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Video Streaming Definitions

ABR
In the context of video streaming, "ABR" stands for Adaptive Bitrate Streaming. ABR is a technique used to dynamically adjust the quality of a video stream based on the available network conditions and device capabilities. It aims to provide the best possible viewing experience by adapting the video quality to match the viewer's network bandwidth and playback capabilities. Here's how ABR works: Multiple ...
Addressable TV
Addressable TV refers to a form of targeted advertising that allows advertisers to deliver specific ads to individual households or devices while they are watching television. It leverages data and technology to enable advertisers to reach specific audiences based on various demographic, geographic, or behavioral factors. In traditional TV advertising, the same ad is broadcasted to all viewers ...
AV1
AV1 is an open-source video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOMedia), a consortium of technology companies including Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and others. AV1 is designed to provide high compression efficiency while maintaining good video quality, making it a strong contender among video codecs. Here are some key features and characteristics of AV1: 1. Improved Compression ...
B-frames
A B-frame (bi-directional frame) is a type of frame used in video compression algorithms, such as H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC). B-frames play a crucial role in achieving higher compression efficiency by utilizing both past and future reference frames for encoding and decoding. Here are the key characteristics of B-frames: Bi-directional Prediction: B-frames are encoded by predicting the differences ...
Buffering
Buffering in the context of video streaming refers to the process of preloading and temporarily storing a portion of the video content on the client device or media player before playback. It helps ensure a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience by compensating for variations in network speed, latency, and the time required to fetch and decode the video data. Here's how buffering works in ...
CAE
Content Adaptive Encoding (CAE) refers to the technique where the encoding parameters and strategies are dynamically adjusted based on the content being encoded. This is often used in video compression to optimize encoding efficiency and video quality. Instead of using the same encoding parameters for an entire video, CAE assesses the individual parts of a video to determine the best parameters for ...
CDN
CDN stands for Content Delivery Network. It is a distributed network of servers strategically placed across various geographic locations to efficiently deliver web content, including streaming media, to end-users. CDNs are designed to reduce latency, improve content availability, and optimize the delivery of online content. Here are some key features and functionalities of CDNs: 1. Caching and ...
Chunk
a chunk refers to a small, discrete portion of audio or video data that is typically transmitted and played back sequentially during the streaming process. Chunks are smaller segments or fragments of the media content that allow for efficient delivery, buffering, and playback in streaming applications. Here are some key aspects of chunks in streaming: Size and Duration: Chunks are designed to ...
CMCD
Common Media Client Data (CMCD) is a specification that allows streaming video players to share information about their playback environment and behavior with the CDN (Content Delivery Network) serving the video. This feedback loop can help the CDN make more intelligent decisions about how to deliver content, potentially improving the user's viewing experience. CMCD, developed under the auspices ...
Codec
A codec is a software or hardware component that encodes and decodes digital multimedia data, such as audio and video. The term "codec" is a combination of the words "coder" and "decoder," indicating its dual functionality. Here's a breakdown of the two primary functions of a codec in streaming: 1. Encoding: The encoding process involves compressing the raw audio or video data into a more efficient ...
Content Steering
Content steering, also known as content routing or traffic steering, is a technique used in content delivery networks (CDNs) to optimize the delivery of content to end users. CDNs are a network of servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location, the origin of the web page, and the content delivery server. Content steering works by directing user requests to the most ...
CP2ACP2A
C2PA, or Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity, is a joint initiative aimed at creating technical standards for certifying the authenticity of media content, including images, videos, and audio. Its goal is to help combat misinformation, deepfakes, and manipulated content by providing a way to track the provenance and history of digital media. C2PA provides a framework that allows content ...
CTV
Connected TV (CTV) refers to any television set or device that is connected to the internet, enabling access to online content, streaming services, and interactive features. CTVs typically include smart TVs, streaming devices (such as Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire TV), gaming consoles, and set-top boxes. These devices allow users to stream digital media content directly on their televisions, providing ...
DASH
DASH stands for Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP. It is a streaming protocol that allows for the adaptive delivery of multimedia content over the internet using standard HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). DASH is designed to provide a high-quality streaming experience by dynamically adjusting the video quality based on the viewer's network conditions and device capabilities. Here are some ...
