How does video streaming work?
In order to play smoothly, video data needs to be available continuously and in the proper sequence without interruption. Until fairly recently, video had to be downloaded in its entirety to the computer before it could be played. With streaming, the file remains on the server. The initial part is copied to a buffer on the computer and then, after a short delay, starts to play and continues as the rest of the file is being pulled down. Streaming provides a steady method of delivery controlled by interaction between the computer and the server. The server regulates the stream according to network congestion and thereby optimizes the presentation on the student’s computer.
