Technology 2

streaming methods and data transfer file size

Streaming methods;

Downloading
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Progressive downloading
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Streaming
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Data transfer rate file size;

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Resolution
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Frame rate
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Audio settings
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 Downloading

Downloading means to transfer files for local storage and later use, in contrast to streaming where
data is usually used immediately. This means the user will have to wait till the content is fully
downloaded before they can watch it. This may be better if the user is planning on watching the
content without an internet connection as once it has been downloaded a connection will not be
needed. It can often get confused with data transfer; moving/copying data between two storage
devices, where as downloading is receiving data from the internet. The data is received from a
remote system, typically a server such as a web server or an email server. Data such as music, films
and software can all be downloaded from the internet.

Depending on the speed on the users internet/network connection, the speed of the download will be
effected. For insistence, a faster internet connection typically means a shorter waiting time for the file
to download.

When downloading data, the copy right laws must be taken into consideration as downloading can
involve making copies of work that infringe on copyrights, and “organisations running websites may
become liable for copyright infringement by causing others to do so.”
 Progressive downloading

Progressive downloading is simi9lar to regular downloading, however it is when digital media files
have been transferred from a server to a client, typically using the HTTP protocol when initiated from
a computer. The user is able to begin viewing the content before the download is complete. The user
experience with a progressive download is so similar to that offered by streaming media that many
users may not notice any difference between the two. Although, the user is unable to forward through
the file until the full file has been stored into the users device.

For a media player to be able to be capable of progressive download playback, it must have meta
data, which is located in the header of the file to be intact and a local buffer of the digital media file
when it is being downloaded from the web server. Once a specific amount of data has become
available to the playback device, the media can begin to play.

The quality of the progressive download is not effected by the users internet connection and
therefore can offer a better experience than streaming over a slow connection.
 Streaming

Streaming transmits data, most commonly video and audio, as a continues flow, allowing the user to
watch or listen to the content immediately. Streaming is the fastest way to access content that is
based on the internet. Unlike progressive downloading, streaming allows the user to view the
video/audio before the content has been downloaded as it plays in real time. For instance, once a
film has clicked on Netflix the film is able to be viewed straight away without downloading.
Sometimes the programme that decompresses the file is built into the software separately. The
programme that does this is often called codec.

Another difference between progressive downloading and streaming is the end result of the data
once it has been used. For downloads, the content/data is stored into the user device until they
delete it. However, for streams the data is deleted after it has been used. For example, a song is not
saved to the phone once it has been listened to on Spotify.

In order for a user to be able to stream, the internet connection must be relatively fast. (Depending
on the data being streamed the speed may vary). However, the speed of two megabits a second or
more is the most common streaming standard in order to avoid skips and buffering. If the content is
HD or 4K, higher speed will be needed, usually five megabits or more per second.
 Resolution

The resolution is the dimension of the width and height of an electronic visual display device, such as
a computer monitor in pixels.
Some of the commonly used screen resolutions for the internet are:
PAL standard 720x576
Modem NTSC 4:3 (162x120 pixels)
Modem PAL 4:3 (160x120 pixels)
T1/DSL/Cable NTSC 4:3 (648x480 pixels)
T1/DSL/Cable PAL 4:3 (768x576 pixels)
 Frame Rate

Frame rate is the rate in which frames, known as consecutive images, appear on a display. They are
expressed in hertz. The term can apply for both video and film cameras as well as computer
graphics and motion capture systems.

Animations tend to use “on twos” meaning one drawing is shown for every two frames of the film.
This means there are only twelve drawings per second. However, cheaply produced animations tend
to use three and sometimes four frames drawing.

Modern video formats use multiple different frame rates. Analogue television was developed using
the frame rates of 50 or 60 HZ due to the frequency of electronic grids. However, newer video
standards support 120, 240 and 300 fps displays.
 Audio settings

Audio settings are when the user is able to adjust the volume by turning it up, down etc.
An example of this is seen within games as they include background music which may
distract he user therefor the user is able to turn the audio off.
 Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple ways in which data can be viewed including, downloaded,
progressive downloading and streamed. However, it appears that streaming the data is the most fast
and efficient way as the content can be viewed immediately where as downloading and progressive
downloading must download the content before the user can view it.

On the other hand, if the content has been streamed, the data will be immediately deleted from the
device were as once the content has been downloaded it is available until the user deletes it
themselves.

Therefore, depending on the use of the data that is being streamed or downloaded, each work better
in different situations. However, for my video advert, I will need to download it so it can be played on
the television.