DOOH
DOOH stands for Digital Out-of-Home, which refers to digital advertising and content displayed on digital screens or signage in public spaces. It is a modern form of advertising that utilizes digital technology to deliver dynamic and targeted messages to consumers in various locations outside of their homes. Digital Signage, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses any form of visual ...
DRM
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management. It refers to a set of technologies, techniques, and protocols used to protect and manage digital content, such as videos, music, e-books, or software, from unauthorized access, copying, distribution, and usage. DRM systems are designed to enforce copyright restrictions and ensure that digital content is only accessed and used in accordance with the rights ...
Encoder
In video streaming, an encoder and a transcoder are two different components involved in the process of preparing and delivering video content. Here's an explanation of each: Encoder: An encoder is responsible for compressing and converting raw video data into a compressed format suitable for streaming or storage. It takes the raw video input, analyzes it, and applies various encoding techniques ...
Encoding profile
An encoding profile, in the context of video encoding, refers to a set of parameters and settings that define how a video file is compressed and encoded. These profiles determine the quality, efficiency, and compatibility of the encoded video. They define the specific encoding techniques, algorithms, and configurations used during the compression process. Different encoding profiles have varying ...
FAST
FAST, also known as Free Ad Supported TV, refers to a category of streaming channels or services that offer free access to content supported by advertisements. These channels are typically available through streaming platforms and provide a range of TV shows, movies, and other video content without requiring a subscription fee. Here are some key characteristics of FAST channels: 1. Free Access: ...
GOP
GOP" stands for Group of Pictures. A GOP refers to a sequence of consecutive frames in a video stream that includes one keyframe (I-frame) followed by a series of non-keyframes, which can be P-frames (predictive frames) and B-frames (bi-directional frames). The keyframe within a GOP serves as the reference point for decoding and displaying subsequent frames within that group. Here's how a GOP is ...
H.264
H.264, also known as AVC (Advanced Video Coding), is a widely used video compression standard that was jointly developed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is one of the most commonly used video codecs for compressing and encoding digital video content. Here are some key features and characteristics of H.264: High ...
HbbTV
HbbTV is an open, industry-wide standard that combines traditional broadcast television with broadband internet services, delivering an interactive and enriched viewing experience. It enables viewers to access additional features like video-on-demand (VOD), catch-up TV, electronic program guides (EPGs), targeted advertising, and interactive applications directly through their televisions. HbbTV ...
HEVC
HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265, is a video compression standard developed by the Joint Collaborative Team on Video Coding (JCT-VC), a partnership between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). HEVC builds upon the earlier H.264/AVC (Advanced Video Coding) ...
HLS
HLS stands for HTTP Live Streaming. It is a streaming protocol developed by Apple Inc. for delivering live and on-demand video content over the internet. HLS divides video content into small, manageable chunks and delivers them via standard HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) connections, making it widely compatible with various devices and platforms. Here's how HLS works: Content Encoding: The ...
HLS Interstitials
HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) Interstitials are a feature introduced in 2021 by Apple that provides a simple way to schedule advertisements (such as prerolls, midrolls) and other interstitial content in HLS streams. Interstitials are treated as separate assets that can be scheduled onto a program timeline. They do not need to be stitched in with discontinuity tags anymore but can be directly referenced ...
HLS playlist type
In HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), the EXT-X-PLAYLIST-TYPE tag is used to declare the type of the playlist file. This tag has two possible values: VOD (Video On Demand) and EVENT. VOD: This specifies that the playlist file is a Media Playlist file of a completed presentation, i.e., the entire presentation is encoded and available. When the playlist type is VOD, clients can assume that no more media ...
HLS tags
HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) tags are part of the protocol developed by Apple for use in their streaming services. They appear in HLS playlist files (also known as manifest files) to specify streaming metadata for a particular stream. These files have an .m3u8 extension and contain a sequence of tags and URIs. The tags provide important instructions or metadata for the stream. Here are some examples: #EXTM3U: ...
IDR
IDR stands for Instantaneous Decoder Refresh. IDR frames are a specific type of keyframe used in video compression standards like H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC). IDR frames serve as reset points for the decoder, allowing for error resilience and efficient random access within the video stream. Here are the key characteristics of IDR frames: Self-Contained Keyframes: Similar to regular keyframes ...
