming left off. Many programs also play CDs, DVDs and other media.
People can access streaming media in several ways. A streaming media player may have a search function that allows the user to search for specific content or type in the address of a specific site to retrieve the media. People can also click on links to internet streaming media and the player will automatically open to play the media.
Streaming media players can also be embedded on a website. Popular video services like YouTube and Hulu use this technique. In this case, the player loads the page when the page loads and a user clicks a button to start. The user can also press a button in full screen, adjust the volume or jump in the timeline to jump back or forward to a specific area of interest. Embedded streaming media players may also have code that people can use to lift the embedded content and place it on their own websites.
In the case of an integrated streaming media player, it is usually necessary to have a plug-in installed in the browser. If the plugin is not installed, a small icon will appear prompting the user to download and activate the plugin. Plug-ins are made freely available by companies that design streaming media platforms so that websites have an incentive to use those platforms, knowing that users can access the plug-ins they need to view content for free.
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