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Below are some common questions regarding the EdgeStream VDN. If you need additional
information, contact info@edgestream.com
What is Video on Demand Streaming?
VOD streaming is the on demand distribution of audio, video and multimedia files on the Internet.
It is a simultaneous transfer of video, voice and data that is received as a continuous real-time
stream by an end user client application, such as a Media player.
What is EdgeStream service/product offering?
EdgeStream has built a Video Delivery Network and offers video hosting/streaming
services to content owners and content aggregators.
What is broadcast Quality Video on Demand?
Standard definition NTSC TV quality streaming is considered broadcast quality VOD.
The EdgeStream VDN has the capability to stream broadcast (SD), DVD and HD quality video over the public Internet.
Can a viewer select and watch any available content at any time?
Yes, viewers can select any video that is hosted on the EdgeStream VDN for a click and watch experience.
Viewers do not have to wait for the content to download before they can watch.
How does EdgeStream platform address content protection issues?
The EdgeStream VDN is totally compatible with Microsoft's DRM solution.
In addition, the EdgeStream software also provides an extra layer of protection over and above
Microsoft DRM by preprocessing the DRM encrypted files before storing them on the servers.
What standards does EdgeStream platform support?
The EdgeStream VDN supports standard video formats and protocols and streams video to
Real and Microsoft Windows Media players. The data transmission protocols used for streaming is TCP/IP and HTTP.
What types of client devices does EdgeStream platform support?
The EdgeStream client software for embedded applications is small and requires only a small incremental
processing power over and above that required for supporting the chosen codec.
This makes EdgeStream client well suited for all embedded applications for video streaming including mobile handsets,
STB's and game consoles.
What are network latency, congestion and impairment?
Latency is the delay time for a packet of data to move on the network. Network congestion occurs
when a network link capacity is exceeded. This will cause latency to increase, or will cause packets
to be discarded. Network congestion often occurs at points where data is passed from one network
provider to another and is one form of network impairment. Network impairments cause data to be lost
or delayed more than normal and can be caused by equipment failure or miss-configuration of network
route information.
What are the causes of network latency and impairments?
Network congestion or other network impairment can happen at any time. It rarely affects
everyone on the Internet. Instead, it often affects traffic among the dozen or so major
backbones at scattered locations for a few minutes or perhaps a few hours at a time.
How have network latency/congestion issues affected the roll-out of IPTV and VOD?
Managing latency to provide broadcast quality streaming is no small task and requires constant vigil and
planning /updating of the entire network capacity on an ongoing basis. Updating the entire network based
on short term peak requirements can be prohibitively expensive for the telcos, so most VOD providers offer
'download to watch' services, rather than true Video-On-Demand.
How do network operators address network latency/impairments today?
Network operators can add more and more servers in different locations and on different networks in
the attempt to have a server close to all possible users. They also have extensive peering arrangements
with many other networks in as many cities as possible. Both of these approaches are very expensive, and
there still will be gaps in coverage.
How is the EdgeStream solution superior to traditional approaches?
The EdgeStream approach is superior in transmission cost, equipment cost, availability, reliability, audience reach,
and streaming delivery bandwidth. Using the EdgeStream VDN, subscribers do not have to download to watch premium content.
Is the EdgeStream software platform capable of
delivering uninterrupted streaming over long periods such as the duration of a full length movie?
Our technology can provide consistent delivery of streamed video for hours
at a time - without interruption. EdgeStream's solution gives content owners the ability to offer
TV/DVD quality video-on-demand experience to their customers.
What happens if a server goes down during the viewing of a media file?
EdgeStream's core technology is supported by several "fail-safe" components including:
replicated content in more than one geographic location, global load balancing, continuous routing optimization,
and a dynamic stream switching technology. In case of a server or network failure, data delivery will automatically
shift servers or network paths without interrupting the end user's viewing experience.
Do end users/subscribers require a special software or media viewer to view
EdgeStream enabled files?
End users watch videos using the most popular Players: Real and Microsoft media players. EdgeStream client
software gets installed the first time a subscriber clicks on a video in order to play the file. After the one-time
installation is complete, all streaming media access becomes transparent.
How can the EdgeStream solution maximize revenue for network operators?
Broadcast quality streaming over public Internet should allow operators to offer billable quality video
applications over their existing network at a very low cost.
Questions?:
Contact us
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