Streaming Media

The concept of streaming media is not as foreign to you as it sounds. Streaming media acts much like a Television or Radio broadcast -- when you wish to view or listen to a certain media clip, a program called a "streaming media server" breaks up the desired file into little pieces called "packets". These packets race across the Internet one at a time and get reassembled on your computer in order. This type of video will appear to begin playing instantly, and the file size is generally small. This quality of streaming media makes it perfect for web based delivery.

Unfortunately, like most good things, there is a drawback to using this technology. Since the media must be delivered "just in time" across the potentially volatile Internet, quality is sacrificed in order to boost speed and performance. Thus, the main use for streaming video is web delivery - this type of video is not suited for local presentations.

To view streaming media, your computer requires a special program, called a streaming media plug-in. These plug-in programs are generally free, and may be downloaded freely from vendor websites. All streaming media developed and implemented here at TCNJ uses the industry standard "Real Player G2" plug-in. This software may be obtained by clicking on the link below.

Streaming media is a very diverse technology, and it has found many niches within the Internet community. The following demonstrations illustrate just a few of the capabilities of streaming media. Click on the link that interests you to learn more about that particular implementation of streaming media.

Instructional Technology Services has a number of hardware and software configurations that can help you easily get started using these technologies.

Resource	Description
Video Digitization Station	The Instructional Technology Services Video Digitization Station has been operational for about a year now, and is one of our most popular configurations. You may use the station to transfer video from VHS, 8mm or "live" sources to a digital video file. This file may then be converted into a streaming media file and broadcast over the Internet.
Audio Digitization Station	Coming soon! The audio digitization station will allow you to transfer audio resources from a number of "analog" sources into digital friendly formats. Input devices will include cassette decks, compact disc players, analog radio, record players as well as free ports for you to add your own input devices.
Real Producer	Real Producer is a software package that assists you in taking video [from VHS, 8mm, "live", MPEG, AVI or MOV file] and turning it into a streaming video presentation. The deluxe version, as well as all equipment necessary to create these presentations, is available at Instructional Technology Services.
Real Presenter	Real Presenter is a software package that allows you to create streaming presentations and streaming web tours. The deluxe version, as well as all equipment necessary to create these presentations, is available at Instructional Technology Services.