What is content and distribution?
Content (or Podcast) is simply any type of audio or video, and distribution is the means to deliver that content to an audience. Television networks produce weekly TV shows that are distributed over the air or on cable. Motion picture studios produce movies that are distributed to theaters, then to DVD and Pay-for-View cable. Hobbyists and small business owners can create audio or video shows that cover almost any imaginable topic. These shows can be produced a single events or as periodicals (weekly/monthly) that are distributed as podcasts or streamed directly from Internet websites.
Examples of single events are birthdays, weddings, or sporting events for families, or commercial/marketing presentations for small businesses. Some examples of periodicals are a weekly audio podcast of home gardening tips, or a monthly video podcast demonstrating yoga techniques.
What is streaming video or audio?
Streaming video or audio is video (as on television) or sound (as on the radio) delivered over the Internet via a modem or broadband connection.
Why is it called streaming?
It's called "streaming" because the sound and picture data flow in a digital stream from a server computer to your computer, ready to hear or view in real time, without having to download all of the content before you can enjoy it. It comes to you in a stream of digital bits... hence the term "streaming."
What kind of streaming video or audio is there?
There are 3 main streaming media companies (with their media streams):
All three provide streaming media players for the Mac and Windows platforms. All also provide "basic" free players and optional "plus" players that offer extra features (some at extra cost). The three media player types vary in cross-compatibility.
What difference does it make if content is streamed, rather than downloaded?
Audio and video files can be very large. You would spend many minutes or even hours waiting for them to be downloaded to your computer if they weren't streamed. Streaming media technology allows you to see or hear the content in just a few seconds, instead of having to wait for it. Your only wait is a few seconds for a "buffer" to be built up that helps avoid interruptions caused by Internet traffic problems.
What equipment is required to watch or listen to streaming content?
You only need a computer with an Internet connection capable of playing audio or video, plus player software that can receive and process audio/video streams. You may already have such software on your computer, but if not, it is available as a free download from Apple, Adobe, Microsoft and Winamp (FreeAmp, XMMS).