Real-Time vs. Live Video Streaming
Unveiling the Key Benefits and Differences
Comparing Real-time and Live Streaming: Key Benefits and Differences
When choosing the best streaming solution, understanding the differences between Real-time (low latency) and live streaming (high latency) can help you achieve mission-critical goals with reliability and quality. Real-time streaming ensures faster video delivery, making it ideal for surveillance where user interaction is needed. Let’s dive into streaming protocols and how they impact video delivery.
IPCamLive Video Streaming System
IP Cameras and RTSP Protocol
IP cameras often use the RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) or RTSPS (Secure Real-Time Streaming Protocol - which adds an extra layer of encryption) to transmit video and audio to a media server via RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol) or RTSPS via SRTP (Secure RTP). RTSP(S) acts like a remote control to initiate streaming, with RTP or SRTP transmitting the actual video feed. This protocol achieves impressively low latency- usually under 500 milliseconds - making it ideal for real-time surveillance and monitoring.
Understanding HLS for Video Streaming
One of the most common protocols is HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), an HTTP-based protocol developed by Apple Inc. and released in 2009. HLS works by breaking the overall stream into a sequence of small HTTP file downloads and sends these data packets to the client device, which reassembles them into a cohesive video stream. HLS is widely supported and compatible with nearly any device, making it a popular choice for video streaming.
Live Streaming Protocols (Latency >10 Seconds)
For streaming applications where real-time interaction isn't essential, high-latency protocols are widely used due to their historical prevalence and ease of deployment.
Drawbacks of Live Streaming
Despite its advantages, HLS typically introduces a delay of 6-18 seconds, influenced by factors like keyframe interval settings and the HLS implementation of the viewer's device. This delay makes HLS unsuitable for applications needing real-time interaction, such as security video surveillance, PTZ control, etc.
Real-time Video Streaming Protocols (Latency < 1 Second)
For real-time streaming applications, IPCamLive deploys state-of-the-art video technologies to meet its IP camera streaming users' demands.
Understanding WebSocket Technology
With the growing demand for web-based applications, WebSocket technology has become a game-changer, now widely supported by modern web browsers. WebSocket creates a continuous, bidirectional connection between client and server, enabling low-latency data transfer. Unlike traditional HTTP, which requires repeated requests, WebSocket remains open until closed, minimizing latency and resource usage. This is invaluable for applications needing rapid, two-way communication, like video security, live streaming, and gaming.
Jitter
Jitter is a network phenomenon that can impact real-time streaming quality, often caused by factors such as limited bandwidth, data loss, or other network conditions. Using a video jitter buffer, the video player can compensate for network issues. However, the disadvantage of this method is that it increases the delay of the video stream. This means that the higher the jitter on the network, the greater the delay in the video stream.
Why IPCamLive Uses WebSocket
IPCamLive utilizes WebSocket for live IP camera streaming due to its efficient, low-latency design. A typical workflow involves encoding the IP camera live feed with RTSP(S) by the camera itself and then repacking it into WebSocket by our streaming servers. This combination enables video streams even with 30-60 fps and sub-second latency, providing smooth, real-time video delivery for large audiences.
To ensure the highest level of service, IPCamLive has implemented an HLS Fallback Redundancy feature. If a WebSocket-based video stream fails in a user's web browser, the system will automatically attempt to reestablish the connection using the HLS protocol.
Real-Time Streaming Applications
Real-time IP camera streaming is essential for applications where every second counts. Low latency can significantly improve response times in areas such as:
- Video surveillance: Controlling PTZ camera movements
- Industrial Monitoring: Surveillance of automated manufacturing lines
- Mining Operations: Real-time data improves safety and operational efficiency
- Healthcare Monitoring: Ensures quick responses in patient care settings
Real-time vs Live streaming
Both methods have their own advantages, so it is worth choosing between them based on your intended use. HLS-based live streaming is recommended when a large number of concurrent viewers need to be served, whereas WebSocket-based low latency mode is the better choice when minimizing video delay is the key factor.
How to Enable Real-Time Streaming on IPCamLive
To get started with real-time video streaming on IPCamLive, you’ll need to add your IP camera feed with RTSP(S)/RTMP(S)/HTTP(S) protocols. Once your camera is online, you can select how to share the camera and which video player mode is suits your need: most suitable for your needs: HLS based live streaming or WebSocket based low latency mode.
The real-time streaming option is available exclusively for Professional and Ultimate plan.
After logging into the IPCamLive system, navigate to your camera and select 'Edit':
Under the 'Sharing' tab, scroll down to locate the 'Low latency player' plug:
Once the HTML snippet is integrated into your page, your broadcast is delivered in real-time using the WebSocket protocol.