Since Radio Magnetic began broadcast in March 2001 we have explored, utilised and understood streaming media. We operate live and on demand streams and handle a variety of file formats in a number of different situations.

Streaming Media [top]

Wikipedia describes streaming media as:

multimedia that is constantly received by, and normally displayed to, the end-user while it is being delivered by the provider. The name refers to the delivery method of the medium rather than to the medium itself.

Audio or video multimedia files that are streamed over the internet are delivered from the creator to the end user usually (but not necessarily) via a streaming server. Streamed multimedia is delivered near-instantaneously in real time. The file is not downloaded to the end user’s computer (as opposed to podcasting). In addition to the difference between near-instant access to the content or downloadable files, streaming and podcasting may have different file format, server, hosting, bandwidth or copyright issues. These variable elements are issues we deal with on a day to day basis.

Live Streaming [top]

Continuous events, such as broadcast radio or television allow users to join a live feed in real time. Once disconnected the file is not cached or saved. Our internet radio station Radio Magnetic was streamed live 24/7 in WMA and MP3 formats until January 2006 and is now on demand. Read more about Radio Magnetic here. We operate a live, continuous stream for the Sounds of the Scene service. We have streamed live events and conferences, such as the Music Works music industry conference. Live streaming has particular application in a variety of communication situations, such as relaying public address at launches or conferences and in education for lectures and interactive workshops.

On Demand Streaming [top]

Archived on demand streams are delivered to the user on request. Users can pause and time-shift on demand media as they are stored in a RAM cache. When the web page or media player used to access the stream is closed, however, the on demand stream is lost.

On demand streams are perfect for large archives of audio or video, such as Radio Magnetic’s programme archive which contains hundreds of specialist shows, features, live sessions, DJ mixes and interviews. Using on demand streams allows users instant access to files but prohibits download, as opposed to podcasting or progressive download. This is useful when security or copyright issues require such restrictions.

File Formats [top]

Popular streaming formats include Windows Media (audio and video), Quicktime (variants on MPEG-4), AAC Plus, Ogg Vorbis, MP3 and Real Media. We can set up and maintain live or on demand streaming services in all of these formats for audio or video for any scenario.

If you would like to find out more about how streaming media may benefit you, please contact us.