Online Video Streaming Glossary. Imagine being able to watch your favorite shows and movies whenever you want, no matter where you are. That’s the magic of online video streaming! But, it’s not always easy to understand all the tech talk that comes with it. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Today we have come up with a simple A-Z list of Online Video Streaming Streaming terms, each with a quick and easy explanation. So, whether you’re a streaming newbie or a seasoned pro, this glossary is your go-to guide for all things related to Online Video Streaming. Dive in and let’s decode the world of streaming together!
Let us start Online Video Streaming Glossary:
A
AAC (Advanced Audio Coding): The default or standard audio format across all media platforms, similar to MP3, that features increased sample frequency and offers a higher quality audio track for your live video.
Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR & ABS): A flexible streaming technology that adjusts the video delivery based on the users’ internet connections to provide high-quality video.
Analytics: Metrics that provide information on the quantitative performance of a video or channel.
Aspect ratio: The ratio between the width and the height of videos in pixels.
Audio mixer: Technology used to combine and balance different sounds to produce a seamless audio stream.
Authentication: The process of verifying the identity of users or devices accessing streaming content, often used to enforce subscription or licensing agreements.
B
B-roll: Secondary footage that showcases background elements to create a more engaging and professional-looking stream.
Bandwidth: The capacity of data that can be transferred.
Bitrate: A measure of the amount of data that can be transferred at one time.
Bonding: A technique used to merge the bandwidth of multiple internet connections.
Buffering: The result of a video progressing faster than it downloaded.
C
Capture card: An input device that transports video from the capture device to the streaming platform, encoder, or streaming software.
Capture device: Tools for capturing elements of a stream, including various types of cameras and microphones.
CDN (Content Delivery Network): A collection of servers that delivers online video from the streamer to video players around the world.
Channel: The digital real estate where viewers can access your live streams and VOD content.
Chroma key: The technology that makes it possible to change the background of a video with a green screen or blue screen.
Chromecast: A device developed by Google that enables users to stream content from their smartphones, tablets, or computers to their television screens.
Closed caption: Text that is placed on videos to match the words and sounds that are playing in the clip.
CTA (Call to Action): A marketing technique that includes strategic messaging to urge viewers to take a specific action.
D
Download speed: A measure of internet speed that assesses how much data can be downloaded over a specific time.
Digital Rights Management (DRM): Technologies used to protect copyrighted content from unauthorized distribution or piracy by controlling access and usage permissions.
Decoder: Software or hardware used to convert compressed video data into a format suitable for display on a device during online video streaming.
E
Encoder: A device or software that converts the audio and video signals into a digital format suitable for live streaming.
Encoding: The process of converting from a video source to a format that can be streamed over the Internet.
End-to-End Encryption: A security measure that ensures data transmitted during online video streaming is encrypted from the source to the destination to protect it from unauthorized access.
F
Fast Start: A technique used in video streaming to prioritize the delivery of the beginning of a video file, allowing users to start watching it more quickly while the rest of the file continues to download in the background.
Frame Rate: Refers to the number of individual frames, or images, displayed per second in a video.
G
Geo-blocking: A setting that can restrict access to content depending on location, usually established through an IP address.
Gamification: The integration of game-like elements, such as challenges, rewards, and leaderboards, into online video streaming platforms to enhance user engagement and retention.
H
H.264: A popular video compression standard widely used for recording, compressing, and distributing video content.
HTML5 Video: A standard for embedding video content directly into web pages without the need for third-party plugins like Adobe Flash, commonly used for online video streaming.
Headend: The facility where video signals are received, processed, and distributed for online video streaming, often used in cable television and IPTV systems.
I
IP Address: A unique string of numbers and letters that identifies a device on the internet or a local network.
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television): A system that delivers television services over the internet instead of traditional satellite or cable connections, enabling features like on-demand content and interactive services.
Ingest: The process of uploading video content to a server or content delivery network for distribution during online video streaming.
