Glossary Flashcards
Adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR, also abbreviated as ABS)
a streaming method where broadcasters offer multiple video bitrates for video players to choose from in real-time. That means that video players with adaptive playback capabilities can adjust the stream to match the viewer’s bandwidth, device processing power, and current network conditions.
Bitrate
the number of bits per second a particular video file contains. Video bitrates are usually measured in megabytes per second (MBps). In general, the more bits or data a video contains, the higher its quality and the larger the file size will be. Bitrate determines if broadcasters have enough upload bandwidth for video delivery and if their audience has enough bandwidth to download the stream.
Cloud transcoding
changing a video file into different sizes, resolutions, and bitrates in the cloud. This allows broadcasters/streamers to be compatible with audiences across many different devices and network conditions.
A codec
compressor-decompressor or coder-decoder, uses an encoder to compress files by eliminating some of the data, to make sharing files online easier.
H.264
Advanced Video Coding (AVC), is the video compression standard or codec that’s used by the majority of broadcasters to stream video and reduces the file sizes of videos to lower the bandwidth requirements for OTT streaming. AVC is compatible with most devices, web browsers, and HTML5 video players.
H.265
High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC), was developed to achieve twice the compression efficiency as H.264 by supporting larger macroblocks, up to 64 pixels, and better predicting motion vectors during encoding.
HTTP Livestreaming (HLS)
a media streaming protocol for delivering video content to audiences over the Internet. Streaming protocols determine which video format, codecs, and transport methods are used for video delivery. HLS is currently the most popular streaming format, supported by web browsers, video players, smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs.
Latency
the time it takes for data to reach its destination and back. In the context of livestreaming video, latency measures the delay when transferring a single frame from the camera to end-users.
MPEG-DASH
Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP, Developed by the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG), is the first streaming protocol to become an international standard. DASH is relatively new and isn’t as widely used as the HTTP Livestreaming (HLS) protocol.
Over-the-Top (OTT)
a streaming approach for delivering videos directly to viewers over the Internet. OTT bypasses traditional media networks like cable, broadcast, and satellite TV providers.
Packet loss
a situation where data traveling across a network fails to reach its intended destination.
Point to point
multisite video transmission, is a distribution method for reliably reaching remote locations. For example, many churches broadcast live sermons to multiple satellite campuses at once
video compressor
a software that reduces video file sizes by eliminating some data.
Video resolutions
a measure of how many pixels a video frame contains. Higher video resolutions generally offer a clearer picture, but also increase the file size.
Web Real-Time Communications (WebRTC)
an open-source project for streamlining real-time audio and video communication between two parties over the Internet, using a set of APIs and protocols which enable media streaming directly within desktop and mobile browsers.