Keyframe
In video streaming, a keyframe, also known as an "I-frame" (intra-frame), is a complete and self-contained frame that does not depend on any other frames for its display. Keyframes serve as reference points for decoding and displaying subsequent frames in a video stream. Keyframes consume the most data and bandwidth among all frame types in video streaming. They are encoded as full-resolution frames, ...
Keyframe interval
A "keyframe interval" refers to the frequency at which keyframes (also known as I-frames) are inserted into a video stream. It determines the rate at which complete, self-contained frames are included as reference points in the video stream. Keyframes are essential for efficient video compression and playback. They serve as anchor points for decoding and displaying subsequent frames in the video ...
L4S
L4S stands for Low Latency, Low Loss, Scalable throughput. It is a technology that significantly reduces latency in internet packet delivery, targeting improvements in queuing delay by managing queues with active queue management techniques. It's intended to support a range of real-time applications by ensuring consistently low latency even during network congestion. L4S has been recognized in industry ...
LCEVC
LCEVC (Low Complexity Enhancement Video Coding) is a video codec technology developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). It is designed to enhance the video coding efficiency of existing codecs by leveraging an additional layer of enhancement data. Here are some key features and characteristics of LCEVC: 1. Enhancement Layer Approach: LCEVC takes a different approach compared to traditional ...
Live Shopping
Live shopping is a form of online shopping that involves live video content. The concept is similar to television shopping networks like QVC or HSN, but it's adapted for the internet era. Retailers or influencers host live video broadcasts, during which they showcase products, demonstrate their use, discuss their features, and answer viewer questions in real time. Viewers can make purchases directly ...
Low latency
Low latency refers to the minimized delay or time lag between the transmission of media content and its playback, resulting in near-real-time communication or streaming experiences. It is particularly important in applications that require interactive communication, such as video conferencing, live streaming, online gaming, and real-time collaboration. Here's how low latency is addressed in specific ...
MABR
Multicast Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (mABR) is a technology used in video streaming that combines the principles of multicast streaming and adaptive bitrate streaming. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Multicast Streaming: This is a method of transmitting data, especially video content, over a network in a way that it can be received by multiple users simultaneously. In multicast streaming, the ...
Manifest
A manifest is a file that provides essential information about the structure and metadata of the media content being streamed. The manifest file serves as a roadmap or index for the media player to retrieve and assemble the appropriate segments or chunks of the content during playback. Here are some key aspects of a manifest in streaming: Structure and Segmentation: The manifest file defines ...
Manifest manipulation
Manifest manipulation, in the context of streaming, refers to the process of modifying or manipulating the manifest file associated with a streaming protocol. The manifest file, such as the Media Presentation Description (MPD) in MPEG-DASH or the playlist file in HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), contains information about the structure, metadata, and URLs of media segments or chunks. Manifest manipulation ...
MoQ
Media over QUIC (moq) is an initiative within the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force) aimed at developing a streamlined and low-latency solution for the efficient delivery of media content, encompassing areas such as live streaming, gaming, and media conferencing. This solution is intended to cater to various scenarios and scale effectively, while also being compatible with both web browsers and ...
MPEG V3C
The MPEG Visual Volumetric Video-based Coding (V3C) standard is a specialized codec designed for the efficient coding and streaming of volumetric video content. This standard is essential in handling the data-intensive nature of volumetric video, which is characterized by sequences of frames that each represent a 3D capture of real-world objects or scenes. V3C facilitates the practical delivery of ...
MSE
MSE stands for Media Source Extensions. It is an HTML5 specification that enables web browsers to stream media content, such as audio and video, directly through JavaScript using a Media Source API. MSE provides a programming interface that allows developers to dynamically manipulate and control media streams within a web page, facilitating custom streaming experiences. Here are some key aspects ...
Multivariant playlist
A multivariant playlist, also known as a variant playlist or master playlist, is a key component of adaptive bitrate streaming. It is a structured file that contains information about multiple bitrate versions or variants of the same media content. The purpose of a multivariant playlist is to enable adaptive streaming clients or players to dynamically select and switch between different quality levels ...
