Apple QuickTime Streaming Server Darwin Streaming Server manual How Does Streaming Work?

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A PowerBook G4 with QuickTime Broadcaster software captures and encodes video and audio. The encoded signal is sent over an Internet Protocol (IP) network to a server computer running QTSS or DSS software. QTSS or DSS on the server computer sends the signal over the Internet or a local network to client computers that tune in using QuickTime Player.

You can also run QuickTime Broadcaster and QTSS or DSS on the same computer. If you are broadcasting to a large audience (more than, say, 100), however, Apple recommends that you run QuickTime Broadcaster and QTSS or DSS on separate computers.

How Does Streaming Work?

When you watch and listen to cable or over-the-air media transmissions on television or radio, the cable or electromagnetic wavelengths used are dedicated to that transmission. Those transmissions are mostly uncompressed and so consume large amounts of transmission bandwidth. But that’s not a problem, because they don’t have to compete with other transmissions within the frequency over which they’re broadcast.

When you send that same media over the Internet, the bandwidth used is no longer dedicated to only that transmission stream. The media now has to share extremely limited bandwidth with thousands, potentially millions, of other transmissions traveling back and forth over the Internet.

Multimedia sent over the Internet is therefore encoded and compressed for transmission. The resulting files are saved in a specific location, and streaming server software such as QuickTime Streaming Server or Darwin Streaming Server is used to send the media over the Internet to client computers.

Streamed media can be viewed by both Macintosh and Windows users using QuickTime Player (available free on the Apple web site) or any other application that supports QuickTime or standard MPEG-4 files. Streams can also be set up so that users can view them from within a web browser when the QuickTime plug-in is installed.

When a user starts to play streamed media through a web page, the QuickTime plug-in sends a request to the streaming server. The server responds by sending the multimedia content to the client computer.

The type of multimedia that is sent to the client computer depends on what content you specified on the web page. If you linked to a playlist created on the streaming server, that’s sent. If you linked to a QuickTime movie in the specified media directory, that movie is sent. If you linked to a live broadcast, that’s sent.

QuickTime Streaming

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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.