Streaming Video

Video streaming for work and play

Video streaming is an increasingly popular website enhancement as well as a popular form of entertainment. Basically, it provides video content to end users without requiring a file download. The user can begin watching the content before the file is completely transmitted, which allows for a smooth "stream" of data that plays in real time without lengthy waits.

Video streaming can be classified into two categories: on-demand video streaming, which allows users to capture streaming video any time they want, and live streaming video, for which users can access the content only at one specific time (such as a live-streamed sporting event).

Features and Benefits

• An excellent marketing tool on websites, as it both draws and retains visitors
• Allows users access to content on demand
• Increasingly reliable, making for a better user experience
• Practical applications include everything from online business meetings to virtual property tours

Top Choices

• Multimedia Pros
• Adobe
• Your current web hosting service may offer video streaming

Major Considerations

• Will streaming video enhance the user experience for visitors to my site?
• Will I see a return on my marketing expenditures?
• Can I make use of free streaming video hosting, or do I need more reliability?
• What type of content will I be streaming, and will it be live or on-demand?

Price Range

There are many free streaming video hosting options, and you may find the service is already included in your web hosting package. However, if you're going to hire an external provider, costs will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the size of your video file and the transfer rate.

Monthly packages start as low as $20 a month and can run higher than $1,000, depending on your needs. Many streaming video hosting companies will offer up-front price quotes and will work with you to determine your specific needs.

Summary

Streaming video is an increasingly popular web tool. Applications are cropping up everywhere, from hospitals and businesses to classrooms and more. Not only does it have practical applications, it is also a powerful and affordable marketing tool for enhancing the user experience of visitors to your site.