J
Jitter Buffer: A shared data area where voice packets can be collected, stored, and sent to the voice processor in evenly spaced intervals.
JavaScript: A programming language commonly used to create interactive elements in web-based video players, enhancing the user experience during online video streaming.
Joining: The process of connecting multiple audio and video streams from different sources into a single unified stream for distribution during online video streaming.
K
Kilobit per second (Kbps): A unit of data transfer rate equal to 1,000 bits per second.
Keyframe: A complete frame in a video sequence used as a reference point for compression and decompression algorithms during online video streaming.
Kiosk Mode: A feature in video streaming applications that restricts access to certain features or content, often used in public settings or exhibitions.
L
Latency: The delay between the video being captured and the video being viewed.
Livestreaming: Broadcasting video content in real-time over the internet, allowing viewers to watch events as they happen during online video streaming.
M
Multicast: A network addressing method for the delivery of information to a group of destinations simultaneously.
Metadata: Descriptive information about a video file, including title, author, and tags, which helps with categorization and searchability during online video streaming.
N
Network: A group of interconnected computers and other devices.
Network Congestion: A condition where excessive internet traffic slows down data transfer speeds, leading to buffering and poor video quality during online video streaming.
NAT Traversal: Techniques used to establish connections between devices behind network address translation (NAT) devices, enabling peer-to-peer communication for online video streaming.
O
Overlay: A graphic or video source that is layered on top of the main video source.
Over-the-Top (OTT) Media Services: Platforms that deliver video content directly to viewers over the internet, bypassing traditional broadcasters, for online video streaming.
On-Demand: A video streaming service that allows users to select and watch content at their convenience, rather than according to a predetermined schedule.
P
Pixel: The smallest unit of a digital image or graphic that can be displayed and represented on a digital display device.
Progressive Download: A method of streaming where video files are downloaded to the user’s device while playback begins, allowing for smoother viewing experiences during online video streaming.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP): A feature in video streaming applications that allows users to watch multiple videos simultaneously, typically by overlaying a smaller video window on top of the main content.
Q
Quality of Service (QoS): A measure of performance for a transmission system that reflects its transmission quality and service availability.
Queueing: The process of organizing and prioritizing video playback requests in a streaming system to ensure fair access and efficient resource utilization.
R
Resolution: The number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed, usually quoted as width × height.
RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol): A protocol used for streaming audio, video, and data over the internet, commonly used for live streaming and video conferencing applications.
S
Streaming: The process of delivering and receiving media in a continuous manner from a source to a client, often used to deliver content to computers and mobile devices over the internet.
Streaming Media Player: Devices like Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick that allow users to access streaming services on their TVs for online video streaming.
Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI): A technique used to insert targeted advertisements into video streams on the server-side, ensuring a seamless viewing experience during online video streaming.
T
Transcoding: The direct digital-to-digital conversion of one encoding to another, such as for movie data files.
Time-Shifted Viewing: The ability for users to watch video content at a later time than its original broadcast or release, enabled by features like DVR functionality in streaming services.
U
Upload Speed: The speed at which data is transferred from your computer to the internet.
User Interface (UI): The graphical layout and controls that allow users to interact with video streaming platforms and players, influencing the ease of navigation and user experience.
V
Video On Demand (VOD): Systems which allow users to select and watch video content when they choose to, rather than having to watch at a specific broadcast time.
Viewer Analytics: Data collected and analyzed to understand user behavior and preferences, helping streaming platforms optimize content delivery and user experience.
W
Webcast: Media presentation distributed over the internet using streaming media technology.
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication): A set of protocols and APIs that enable real-time communication between web browsers, including video streaming, without the need for plugins or additional software.
Watermarking: The process of embedding digital information into video content to identify its source or ownership, often used for copyright protection and content tracking during online video streaming.
X
XML (eXtensible Markup Language): A markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable.
X264: An open-source encoder for creating H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video streams, widely used in online video streaming platforms for its efficiency and quality.
