Why is it
called "streaming"?
It's called "streaming" because the sound
and picture data flow in a digital stream from a server computer
to your computer, ready to hear or view in real time, without
having to download all of the content before you can enjoy it.
It comes to you in a stream of digital bits... hence the term
"streaming."What
difference does it make if content is streamed, rather than
downloaded?
Audio and video files can be very large.
You would spend many minutes or even hours waiting for them to
be downloaded to your computer if they weren't streamed.
Streaming media technology allows you to see or hear the content
in just a few seconds, instead of having to wait for it. Your
only wait is a few seconds for a "buffer" to be built up that
helps avoid interruptions caused by Internet traffic problems.
What
special equipment do I need to listen to streaming audio?
You only need a computer with a Web
connection (minimum 28.8 Kbps modem) and capable of playing
audio, plus player software that can receive and process audio
streams. You may already have such software on your computer,
but if not, it is available as a free download from RealOne,
Windows Media Player, Quicktime Player and Winamp
If I need a player, how
do I get one?
Just download it using the
links below! Remember, you only need the basic,
free version of each player to enjoy streaming
content. All of these companies sell upgraded
versions with more features, but all supply a
basic, free version too. They usually hide the
free one, so don't buy the upgraded version
unless you want to. Once you've downloaded the
player, it will usually install itself. You may
need to reset your browser preferences to use a
new player.
•
Download Windows Media
Player
Is
there any downside to streaming?
There are
some potential problems, but
we'll tell you how to avoid or
minimize them.
-
Traffic jams. Streaming
requires an Internet
connection that's free of
bottlenecks or "traffic
jams." But the Internet
isn't a direct pipeline from
the source to you. Streamed
content passes through many
other computers on its way
to your computer via your
ISP. If any one of them is
carrying too much other
traffic, the streamed
content may be interrupted
and pause. Streamed content
is "buffered" to help avoid
this, but sometimes it's
unavoidable. Usually the
delay only lasts a few
seconds, and the audio picks
up where it stopped.
-
A slow computer. Even with a
fast computer, if you have
too many applications open,
it could slow down your
media streaming. If you
notice things are sluggish,
close all unnecessary
applications and windows
running on your computer.
Just keep your Web browser
and your media player open.
(If you're just listening or
watching, you can even close
your browser.) In any case,
speedy computers are better.
-
Noisy phone lines. If you
have a phone line that isn't
free of noise (humming,
crackling), that's not good
for streaming (or Web
browsing). Disconnect any
phones that cause a buzz or
hum. Have your phone company
check your line to get rid
of humming or other line
noise. Of course, a cable
modem or DSL connection is
best for streaming media.
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DRM (Digital Rights Management)
DRM (Digital Rights Management) is a secure
technology which enables the copyright owner of
a piece of intellectual property (such as a
music, video, or text file) to specify what a
user can do with it. Typically, this is used to
offer downloads without having to worry that the
user is freely distributing the file over the
Web without any compensation to the copyright
holder.
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