Video Compression & Streaming Video

While digital conversion allows television signals to be translated into useable computer information, the files associated with this are very large. As a result, transfers of video files can be extremely slow due to limitations in the amount of information that can be transferred at one time.
This limitation has been overcome in part by the use of compression technologies, which condenses video information and reconstructs it on the other side. And by streaming video, which sends video over the Internet in small increments as it is being played by the user.

Video Compression

Types of Compressed Video Files MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 AVI QuickTime Real Media Windows Media

Video compression makes video files smaller by analyzing the file and taking out redundant information. This lessens or “compresses” the size of the file. The files are then reconstructed after the transfer using a type of software called a coder-decoder or “CODEC”.

Streaming Media

Programs That Play Streaming Video Files RealOne Player Windows Media QuickTime WinAmp (Newest Version)

Streaming video also uses a CODEC to interpret data, however the media itself is delivered differently. When streamed, video is sent in small increments. The video is played instantaneously as it is received. The efficiency of this method is highly dependent on Internet connection speed.

Digital Video Advantages & Disadvantages
Video Compression Good for sending large files. Higher image quality. File is stored on hard drive for later use. Longer download time. Requires large amounts of memory.	Streaming Media Near instantaneous viewing. Sends small files efficiently. Video not permanently saved on hard drive. Image quality and stream efficiency highly dependent on connection speed.