Consuming content has changed in many ways for us viewers. These days, we can watch what we want, when we want. There is no greater evidence of this than in the popularity of live streaming, which gives us unprecedented access to unlimited content worldwide.
What Is Live Streaming?
Live streaming is when video information is sent over the internet in real time to people all over the world. Live streams let people watch events as they happen. This means how we exchange and watch media has completely changed, letting people all over the world join talks, performances, and events as they happen while eliminating the limits of time and space.
Connection Matters
The popularity of live streaming is also evident in the gaming space. People of similar interests can now get together in community forums and discuss the latest news, as well as plan their strategies and choose their teams for games like Fortnite or League of Legends. This need for synergy and communication can help introverts or people who struggle socially connect and feel like they belong.
Communication is also vital in the iGaming space. Live streaming means players can communicate with each other as well as the dealers, fostering a sense of a real casino experience that is not isolating but immersive and entertaining.
Many online casino sites employ the latest live-streaming technology for table games like blackjack or roulette. Through live casino games which use live streaming technology, players can enjoy games in real-time, interact with other players and the dealer, making gaming more interactive. Gaming platforms realize that, even when playing online, people need human interaction to truly enjoy something.
Live Streaming’s History
When media players came out in the 1990s, that was when live streaming started. A music show was the first live stream, and it marked a historical moment in the industry. Soon after, RealNetworks, Inc. put a baseball game live on RealPlayer, proving that even sports could be watched online.
This was soon followed by presidents using live streaming to get their messages across and the advent of YouTube live streaming, where the technology took off, attracting millions of subscribers and expanding into social media via Instagram, Facebook, and Twitch.
The Technology Behind Live Streaming
Capture
The first action in a live broadcast is capture. This is the process of filming the live-streamed video content. A basic webcam, a smartphone, or a high-quality video camera could be used as the capture device. The device’s ability to translate audio and visual input from the actual environment into digital data is crucial. After that, this digital information is ready for encoding.
Encoding
When you encode a video file, you change it into a format that can be streamed. This has to be done because the initial file is usually too big to send quickly over the Internet. Video is compressed by encoding software or hardware, which makes it smaller while trying to keep the quality. Now that the digital data has been encoded, it can be sent to the origin device.
Transmission
Sending compressed digital information to an origin server is known as transmission. This is the primary hub from which viewers will access the live stream. To keep the “live” element, the data must be transferred over the internet swiftly. This is essential for online meetings, ongoing conversations, and when playing casino games at online gaming platforms, where latency could mean the difference between winning and losing.
Distribution
Distribution starts as soon as the encoded video is sent to the origin server. The incoming stream is managed by the server, which also gets it ready for sending to different platforms and viewers. This action is comparable to a TV station sending out a signal to several communities. When it comes to live streaming, the several gadgets and platforms that users will use to watch the stream are known as the different communities.
CDN Delivery
To guarantee that the live stream reaches a large audience without interruptions or delays, content delivery networks (CDNs) must be used. Global networks of servers provide material to users according to their location. The CDN sends a live feed from the server that is closest to the viewer when they want to see it.
This way, the data travels less, reducing latency and enhancing the viewing experience.
Decoding
The live broadcast needs to be decoded once it gets to the viewer’s device. A video file that the device is capable of playing is created by unpacking and converting the compressed digital data. Whether it’s an independent application or a built-in player on a social networking site, the viewer’s media player manages this process.
Playback
Playback is the last stage of the live-streaming procedure. At this point, the spectator can watch the live event on their device, thanks to the decoded video file being displayed. A variety of devices can be used for playback. Playback quality may vary depending on the viewer’s device and internet connection.
Research suggests that the live-streaming industry will reach upwards of $184 billion in three short years, indicating that the future of content creation and consumption lies in this space.
