Apple QuickTime Streaming Server Darwin Streaming Server Setting It Up, Prepare the Location

Page 57

mClient computers of various types with QuickTime Player or other MPEG-4 compliant software installed can access the Xserve streaming server via the campus network. Other client computers can access the streaming server via the Internet.

mThe broadcaster laptop running iMovie is used to produce high-quality on-demand versions of a live presentation after the presentation is concluded. The recorded digitized presentation is brought into the computer for compression through its FireWire connection using the DV camera.

Note: QuickTime Broadcaster can be set to record the encoded live stream to disk for archival purposes. However, it is desirable to encode the footage separately to achieve higher quality results.

mThe broadcaster laptop is also used to control the Xserve remotely through the laptop’s browser and the QTSS web-based Streaming Server Admin user interface.

Note: The laptop could also be connected to the local network wirelessly via an AirPort base station for extra portability. The AirPort is 802.11 compliant and works fine with QTSS. Its

11 megabits per second (Mbps) of bandwidth would be more than enough for our example setup unless other clients were also placing heavy demands on the same base station.

Setting It Up

The following steps show how to set up QuickTime Streaming Server and the other components needed for live and on-demand streaming in this hypothetical university setting.

Step 1: Prepare the Location

It will probably not be possible to find classrooms on a typical campus that provide a broadcasting and recording environment comparable to a professional television or recording studio. Still, there are measures that you can take to ensure reasonably good results:

mGo into a classroom or lecture room that you want to use for live streaming, close the doors, and listen for extraneous noise that could interfere with a broadcast. If noise from a nearby break room, video gaming area, street traffic, or other source is noticeable and can’t be eliminated, find another room.

mIf extraneous noise is not an issue, stand in the center of the room, clap your hands or shout, and listen for an echo. If you hear an echo, the sound quality of a live broadcast can be compromised. You can reduce or eliminate echoes by hanging heavy curtains on bare walls or placing acoustic panels in a checkerboard pattern on each wall.

mNext, examine the floors and furniture. Carpeted floors and padded chairs are best. A lectern should have a cloth on top, or other padded surface, to protect against noises such as the speaker’s setting down a glass of water.

