Streaming Media: Technologies, Standards, Applications - Softcover

A technical introduction to streaming media for developers. Streaming technologies, such as HTTP or QuickTime, facilitate the transmission of audio and video data in networks. Businesses are turning to Internet--based multimedia communication, whether the goal is videoconferencing, distance learning, telemedicine, or real--time entertainment broadcasts. Streaming Media is a complete guide to the technical principles, protocols, and applications underlying this technology. With its clear, accessible coverage on compression and coding, storage and communication of the full range of digital media types, the book offers unparalleled coverage of the fielda s current innovations and standards. aeo Describes how streaming media content is produced and coded for optimal transmission aeo Extensive and detailed real--world examples aeo Accompanying CD--ROM includes tools to get readers started immediately

In recent years, streaming media has developed from a technical gimmick to the innovation engine of the Internet. Businesses are starting to use streaming technology to make their websites more attractive and innovative and so depend on the quality of multimedia communication to deliver the best sites. Whether the goal is video conferencing, distance learning, telemedicine or real-time entertainment broadcasts, demand for expertise in the underlying technologies is growing rapidly.

In Streaming Media, system engineers, network administrators and product developers will find a straightforward and technical introduction to key technologies. The book is written at a suitable level and style for students on multimedia communication courses. A complete overview of the current technical possibilities and standards is given, focussing on the current leading systems, namely:

• RealMedia from RealNetworks
• Windows Media from Microsoft and
• Quicktime from Apple.

There is also coverage of a number of other approaches, tools and hardware components. Using real-world examples you will see in full detail how to handle the compression, coding, storage and communication of the full range of digital media types, in order to quickly deliver streaming media of the highest possible quality.

The accompanying website features a variety of tools to get you started immediately.www.streaming-media.info