What is the streaming server used for?

You can use the streaming server to distribute audio and/or video (in either RealMedia, QuickTime, or Windows Media formats) to users via the Internet. Unlike with a regular web server, when users access media through a streaming server, they do not have to wait for the clip to download to their computer before they can watch the whole thing, or jump to different portions of the clip. In addition, the streaming server allows you to transmit a live video feed (RealMedia and QuickTime formats only).

If you would like to see the streaming server in action, you can check out the samples page.

When to use the streaming server

The streaming server is not necessary to deliver audio or video over the Internet. If your clips are short (less than two minutes or so), or you want to allow users to save media clips to their hard drive, then you can use WebCT or a web server account, such as the UGA web server, or your departmental web server. However, if you need to share longer clips, wish to make it more difficult for users to download and possibly copy media clips, or if you want to stream live video, then you will need to use the streaming server.

If you have questions or concerns about using the streaming media server at UGA, you may submit them via our web form.