Setup Example 57

Image 57
Contents Administrator’s Guide Apple Computer, Inc. All rights reserved Apple Computer, IncContents Working With Connected Users MediaPreparing Audio RelaysSetup Example Installing SSLAdding or Deleting Groups Streaming Server Computer Crashes or Is RestartedGlossary Index Setting It Up Creating a Web Page for Easy AccessAbout Streaming Servers What Is Streaming?Live Versus On-Demand Delivery Simple Setup for Live VideoHow Does Streaming Work? Multicast Versus Unicast Relaying Streamed Media Total Streaming SolutionMore About Qtss and DSS QuickTime SuiteFor More Information Qtss and DSS 4.1 added these featuresPreface Getting Started Setup OverviewClient Computer Requirements Hardware and SoftwareLive Broadcasting Requirements Server RequirementsFollow these steps to set up your streaming server Setting Up Your Streaming ServerStreaming server is now active and ready to stream media Testing Your SetupPage User Interface Working With Streaming Server AdminStarting or Stopping Streaming Service Viewing Streaming StatusWorking With Connected Users Controlling QuickTime Broadcaster Remotely Changing Server SettingsWorking With General Settings Working With Log Settings Working With Port SettingsViewing Error Logs and Access History Default file names are as followsCopy all media files to your streaming server MediaAbout Instant-On Streaming Preparing Prerecorded MediaPreparing Audio Streaming Media Files With Multiple SourcesStreaming File Formats Like .avi, .text, and .wav Rtsp//qtss.hostname/myfile.mov Exporting a QuickTime Movie as a Hinted MovieSession Description Protocol SDP Files Improving the Performance of Hinted MoviesOpen QuickTime Player Choose Open URL from the File menu Streaming Live MediaViewing Streamed Media From a Client Computer Setting Up a Web Page With Streamed Media M3U file contains a single line of text in this format Pls files using the user’s MP3 player automaticallyPLS file uses this format Creating Links to MP3 PlaylistsUsing Playlists to Broadcast Prerecorded Media Working With Playlist SettingsPlaylists To stop broadcasting a playlist, click the Stop button Starting and Stopping PlaylistsCreating a Playlist Deleting a Playlist Changing a PlaylistWorking With Relay Settings To see the Relay Settings pane, click Relay SettingsRelays To acquireSetting Up Relays Click Save Changes to add the source to your relay settingsSecurity Resetting the Streaming Server Admin User Name and PasswordStreaming on Port Turning a Relay On or OffCreating an Access File Controlling Access to Streamed MediaManaging Your Streaming Server Adding User Accounts and Passwords What Clients Need to Access Protected MediaAdding or Deleting Groups Making Changes to the User or Group FileInstalling SSL Executing a Command With sudo Problems Streaming on PortFirewalls and Networks With Address Translation Server Doesn’t Start Up or Quits Unexpectedly Streaming Server Admin Is Not RespondingStreaming Server Computer Crashes or Is Restarted Media Files Do Not Stream ProperlyMake sure users have the correct URL Users See Error Messages While Streaming MediaStreaming Performance Seems Slow Users Can’t Connect to Your BroadcastUsers Can’t See Live Streamed Media You’re Having Problems With PlaylistsAdvanced Log in to the server as an administratorTells the server to bind to the local IP address DSS 4 WindowsMeans that all IP addresses are enabled for the server Text similar to the following should appear 950. To kill them, enter the followingFinally, restart the server by entering the following Streamingadminserver.pl This will produce the following Page Streaming Presentations-Live and On Demand Distance learning classesBroadcaster Prepare the Location Setting It UpPrepare the Network Can the server computer be dedicated solely to streaming? Set Up Your Streaming ServerExample for a one-hour 300-Kbps stream 10000-65635 UDP 554, 7070 TCP or 80 TCPRtsp 7070 TCP or 80 TCP 1220 TCPSet Up for a Live Webcast Keep the Microphone Close Set Up Broadcaster Test Your Setup Creating a Web Page for Easy AccessShooting the Live Presentation Archiving the Live PresentationClick Play below the iMovie monitor Setup Example Page Glossary Page Glossary Glossary Glossary Glossary X, Y, Z Glossary Overriding global setting AuthScheme keyword Access to streamed media 40-43, 62 basic 25Announce Automatic Unicast 24, 43-44, 64-65 any-usertag Avi formatApplication Binaries Running on non-Mac OS X platforms 16 setting upDarwinStreamingServer file 46 data rates Users from user/group file 42 delivery, liveStreaming Server Admin 22 Error Log setting 26 errorsfiles Http connections 12, 45, 47 Http downloads 48 Http trafficMedia directories Disabling authentication for 40 multiple QuickTime movie 26 resettingKilling Qtss processes Looping playlistsPasswords Broadcaster user account 25, 62 broadcasts Name setting NATs Network Address Translators 43 NetSSLeayStreaming Server Admin 18, 22, 25, 39 user accounts Network Address Translators NATs 43 network cards NetworksMPEG-4 Access to Broadcasting prerecorded media with 34 creatingPort 80, streaming over 18, 25, 45, 61 ports Exporting as hinted movies 29-30sampleCommand execution with sudo Request incoming stream setting 37 resolutionMultiple media directories 52-53obtaining Real-time streaming 7Passwords. See passwords proxies Source Hostname or IP Address setting 37 SRC attributeStreaming servers Changing settings for 23 starting StoppingT1 lines Broadcasts over 24 relay viaAdministering server from 21 Internet Explorer 21 Mozilla Wait for announced streams settingRtsp standard Weighted Random mode 35, 48, 49 WinAmp XLR plugs Xserve server 16, 17

QuickTime Streaming Server Darwin Streaming Server specifications

Apple QuickTime Streaming Server, also known as Darwin Streaming Server, is a pivotal technology in the realm of multimedia streaming. Developed by Apple Inc., this open-source server software is designed specifically for the efficient delivery of video and audio content over the internet. One of the standout features of Darwin Streaming Server is its capability to stream content using the QuickTime file format, which is widely adopted for rich media applications.

A core characteristic of Darwin Streaming Server is its support for the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP). This protocol enables the server to communicate effectively with user clients, ensuring smooth playback of multimedia content. RTSP also allows for advanced streaming capabilities, such as pause, rewind, and fast forward, providing users with a versatile viewing experience.

Darwin Streaming Server is built on a highly modular architecture that enhances its scalability and flexibility. It can easily handle multiple simultaneous streams, making it suitable for both small-scale projects and large-scale broadcast environments. The server can efficiently manage bandwidth, optimizing the delivery of content even during peak usage times.

Another notable feature of Darwin Streaming Server is its robust integration with Appleā€™s QuickTime technology. This compatibility enables the seamless distribution of interactive media, which is crucial for applications in education, entertainment, and corporate training. The server can stream both live and on-demand audio and video content, catering to a diverse audience.

Additionally, Darwin Streaming Server supports various streaming formats, including MP3 and AAC for audio and H.264 for video. This flexibility allows content creators to deliver high-quality media while maintaining compatibility with various devices and platforms, from desktop computers to mobile devices.

Security is another important aspect of Darwin Streaming Server. It supports encryption protocols, ensuring that sensitive content is protected during transmission. This is particularly valuable for organizations that need to secure proprietary content or deliver private media to specific audiences.

In conclusion, Apple QuickTime Streaming Server, or Darwin Streaming Server, stands out as a powerful tool for multimedia streaming. Its integration of RTSP, compatibility with QuickTime, modular architecture, and robust security features make it an ideal choice for businesses and content creators looking to deliver high-quality streaming experiences. Whether used for live broadcasts or on-demand content, Darwin Streaming Server remains a significant contributor to the evolution of online media delivery.