MV-HEVCMV-HEVC
MV-HEVC stands for Multiview High Efficiency Video Coding. It's an extension of the standard High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) that allows for the encoding of multiple views, or perspectives, of a scene within a single video stream. This is particularly useful for 3D video, where two perspectives (one for each eye) are required to create a stereoscopic effect, giving the illusion of depth. The ...
P-frames
A P-frame (predictive frame) is a type of frame used in video compression algorithms, such as H.264 (AVC) or H.265 (HEVC). P-frames play a crucial role in video compression by predicting the differences between the current frame and a reference frame, typically a keyframe (I-frame) or another P-frame. Here are the key characteristics of P-frames: Predictive Encoding: P-frames are encoded by ...
Playout
A "playout" (or play out) refers to the process of scheduling and delivering audio or video content for on-air transmission. It involves the sequencing and playback of pre-recorded media files, such as TV shows, commercials, movies, or other forms of content, according to a predetermined schedule. Playout systems manage the delivery of content to the broadcast signal, ensuring that the right content ...
POP
POP stands for Point of Presence. A POP refers to a physical location or network node where multiple networks, internet service providers (ISPs), or content delivery networks (CDNs) establish a presence to enhance connectivity and improve the distribution of network services or content. Here are some key aspects of a POP: Network Infrastructure: A POP typically houses network routers, switches, ...
PPV
In the context of video streaming, PPV stands for "Pay-Per-View." PPV is a model where viewers are required to pay a specific fee to access and watch a particular video or live event. It is commonly used for special events, sports matches, concerts, or exclusive content that is not freely available. With PPV, viewers pay a one-time fee or purchase a ticket to gain access to the content for a limited ...
RTMP
Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) is a protocol developed by Macromedia (which is now Adobe) for the transmission of audio, video, and other data over the Internet. RTMP is most commonly used to stream content in real-time over the internet. Originally, RTMP was designed to be used between a Flash player and a server. A persistent connection is maintained between the Flash player and the server, ...
SCTE-35
SCTE-35 is a standard developed by the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), now a part of the global industry association SCTE•ISBE, which stands for Society of Telecommunications and Broadband Engineers•International Society of Broadband Engineers. SCTE-35 provides a set of protocols for digital signals that indicate where in a video stream a system should insert other content, ...
Segment
A segment refers to a small, self-contained part of a video or audio stream. Segments are created by dividing the media content into shorter portions, usually a few seconds in duration, for efficient delivery and playback. Here are some key points about segments in streaming: Division of Content: Media content, such as a video or audio stream, is divided into segments to optimize streaming performance ...
SGAI
Server Guided Ad Insertion (SGAI) is an advanced strategy for integrating advertisements into video streaming content, distinguished by its hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both Client-Side Ad Insertion (CSAI) and Server-Side Ad Insertion (SSAI), while minimizing their drawbacks. This innovative method is designed to streamline the delivery and playback of ads within video content, enhancing ...
Simulcasting
Simulcasting, also known as restreaming, is the practice of broadcasting the same live stream simultaneously across multiple platforms or channels. For instance, a live video could be streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch all at the same time. This technique allows the broadcaster to reach a wider audience, as different viewers may prefer different platforms for viewing content. The term "simulcasting" ...
Single-frame watermarking
Single-frame watermarking in videos refers to the process of embedding a watermark into individual frames of a video. A watermark is a piece of digital information, such as a logo, text, or an image, that is superimposed onto the video to identify its source, ownership, or to indicate copyright information. The primary purpose of watermarking is to deter unauthorized use, distribution, or copyright ...
SRT
SRT stands for Secure Reliable Transport. It is an open-source video transport protocol and technology stack that optimizes streaming performance over unpredictable networks with secure streams and easy firewall traversal. It was developed by Haivision and first made public in 2017. SRT provides end-to-end secure and reliable transport of video and audio data over networks with varying quality, ...
SSAI
SSAI stands for Server-Side Ad Insertion. It is a technique used in streaming to seamlessly insert targeted advertisements into the video content at the server side, rather than at the client or viewer side. SSAI enables a smooth and uninterrupted viewing experience by seamlessly integrating ads into the streaming video. Here's how SSAI works: 1. Content Segmentation: The original video content ...
