Operation Manual

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Simple Guide to Streaming Audio and Video Types
Niagara Pro can create several different types of audio and video streams. Although all are a type of
IP video format, each has certain properties that make it more attuned to a specific streaming video
application. Niagara Pro was designed for creating video content in a reduced resolution to allow the
content to be streamed across the Internet to be played back on a computer or a handheld mobile
device.
The following chart lists all formats supported by Niagara Pro with suggested application uses. All
of these formats can be used for many different applications.
IP Video Compression for Streaming in Full Resolution & Lower
Windows Media
®
Streaming Internet video and mobile devices
RealVideo
®
/Helix
®
Streaming Internet video and mobile devices
MPEG-4 Handheld devices and mobile phones
In choosing the right streaming format for your needs, you should first consider the audience to
which you will be sending your content. What is the most common player they will have available to
watch your content? This will determine the format of the stream you will create for your audience.
To determine the data rate you will stream your content; you will need to determine the IP
bandwidth to which your audience has access.
For example, if the access method uses an ISDN connection or less, then you would stream your
video and/or audio at a low data rate such as QCIF at 56kbps. If the access is much greater like a