Media streaming is a media transmission method that provides a continuous stream of information that is commonly used for the delivery of audio and video content with minimal delay (e.g. real-time). Streaming signals are usually compressed and error protected to allow the receiver to buffer, decompress, and time sequence information before it is displayed in its original format. Streaming media programs are usually not stored locally in the end user device. This reduces the cost of end user devices and it ads a level of security for content owners as the media is not available for copying in the end user device.

Brief delays in streaming transmission can cause the picture to momentarily stop (freeze) or experience significant amount of distortion. To overcome this, progressive downloading can be used. Progressive downloading is the transferring of a file or data in a sequential process that allows for the using of portions of the data before the transfer is complete.

Figure 1 shows the different types of transmission methods that can be used to provide television services through the Internet. This diagram shows that Internet IPTV distribution options include downloading and streaming. Downloading can be of the pull type where the user requests the movies and waits for the download or it can be pushed in advanced so the viewer can begin watching at pre-scheduled times. For streaming applications, the user can pull the media and begin watching it immediately or linear television channels (live media) can be available for viewing at any time.

Content Management System

A content management system coordinates the gathering (ingesting), organizing and packaging content that will be selected and delivered 

A content provider may also provide access to live or continuous video sources (e.g. a linear television channel). To provide real time streaming, the video device is instructed to connect to an IP video gateway. The IP video gateway converts or adapts the video source into an IP video stream that the mobile device can receive and display.

Program Creation

Program creation is the production and editing of information that is contained within media segment. Programs include video, audio, descriptive and promotional information. Program content may be in the form of analog video, digital video or a variety of other media formats. 

Program creation involves the gathering of media components (video and audio parts), encoding and compressing these segments, adding and associating descriptive information (metadata), editing, reviewing and publishing the program into a format that can be distributed.

Content gathering in the form of satellite feeds, filer transfers (FTP), optical media (DVD) or portable hard disks. Content is transferred to the encoder to produce compressed media (such as in standard H.264 format). NeuLion uses a specialized version of the MPEG-4 codec that is optimized for Internet broadband data connection speeds.

These stored media files can be accessed by an editing system to create a program. After the sequence of media objects has been created, it can be reviewed for approval and published (converted) to a streaming format that can be sent to users.

Figure 2 shows how programs can created in the NeuLion system. This diagram shows that content is produced and provided in the form of media files. Media files are converted (encoded) into a format that can be analyzed and compressed by a media coder (the H.264). This reduces the size of the files and permits editing of the media through a web portal. As the media is developed, marketing materials can be created and associated with the programs.

Program Delivery

A delivery platform is the combination of system hardware and software that is used to process and distribute signals or content. A viewing platform is the combination of system hardware and software that allows a user to view programs or media files.

Delivery platform may be able to adjust or convert the programs or content for different types of viewing platforms. This process can be very complicated as viewing devices can have different types of displays, connection types (broadband wired or limited bandwidth wireless), 

different types of video and audio compression devices (codecs) and a variety of navigation options ranging from full computer keyboards to limited keypads on mobile telephones.

Figure 3 shows that programs may be delivered to devices with significantly different types of viewing platforms. Some of these viewing devices may have limited display sizes, different types of navigation controls, small storage size and various bandwidth capabilities.