Streaming protocol
A streaming protocol is a standardized method for delivering multimedia (audio and video) over the internet. These protocols define how data travels from source to destination, including aspects such as data compression, delivery, decompression, and display. Streaming protocols are designed to handle the unique demands of transmitting large amounts of multimedia data in real time. Here are a few ...
Transcoder
Transcoder: In video streaming, a transcoder is responsible for converting video files from one format to another, often involving changes in encoding parameters, resolution, or bitrate. Transcoding is commonly used in adaptive streaming scenarios, where the video stream is dynamically adjusted based on the available bandwidth and device capabilities. The transcoder takes the original video file, ...
Transcoding Ladder
A transcoding ladder, in the context of video streaming, refers to a set of video files that are encoded at various quality levels or bitrates. Each file in the ladder represents a different version of the same video, with varying levels of compression and resolution. The purpose of a transcoding ladder is to accommodate different network conditions and playback capabilities of streaming devices, ...
Transport
"Transport" refers to the method or protocol used to deliver audio, video, or other media data over a network from a streaming server to a client device for playback. It involves the transmission and delivery of media packets from the server to the client, ensuring that the data arrives in a timely and orderly manner. Here are a few common transport protocols used in streaming: HTTP (Hypertext ...
TV as a service
"TV as a Service" is a business model in which television content is provided as a service rather than a product. It's similar to other "as a Service" models, such as Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). In a traditional model, television content would be distributed through cable or satellite providers and consumers would purchase ...
TVOD
TVOD stands for Transactional Video-On-Demand, which is a digital content distribution model used in the streaming industry. In TVOD, viewers can rent or purchase individual pieces of content, such as movies or TV show episodes, on a per-title basis. This is in contrast to subscription-based models like SVOD (Subscription Video-On-Demand) where users pay a recurring fee to access a library of content. Prime ...
V-PCC
Video-based Point Cloud Compression (V-PCC) is a codec standard developed for the efficient compression and decompression of point cloud data. Point clouds are collections of data points defined in a three-dimensional coordinate system, representing the external surfaces of objects. V-PCC is specifically tailored to manage the high data volume of point clouds, enabling the practical storage and transmission ...
VMVPD
vMVPD stands for Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributor. It's a term used to describe streaming services that provide a bundle of television channels over the internet. Traditional MVPDs (Multichannel Video Programming Distributors) include cable and satellite television providers like Comcast and DirecTV. vMVPDs, on the other hand, are services like Hulu Live, YouTube TV, and Sling TV ...
VOD2Live
VOD2Live and Live+VOD2Live refer to methods of content delivery that blend aspects of live and pre-recorded content. VOD2Live, or "Video on Demand to Live", allows viewers to watch pre-recorded content in real-time, giving the impression that it is being streamed live. This method is often used to make pre-recorded content feel more interactive and engaging by adding elements of live interaction, ...
VPU
A Video Processing Unit (VPU) is a type of microprocessor that is designed specifically to handle video data and perform video processing tasks. Similar to how a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is designed to handle graphical data and perform graphical computations, a VPU is optimized for video data. VPUs can perform a wide variety of tasks related to video processing, including encoding, decoding, ...
VVC
VVC stands for Versatile Video Coding, which is a video coding standard developed by the Joint Video Experts Team (JVET), a collaboration between the ITU-T Video Coding Experts Group (VCEG) and the ISO/IEC Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG). VVC is the successor to the widely used video compression standard, HEVC (H.265), and aims to provide even higher compression efficiency and improved video quality. Here ...
WebRTC
WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a collection of open-source protocols and APIs that enables real-time communication, including audio and video streaming, directly between web browsers or applications. WebRTC eliminates the need for plugins or additional software installations, allowing for seamless peer-to-peer communication within web browsers. Here are some key features and differentiating ...
WHIP
WebRTC HTTP Ingest Protocol (WHIP) is an application-level protocol that's used in the context of Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC). It's designed to allow WebRTC encoders to push media streams to a media server. The aim of WHIP is to ensure the reliable delivery of real-time audio and video streams over HTTP, improving the efficiency and performance of live streaming scenarios. WHIP is especially ...
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Video Streaming Wikipedia definitions

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