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Internet Streaming 101 What is Internet Streaming?
Internet Streaming is the process of broadcasting over the Internet. Rather than downloading an entire audio or video clip, streaming lets you download small parts of the clip in compressed format and processes the clip so that you can play it on your computer. Whether you are listening to an audio clip or viewing a video, the streaming process is the same.

Is Internet Streaming the same as Podcasting?
No. An Internet stream is continually being downloaded to your computer and then deleted once it has been played. A podcast is downloaded to your computer in its entirety. Therefore you can fast forward, rewind, or replay a podcast but not a live Internet stream.

Why doesn't video streaming start immediately?
It usually takes between 30 and 60 seconds for the video stream to download and uncompress enough of the clip before it can start to play it.

Why does the video stop and start occasionally?
Video streaming over the Internet requires constant downloading of sound and video to your computer. Sometimes Internet network congestion can cause the download process to stop momentarily. When this occurs, the video continues to play as long as there is part of the video stored (or buffered) and ready to be played. Once there is no more of the video left in your computer's memory to play, the video stops until enough of the clip has been downloaded and processed for viewing.

What do I do if I experience constant video stops and starts?
Even fast connections can experience periodic stops and starts from time to time. This is usually because either there are many people trying to access the same stream at the same time or because of general Internet network congestion.

If you find a video stream is frequently stopping and starting, try to exit the broadcast stream and start it again. Often starting a fresh stream solves the problem. You may also try to view the video using a lower bit rate feed.

Does a faster broadband connection help avoid video stops and starts?
Yes. A faster connection downloads the clip faster which means more of the clip is processed and ready to be viewed. This extra video helps to offset longer durations of interrupted download transmissions, thereby decreasing the number and duration of video stops and starts.

If you want to improve the video streaming on your computer, you may want to consider upgrading to a faster DSL or FiOS connection.

What is the bit rate?
The bit rate is the rate in which information is downloaded to your computer. The larger the bit rate the faster information is downloaded and the better the picture quality will be for your video stream. However, better picture quality requires more processing and is more susceptible to video stops and starts because of Internet network congestion.

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