Streaming audio media is accessed through a device and can consist of audio, video, or both. It can be accessed through different types of hardware and is transmitted using different protocols. Unicasting and multicasting systems are used to stream live or on-demand content.
Streaming audio media refers to any type of audio or media file that is accessed through a device, such as a computer, through a streaming program or website. The term “streaming” refers to the way various types of media can be accessed while streaming, rather than waiting for a download and then accessing the content. There are several ways these types of streams can be transmitted, including unicast and multicast methods. Streaming audio content can typically be transmitted and accessed through one of two basic systems: live streaming and streaming on demand.
While often associated with the use of computers, streaming audio media can be accessed in a variety of ways using different types of hardware. Streaming media usually consists of audio, video, or a combination of the two, and can be viewed immediately rather than via download before viewing. One of the most popular applications for streaming audio media is an Internet radio station or similar service that works much like a traditional radio station but broadcasts over the Internet rather than over the airwaves. There are internet radio devices that allow a person to connect to these websites even without a computer and listen to audio content.
Streaming audio media can be transmitted using several protocols that handle the transmission of audio data. In general, these different methods all require proper encoding of audio content into a form that is easier to transmit and then decoding that data into an audio signal for listening. Different codecs are typically used to handle this encoding process, and the user listening to the media will typically need to have a certain codec specified by an audio streaming media service.
Two of the most common forms of audio streaming media protocols are unicasting and multicasting systems. A unicasting system will stream data to users individually, allowing each user to access the media at a different time and control the stream independently. Multicasting, on the other hand, broadcasts a single signal to all users, so all users listen to the same content at the same time.
These protocols typically also control whether the streaming audio media consists of live streams or on-demand streams. Live streaming typically refers to a live broadcast such as a live radio show or audio performance. This can often only be received as it is happening and cannot be controlled by a user. An on-demand stream would consist of an audio stream that has been saved on a server or data storage system and is accessible by a user. This content can typically be enjoyed repeatedly and may be somewhat controllable by a user.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
