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Video Streaming Technologies: Encoding Delivery and Monetization Video streaming connects creators with audiences around the world. Behind every smooth playback are three core areas: encoding, delivery, and monetization. Understanding these parts helps teams choose the right codecs, networks, and business models for their audience. Encoding Encoding turns raw footage into compressed files that travel over the internet. Core choices are codecs: H.264, HEVC (H.265), AV1, and sometimes VP9. Each codec trades efficiency for complexity. Most publishers run a three-tier ladder: 480p, 1080p, and 4K to cover phones, laptops, and TVs. Transcoding creates these versions from one master file, so viewers get a good path even on slower networks. Packaging with CMAF keeps segments small and fast to switch between. The result is better picture quality at a lower data cost. Example ladder: 480p at 500 kbps, 1080p at 2–6 Mbps, 4K at 15–30 Mbps. ...

Music Streaming: Architecture and Business Models Music streaming blends software, networks, and business rules to move songs from a catalog to a listener’s device. The architecture must be reliable, scalable, and easy to evolve as formats and rights change. In simple terms, think of three layers: content, delivery, and business models. Each layer has clear goals and healthy interfaces with the others. Content and encoding: A central catalog stores metadata, licenses, and file formats. Audio assets are kept in high quality and transcoded to multiple bitrates for different networks. Delivery and caching: Storage and content delivery networks (CDNs) move streams close to users. Edge servers reduce latency, and caching keeps popular tracks ready for fast playback. Rights and payments: Licensing contracts define per-stream rates and region rules. Usage data feeds billing and reporting systems to pay rights holders on time. User experience: Apps, web players, and smart devices shape discovery and listening. Features like offline downloads, playlists, and search drive engagement. Delivery path: The client authenticates, requests a playlist, then streams from nearby edge nodes. Most services use adaptive bitrate streaming (HLS or DASH) to adjust quality on the fly, balancing audio quality with network conditions. Offline mode stores licenses and files securely for later listening. ...