media technologies unit 8 study guides

What's the Big Deal?

• Streaming media revolutionized how we consume entertainment and information
• Allows users to access vast libraries of content on-demand without the need for downloads or storage
• Streaming services (Netflix, Spotify) have disrupted traditional media distribution models
• Offers convenience, personalization, and flexibility in content consumption
• Streaming has become the dominant form of media consumption globally
  • In 2020, streaming accounted for 82% of US consumer internet traffic
• Technological advancements (faster internet, smart devices) have fueled the growth of streaming
• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of streaming services as people stayed home

Key Concepts and Lingo

• Streaming: Continuous transmission of audio, video, or data over the internet in real-time
• Buffering: Temporarily storing data in a buffer to ensure smooth playback
  • Occurs when the streaming speed is slower than the playback speed
• Bandwidth: Maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection per second
  • Measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), or megabits per second (Mbps)
• Latency: Delay between the time data is sent and received during streaming
• Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR): Adjusting video quality based on available bandwidth and device capabilities
• Codec: Software or hardware that compresses and decompresses digital audio and video data
  • Examples: H.264, VP9, AV1
• Digital Rights Management (DRM): Technologies used to protect copyrighted digital content from unauthorized access and distribution

How Streaming Actually Works

• Streaming involves breaking down media files into small packets of data
• These packets are transmitted over the internet and reassembled by the user's device
• The process begins with encoding the media file using a codec to compress the data
• The compressed file is then divided into segments or chunks
• A manifest file is created, containing information about the available video qualities and segments
• When a user requests to stream the content, the manifest file is sent to their device
• The device's media player software reads the manifest and requests the appropriate segments based on available bandwidth
• As the segments are received, they are stored in a buffer and decoded for playback
• The media player continuously requests and receives segments to maintain a steady stream of content

OTT Services: The New TV

• Over-the-Top (OTT) services deliver video content directly to users via the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite TV providers
• Examples of OTT services include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+
• OTT services offer a wide variety of on-demand content, including movies, TV shows, and original programming
• Many OTT services also provide live streaming of events and channels
• OTT platforms use recommendation algorithms to personalize content suggestions based on user preferences and viewing history
• The rise of OTT has led to cord-cutting, where consumers cancel traditional cable subscriptions in favor of streaming services
• OTT services have also produced critically acclaimed original content (Stranger Things, The Mandalorian) to attract and retain subscribers

Tech Behind the Scenes

• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) play a crucial role in streaming by distributing content across geographically dispersed servers
  • CDNs reduce latency and improve streaming quality by serving content from the nearest server to the user
• Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (ABR) technologies automatically adjust video quality based on the user's network conditions and device capabilities
  • Examples of ABR technologies: HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH)
• Digital Rights Management (DRM) systems protect streaming content from unauthorized access and piracy
  • Common DRM solutions: Google Widevine, Apple FairPlay, Microsoft PlayReady
• Streaming platforms use big data analytics to gain insights into user behavior, preferences, and engagement
  • This data helps improve content recommendations, optimize user experience, and inform content acquisition decisions
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are employed for tasks such as content personalization, video compression, and quality enhancement

Challenges and Controversies

• Bandwidth limitations and network congestion can lead to buffering, low video quality, or interruptions in streaming
• Content licensing and distribution rights can be complex and expensive for streaming platforms
• Piracy and unauthorized content sharing remain significant challenges for the streaming industry
• Some artists and content creators have criticized streaming platforms for low royalty payments and lack of transparency
• The abundance of streaming options has led to subscription fatigue, with consumers feeling overwhelmed by the number of services available
• The collection and use of user data by streaming platforms have raised privacy concerns
• The dominance of major streaming platforms has led to debates about market concentration and the impact on competition and diversity in the media industry

Industry Impact and Future Trends

• Streaming has disrupted traditional media industries, leading to a shift in revenue models and content production strategies
• The success of streaming platforms has prompted legacy media companies to launch their own streaming services (HBO Max, Peacock)
• The demand for original and exclusive content has increased as platforms seek to differentiate themselves and attract subscribers
• Streaming has opened up new opportunities for independent creators and niche content to find audiences
• The integration of streaming with smart home devices and voice assistants is becoming more common
• Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) technologies are being explored as potential avenues for immersive streaming experiences
• The rollout of 5G networks is expected to enhance streaming quality and enable new applications, such as cloud gaming and VR streaming
• Personalization and curation of content will continue to be key differentiators for streaming platforms in the future

Cool Stuff to Try

• Host a virtual watch party with friends using synchronized streaming features offered by some platforms (Amazon Prime Video Watch Party, Disney+ GroupWatch)
• Explore niche streaming services that cater to specific interests or genres (Crunchyroll for anime, Shudder for horror)
• Use a VPN to access geo-restricted content or streaming libraries from other countries
• Create a personal streaming server using open-source software like Plex or Jellyfin to stream your own media collection
• Experiment with streaming on different devices, such as gaming consoles, smart TVs, or virtual reality headsets
• Customize your streaming experience with browser extensions or add-ons that enhance subtitles, provide IMDb ratings, or skip intros
• Participate in online fan communities or forums dedicated to your favorite streaming shows or movies
• Try out streaming alternatives like Twitch for live gaming content or YouTube for user-generated videos