Y
YUV: A colour encoding system typically used as part of a colour image pipeline.
YouTube: The world’s largest video-sharing platform, allowing users to upload, view, and share video content for free, with features including advertising, monetization, and live streaming.
Z
Zero Latency: Refers to the aspiration of reducing latency to virtually zero in live streaming.
Zero Rating: A practice where certain internet services, including video streaming platforms, are exempt from data usage charges by internet service providers, often used to promote access and usage of specific content or services.
Zoom: A video conferencing platform that allows users to host and join virtual meetings, webinars, and online events, supporting features such as screen sharing, chat, and recording for online collaboration and communication.
Online Video Streaming Q&A
Q. What is online video streaming?
A. Online video streaming refers to the process of delivering video content in real-time over the internet.
Q. How does online video streaming work?
A. Online video streaming operates by compressing video data, transmitting it to the user’s device, where it is then decompressed and displayed.
Q. What are the most popular online video streaming platforms?
A. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube are among the most widely used for online video streaming.
Q. How is the video quality determined in online streaming?
A. The quality of streamed video is influenced by factors such as bitrate, resolution, and the encoding format used.
Q. What is the role of internet speed in online video streaming?
A. The speed of the internet connection can affect both the buffering and the quality of the video being streamed.
Q. Can you stream videos online without an internet connection?
A. No, an internet connection is necessary for streaming videos online.
Q. What is the difference between streaming and downloading a video?
A. Streaming involves playing video in real-time, whereas downloading involves storing the video on your device for later viewing.
Q. How does live streaming differ from regular online video streaming?
A. Live streaming is a type of online video streaming that involves broadcasting video content in real-time to an audience over the internet.
Q. What is buffering in online video streaming?
A. Buffering refers to the process of loading the video data before it can be played.
Q. How can one reduce buffering while streaming videos online?
A. Buffering can be reduced by improving the speed of your internet connection or by lowering the quality of the video being streamed.
Q. Can you watch online streamed videos on any device?
A. Yes, streamed videos can be watched on any device that has an internet connection and is compatible with the streaming platform.
Q. What is the impact of online video streaming on traditional television?
A. Online video streaming has contributed to a decrease in viewership of traditional television.
Q. How do online streaming platforms make money?
A. Online streaming platforms generate revenue through methods such as subscriptions, advertisements, and the sale of user data.
Q. What is a subscription model in online video streaming services?
A. A subscription model in online video streaming services involves users paying a recurring fee to access the platform’s content.
Q. How secure are online video streaming platforms?
A. Online video streaming platforms use measures such as encryption to protect user data and ensure security.
Q. What is geo-blocking in online video streaming?
A. Geo-blocking is a practice that restricts access to content based on the user’s geographical location.
Q. Can you bypass geo-blocking to access online video streaming content?
A. Yes, geo-blocking can be bypassed using tools such as a VPN or proxy server.
Q. What is the role of VPN in online video streaming?
A. A VPN can be used in online video streaming to hide your location, allowing you to access content from different geographical regions.
Q. How do online streaming platforms handle copyright issues?
A. Online streaming platforms handle copyright issues by obtaining the necessary licenses for the content they host.
Q. What is the impact of online video streaming on the environment?
A. Online video streaming contributes to CO2 emissions and energy consumption, thereby impacting the environment.
Q. How do online video streaming platforms recommend videos?
A. Online video streaming platforms use algorithms that analyze user behavior to recommend videos.
Q. What is binge-watching in the context of online video streaming?
A. Binge-watching refers to the practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV show in one sitting on an online video streaming platform.
Q. How has online video streaming changed the film and television industry?
A. Online video streaming has led to the rise of on-demand content and a decline in traditional broadcasting.
Q. What are the challenges faced by online video streaming platforms?
A. Online video streaming platforms face challenges such as licensing issues, high data usage, and the need for a stable internet connection.
Q. What is the future of online video streaming?
A. The future of online video streaming is expected to include more personalized content, improved video quality, and more interactive features.