On This Page

What is it? Who can use it? How does it work? System Requirements Feedback Getting Help

Live Streaming Video

Service Description and Requirements Configuration and Troubleshooting FAQs Request Form Copyright Issues for Media Content

Online Learning and Meetings Services

e-Conferencing Live Streaming Video Service Description and Requirements Support Videoconferencing Services Provided Support Web Seminars

Live Video Streaming: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is It?

What is MOREnet's Live Video Streaming service?

For a description of the service, eligibility and pricing, terms of use or to request the service, see Live Video Streaming. A link to this page can also be found on the Services home page of the MOREnet website under the heading Online Learning and Resources.

Why would I be interested in using MOREnet's video streaming service?

Video streaming is appropriate for predominantly one-way video transmissions. These transmissions can be supplemented with interactive e-mail, chat or voice feedback. Examples include plays, concerts and other performing arts as well as lectures, presentations, speeches, opening ceremonies and similar events.

The real value of the MOREnet video streaming service is that it prevents the member's bandwidth from being saturated by requests from streaming video recipients. Streaming video is unicast, meaning that every recipient request receives its own stream from the server providing the streaming service. This means that the server must be able to accommodate the full bandwidth of all the requested video streams. For example, just four 220-kilobits-per-second (Kbps) streams will use more than one-half of the capacity of a T1. By serving the video stream through MOREnet's high-bandwidth site, the site originating the stream can avoid saturating its own bandwidth.

How does video streaming differ from other video services offered by MOREnet?

Video streaming. Streaming multimedia allows the user to begin viewing video clips without first completely downloading the entire file. After initial buffering, the file begins to stream, or become available for viewing through the player software. Video quality is highly dependent on bandwidth and processor speed. Streaming video is unicast; that is, each user is sent a separate video stream from the host server.

Videoconferencing. Videoconferencing is a live, interactive video session with two or more participants. At MOREnet, videoconferencing refers to use of high-bandwidth (384 Kbps or more), high-performance applications geared toward distance learning, meetings and related activities that require high-quality sound and video in an interactive environment.

e-Conferencing. Products such as NetMeeting and Centra are typically used for low-bandwidth, interactive sessions that may include video, audio, chat or other features. e-Conferencing can support meetings, distance learning and other activities that may have to reach users in a low-bandwidth (56 Kbps modem) or mixed bandwidth environment.

Does MOREnet record and store video streams for later use?

No, the originating site is responsible for recording and storing the video streams, as well as for ensuring copyright or other intellectual property notices are properly displayed. Video stream recipients should check with the originating site prior to recording and/or storing the video stream.

Back to Top

Who Can Use It?

Who is eligible to use the MOREnet video streaming service?

See Eligibility and Pricing on the service description.

Is this service available to non-MOREnet originators?

No. Originators must be MOREnet members.

Can non-MOREnet entities receive the video streams?

Yes. In fact, access to the video stream cannot be limited by IP address. This fact should be kept in mind when determining how streaming sessions will be announced and advertised.

Can the originating site or MOREnet limit the number of licenses per stream?

Yes. MOREnet recommends that the originating site implement a registration process and that it provide the URL for the stream only to the intended stream recipients. MOREnet will limit the number of unicast players that can simultaneously connect to the stream. It is still possible for unintended recipients' connections to a stream to cause the license limit to be reached before all intended recipients are able to connect, but following these recommendations should help reduce that risk.

How Does It Work?

How does the MOREnet video streaming service work?

MOREnet's server pulls the stream from the originator's encoder and interested parties can then access that video stream at a MOREnet-provided URL.

The number of sessions that can be offered by an originating site will be limited to its total available bandwidth divided by the size of the video stream.

How do I determine what size stream I want to create?

MOREnet offers 220 Kbps streaming. MOREnet can advise the originating site about the appropriate stream size and encoding requirements for the content to be streamed, taking into account the site's bandwidth capacity, production requirements, targeted recipients' bandwidth capacity, etc.

Does MOREnet provide quality of service support for streaming?

Video streaming is inherently resistant to quality problems caused by network latency/delays. Recognizing that network delays are an everyday issue and can cause poor video quality, streaming video uses buffering protocols to ensure consistent and reliable video delivery.

How do I request MOREnet's video streaming service?

MOREnet members interested in originating a video session can contact MOREnet Video or submit a Live Video Streaming: Request Form online to schedule a session. Originating members will need a PC with an encoding card and software that meet the minimum requirements for video streaming.

For additional information about MOREnet Live Video Streaming service requirements and setup, please see Live Streaming Video: Configuration and Troubleshooting.

Back to Top

System Requirements

See Live Video Streaming: System Requirements.

Feedback

What kind of statistics will MOREnet provide to the video stream originator?

MOREnet can provide the following statistics:

• Number of unique visitors
• Number of visits
• Total bytes sent
• Type of players connected

If I am originating a live video stream, how can I get feedback from receiving sites to include in my broadcast?

Video streams are inherently one-way transmissions and are not capable of gathering feedback. However, a request for feedback can be included in any announcements of the event and incorporated into the stream itself. Feedback can be received by e-mail, chat or other suitable mechanism.

Back to Top

Copyright Issues

What is MOREnet's position concerning intellectual property rights?

Please see Copyright Issues for Media Content.

Getting Help

How do I get help if I have problems originating a video stream?

Setup and troubleshooting information, as well as links to streaming resources, can be viewed on the page Live Video Streaming: Configuration and Troubleshooting.

For additional assistance, contact MOREnet Video Support.

Back to Top