Understanding critical terms and concepts of live streaming.
With the arrival of browser-based live streaming software, things have become easier for content creators as they can live stream smoothly from their web browser instead of downloading traditional software. However, One thing that doesn’t change is familiarity with the key terms that help streamers comprehend and evaluate the efficiency of their live streams. Knowing about the important concepts in live streaming not only helps accelerate the learning process but also builds a comprehensive knowledge base that can foster productive relationships with peers and superiors in the industry. Let’s explore some essential live streaming terms that allow a sturdy grasp of the subject matter.
Bandwidth simply refers to the capability of the internet connection to send and receive data in a given timeframe. Usually measured in Bits Per Second (bps), Kilobits per Second (Kbps - 1000 bits per second), Megabits Per Second (Mbps - 1 million bits per second), and Gigabits Per Second (Gbps - 1 billion bits per second), bandwidth determines the speed and efficiency of data transmission. Higher bandwidth typically means the transfer of a large amount of data ensuring a smooth streaming experience whereas low bandwidth can result in a substandard streaming quality with frequent buffering, pixelation, slow loading times, and other frustrating issues. In the context of live streaming where large-sized videos are broadcasted in real-time with the intent of avoiding interruptions and delays, a higher bandwidth is essentially required for a delightful viewing experience.
Imagine sending a piece of data from Point A to Point B. If it was sent at a specific time ‘t’ but took ‘t+5’ to reach the receiver’s end then it clearly implies a noticeable delay. The delay in this case is called latency. In other words, latency can be defined as the time taken by the data to reach from the source to the destination. There are several causes behind latency such as network congestion, physical distance, problems with internet connection or server, or inadequate software-hardware configuration to name a few. It is now crystal clear that if the latency is high, data transmission will lag. A high latency has a negative impact on the streaming quality because video conferencing, online gaming, or any other content the streamer is broadcasting in real-time, disrupts the synchronization between the host and the viewer. Therefore, it’s mandatory to ensure low latency to enhance the viewing experience minimizing the gap between an action and its corresponding effect.
When a video stream fails to transmit or render all of the frames to the viewer, it is referred to as a "frame drop" in live streaming. Numerous factors, including network congestion, bandwidth restrictions, a lack of hardware, sophisticated encoding, or software limitations, might cause this problem. A viewer may see choppy, stuttering, or visually incomplete video when frames are missing during live streaming. It is vital to make sure that the hardware, network connectivity, and streaming configuration have the capacity to deal with the data load and processing demands of the live stream in order to prevent frame losses. In order to minimize the likelihood of dropped frames and guarantee an uninterrupted, high-quality viewing experience for the audience, this may entail utilizing stronger hardware, optimizing the encoding settings, increasing the network capacity, or utilizing more resilient streaming protocols.
Bitrate refers to the speed of data by which it is transmitted from the point of origin to other devices over the internet. One might get confused as it resembles bandwidth in terms of explanation, but it must be remembered that bandwidth deals with the overall capability of the internet connection whereas bitrate is plainly about the rate at which data is processed in the digital ecosystem. Large data transfers typically require a higher bitrate, which calls for additional bandwidth and a reliable internet connection. A higher bitrate requires a good internet connection otherwise viewers can experience buffering and other issues. On the other hand, a lower bitrate might work better for users with slower connections, but the streamed data might become less clear and detailed as a result.
When it comes to discussing video quality, streamers often use terms like HD, Ultra HD, and 4K. These terms represent resolution which refers to the depth of visual clarity of the content being broadcasted. The resolution deals with the number of pixels displayed on a screen in terms of width (horizontal) and height (vertical). The basic level of resolution, Standard Definition (SD), displays 720x576 pixels whereas the High Definition (HD) has 1280x720 pixels. 4K and 8K resolutions which enable viewers to experience an unforgettable visual spectacle with sheer splendor and immersive wonder have 3840x2160 and 7680x4320 pixels respectively. Higher resolution provides more detailed and clearer quality but it requires a high-speed internet connection with a robust device to make every frame a masterpiece with enhanced sharpness.