Live streaming has become a popular way for people to share their lives with others. While there are many different ways to live stream, one of the most popular is through the use of DASH streaming. DASH streaming is a type of live streaming that offers many advantages over traditional live streaming methods. Live streaming must offer high-quality video and audio to grab viewers’ attention. DASH streaming offers both of these things in a way that other live streaming methods cannot match.
DASH streaming is a newer technology that is constantly improving. It will become the superior live streaming method for everyone as it improves. DASH streaming is the way to go if you want a live streaming solution that offers the best quality.
In this article, we will explore those advantages and explain why DASH streaming is the superior choice for live streaming.
What is DASH streaming?
DASH streaming is a type of live streaming that uses the Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over Hypertext Transfer Protocol (DASH) protocol. The Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) developed the DASH protocol, an international video, and audio streaming standard.
The DASH protocol breaks up a video or audio stream into small segments. These segments are then downloaded and played back in order, giving the viewer a continuous stream.
The benefit of this approach is that it allows the viewer to start watching the stream immediately without waiting for the entire file to download. It also allows players to adapt to changing conditions, such as a fluctuating internet connection.
You can free test your MPEG DASH streams while live streaming or watching a live stream using Castr’s DASH Player. Just enter your URL with HTTPS and receive your test results in a few seconds!
How MPEG-DASH Works: Adaptive Bitrate Streaming
DASH Streaming is a way to show videos that change the video quality depending on how good your internet connection is. This is done by having different video versions that are all made to work well on different internet speeds. YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu all use this type of streaming. Streaming often starts fuzzy when watching a DASH video but quickly becomes clear. This happens because the video is changing its quality to match what your internet speed can handle.
The video is split into different segments, each a few seconds long. This allows the video to change which segment it is playing depending on your internet speed.
If you have a good internet connection, you will be able to watch the high-quality video version. However, if your internet connection is not very good, you will still be able to watch the video, but it will be of lower quality.
MPEG-DASH is an adaptive bitrate streaming technique that enables high-quality streaming of media content over the internet to a wide range of devices. With MPEG-DASH, a single video source is ingested and transcoded into multiple renditions that differ in size. This automatically adjusts the stream between resolution and bitrate options as the viewer’s internet speed improves or takes a nosedive.
DASH’s Advantages over Traditional Live Streaming Methods:
No need for a plugin: DASH uses HTML, the internet language, so it doesn’t require a plugin like Flash or Silverlight. This makes it compatible with a wider range of devices, including those that don’t support plugins.
Improved quality: DASH streams offer better video and audio quality than traditional live streaming methods. DASH can adapt to changing conditions, such as fluctuating internet speeds.
Lower cost: DASH streaming is less expensive than traditional live streaming methods because it doesn’t require special hardware or software.
Open standard: DASH is an open standard that is constantly being improved by the MPEG community. This means that anyone can use and improve upon the technology without having to pay licensing fees.
DASH streaming is the superior choice if you’re looking for a live streaming solution that offers the best quality.
DASH Adoption and What’s Next
What if you’re a streamer looking to switch to DASH? MPEG-DASH has many benefits over traditional protocols like RTMP and HLS. For one, it’s being developed through a community-driven effort led by the best in the business. This collaborative spirit addresses the fragmentation that has plagued the streaming space and fosters a commitment to improving interoperability and eliminating complexity.
Plus, MPEG-DASH is royalty-free, making it an economical option for broadcasters.
Conclusion
DASH is the superior alternative to traditional live streaming methods like RTMP, WebRTC, and HLS. It’s a more open standard that is constantly being improved by the MPEG community. DASH also offers better video and audio quality than traditional live streaming methods. Plus, it’s less expensive than conventional live streaming methods because it doesn’t require special hardware or software. If you’re looking for a live streaming solution, DASH is a clear choice.
What do you think about DASH? Have you adopted it for your live streams? Let us know in the comments below!