The main reason for Downloading video from your Web server is that it's simple, useful when your videos are short and you can do it with infrastructure you already have.

There are two major methods of delivering digital video content over the Web: downloading and streaming. The first method uses a standard Web server to deliver the audio and video data to a media player. The second method uses a separate streaming media server specifically designed for the audio/video streaming task. Our Streaming Media Solution offers both facilities.

Downloading and streaming media result in different customer experiences. Downloading can offer high quality viewing (near DVD quality) regardless of the customer's network connection, and the facility to transfer the downloaded file to portable devices. However, the customer must wait until the file has been downloaded before watching the film. With progressive downloads the same high quality can be offered with the advantage of being able to start viewing the film once part of the file has been downloaded. Streaming provides instant viewing but the quality of the viewing experience will depend on the speed and reliability of the customer?s connection. Streaming requires internet connection throughout the viewing time.

Downloading and streaming also differ in their requirements in terms of provision. A standard web server can be utilised for media downloads, whereas a Windows Media server is the best option for media streaming. Windows Media Services are designed specifically for streaming and all Windows Media components work together to enhance the end-user experience. Intelligent streaming, for example, involves Windows Media Encoder, Windows Media Services, and Windows Media Player.

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