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Ohio State University logoClassroom Digital Media Distribution  

Streaming Format Comparisons

Current technology allows you to create streaming content of varying quality settings, sizes, and frame-rates making the best possible use of the different and sometimes inconsistent bandwidths. The examples below show how the same captured presentation can be delivered at different bandwidths and how the quality compares using standard settings. Bit rates range from 56k for a typical dial-up modem to 128k to 384k for those using broadband connections to 512k and above for those with exceptionally fast and reliable connectivity on high-speed connections such as Local Area Networks or T-1 lines. Examples of each supported format are provided below.

*You will need to have the appropriate player installed to view the following clips. Please see the Download Players page.

 

Real 56K (Dial-up) example clip Real 128K (ISDN) example clip Real 256K (Cable) example clip Real 384K (T1, LAN) example clip Real 512K (T3+, LAN) example clip

 

 

Windows 56K (Dial-up) example clip Windows 128K (ISDN) example clip Windows 256K (Cable) example clip Windows 384K (T1, LAN) example clip Windows 512K (T3+, LAN) example clip

 

 

Flash 100k (ISDN) example clip
Flash 200k (Cable) example clip
Flash 400k (T1, LAN) example clip
Flash 600K (T3+, LAN) example clip

 

 

MPEG-4 56K (Dial-up) example clip
MPEG-4 128K (ISDN) example clip
MPEG-4 256K (Cable) example clip
MPEG-4 384K (T1, LAN) example clip
MPEG-4 512K (T3+, LAN) example clip

 

 

Quicktime 56K (Dial-up) example clip Quicktime 128K (ISDN) example clip Quicktime 256K (Cable) example clip Quicktime 384K (T1, LAN) example clip Quicktime 512K (T3+, LAN) example clip

 

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The following are examples of streaming media that are of a higher quality and require a reliable, high-speed network, such as the OSU campus LAN or corporate settings, to view without problems.

Real Media Helix 10 .rmvb file extension

1000kbps streaming example - Real

 

Windows Media 9 .wmv file extension

1000kbps streaming example - Windows

 

MPEG-4 .mp4 file extension

1000kbps streaming example - MPEG-4

 

Quicktime .mov file extension

1000kbps streaming example - Quicktime

 

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Real Helix 10 SureStream

Real SureStream combines multiple bit rate streams in one file. Upon opening the stream, RealPlayer determines and plays the best bit rate for your connection. Your connection is constantly monitored and the viewed stream seemlessly changes between bit rates as network conditions fluctuate to present you with the best possible quality.

Real Media Helix 10 SureStream example

 

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Flash Video

Flash Video can be served as a stream or progressive download. Here the same clip is linked both ways to demonstrate the functionality difference between the two hosting methods.

Example clip of Flash video streaming
Example clip of Flash video progressive download

 

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