Streaming is a process by which video is created and passed to a viewer in real time. For example, a live video that is being watched by someone around the world is known as a video stream.

History of Streaming

Streaming has always been of interest to computer users; however, because bandwidth was so expensive, it was difficult to transfer the video. However, when high speed Internet became more affordable for the average person a lot more people became interested in watching live feeds.

Specifically, the reason that the average user could now stream was because of four things. The first was that broadband increased in the last mile. The last mile is the individual wiring that leads to a person’s house. While the main lines might be heavy duty, if the small last mile lines were weak, the user could only access that much power. The Internet became more accessible. The use of standard protocols made it easier for more people to appreciate the same media. Finally, the Internet became commercialized. When this happened, more people began to use streaming media.

How to Stream

To stream media, one would need to sign up for a site such as Justin.tv or LiveStream. These are sites that provide the software and hardware necessary. Once signed up, connect your camera to your computer and then make sure that the connection is on through the streaming website. Once this happens and the camera picks you up, you’re successfully streaming.

Video streaming is, however, useless without people watching; therefore, give people your individual LiveStream or Justin.tv username so that they can find and follow the video that you stream. For the most part, these streaming sites have free accounts, but they include occasional ads to cover the costs. If you begin to get a lot of followers, there are paid packages with a monthly bill; however, these also allow you to stream your own ads.

Once the streaming is done, disconnect the live streaming first. Once no one can see what’s going into the camera, disconnect the camera. Finally, shut everything down and you’ll have had a successful video stream.