Live Video Streaming Technologies

Live video streaming connects a camera, an encoder, transport networks, and viewers across many devices. It is a mix of capture, compression, and delivery. The main tradeoffs are latency, reliability, and cost. A clear setup helps producers reach audiences without crackling audio or frozen frames.

Key parts of a streaming system

  • Capture and encoding: from a mic and camera to a compressed stream
  • Transport and ingest: the path from encoder to servers
  • Segmenting and delivery: breaking the stream into chunks and sending them to fans
  • Playback and adaptation: adjusting quality for each device and connection

Common protocols and architectures

Different workflows suit different goals. RTMP is a traditional push protocol used to send live video to a central ingest point. HLS and DASH break the stream into small segments and adjust quality on the fly, helping viewers with slow networks. WebRTC focuses on ultra-low latency for interactive sessions, such as live Q&A or online classes.

Choosing a setup depends on your needs:

  • If you want maximum audience reach with broad devices, use HLS or DASH with a CDN.
  • If you need near real-time interaction, WebRTC can reduce delay but may require more control over servers.
  • For legacy workflows, RTMP often remains the easiest ingest path to modern CDNs.

Example workflow

  1. A camera feeds an encoder
  2. The encoder pushes to an ingest server (RTMP or similar)
  3. The CDN distributes HLS/DASH segments to viewers
  4. Web-based players select the best bitrate per device

Consider latency and bitrate. Higher resolutions look better but need more bandwidth. Adaptive bitrate helps viewers with varying connections. A simple rule is to start with 720p at 4–6 Mbps for many audiences, then adjust as needed.

Edge delivery and cloud services can reduce delay and handle sudden traffic. Always test on real networks and devices to validate performance, reliability, and privacy settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Streaming choices balance latency, quality, and reach.
  • Protocols like RTMP, HLS, DASH, and WebRTC serve different needs.
  • Proper encoding, bitrate management, and edge delivery improve viewer experience.