Introduction to Online Video Live Streaming
Online video live streaming uses streaming media technology to broadcast live over the internet, while also supporting recording functionality (system-automated recording for convenient on-demand viewing). Users access a designated live streaming website page (URL), and their request is directed to a publishing server node, where they obtain streaming media data and watch the live video content directly through a web browser.
What is the overall architecture of online video live streaming?
Online video live streaming consists of video and audio capture tools, encoding tools, servers, networks, and players.
Figure 1 Online Video Live Streaming Model
Video and Audio Capture Tools
Function: Used to input signals from cameras or video switchers into encoding equipment, forming preliminary multimedia data.
Implementation: Video and audio capture tools can be implemented at three levels: entry-level, standard-level, and professional-level. The corresponding capture devices differ accordingly. For example, entry-level only requires a simple device such as a smartphone, webcam, or DV; standard-level requires a high-definition camera, video capture card, and similar equipment; professional-level requires three or more high-definition cameras, matrix switchers, and other professional devices.
Encoding Tools
Function: Used to create, capture, and edit multimedia data, forming streaming media formats. This can be accomplished by a computer with audio/video hardware interfaces and production software running on it.
Implementation: Users can use a computer installed with Flash Media Encoder, provided the computer has hardware interfaces compatible with video and audio capture devices, such as IEEE 1394 interfaces, USB 3.0 interfaces, etc.
Server
Function: Stores and controls streaming media data.
Implementation: Can be provided by domestic cloud video live streaming service providers.
Network
Function: A network suitable for multimedia transmission protocols or real-time transport protocols, capable of delivering high-definition, smooth video live streaming.
Implementation: We need to consider three aspects: video data upload, video data transmission, and video data download. Generally, entry-level upstream bandwidth requires at least 1M (China Telecom/China Unicom), standard-level upstream bandwidth requires at least 2M (China Telecom/China Unicom), and professional-level upstream bandwidth requires at least 4M (China Telecom/China Unicom). The video data transmission network can be provided by domestic cloud video live streaming service providers.
Player
Function: Allows clients to browse streaming media files and customize player types.
Implementation: Can be provided by domestic cloud video live streaming service providers.
To ensure high-definition, smooth online video live streaming, a stable video platform is essential. The cloud video live streaming platform, as an emerging technology platform in China, has become the best choice for online video live streaming due to its high-definition, smooth video quality and convenient operation.
To guarantee high-definition, smooth playback for video live streaming, POLYV has built its own CDN network nodes in China (including self-built overseas nodes) and also utilizes the CDN networks of top domestic CDN providers (Wangsu, ChinaCache, and Dilian). This results in over 400 domestic network nodes and more than 3,000 servers in China, ensuring a maximum concurrent online capacity of up to one million.
