HD Streaming is the streaming of HD Video at 1080p resolution. HD refers to High Definition. HD streaming is a step ahead of SD (Standard Definition), which broadcasts at 480p resolution.
The world of video streaming is fast developing nowadays. So we need to keep pace with the increasing quality and standard. The resolution of a video is a major aspect that affects any live streaming.
Differences between HD and SD
HD Streaming has more pixels resolution than SD Streaming. HD streaming produces sharper and more defined picture and video quality than SD Streaming. People enjoy HD streamed videos much more these days than SD streaming, because of the picture quality.
HD Streaming History
HD Streaming like in modern times dates back to the 1980s. The Japanese developed the first HD HighVision 1 with 125 lines TV standard, which was called MUSE. MUSE ran at 60 frames per second. Later in 1990s, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) adopted ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) standard which included both HD and SD video standards and broadcasted them first time.
What is mainstream HD Streaming
HD Streaming provides very good video quality worth its weight in gold. Hence customers who purchase HD Streamed videos or channels are highly satisfied compared to SD streaming customers. HD streaming is also the icing on the cake for broadcasters who want to broadcast live videos or shows. To simply put it, a HD streamed video content is far better in quality and resolution than a SD streamed video content.
HD Streamed video either Live or pre-recorded are identified by three main factors:
- First the number of lines in the vertical display resolution which should be around 720 lines for HD Streaming.
- Secondly, the type of scanning system which is either interlaced (i) or progressive (p).
- The number of frames or fields for a second should be usually 60 HZ in the US and 50HZin Europe.
HD Streamed HDTV is today’s standard video streaming format for almost all the broadcasters.
HD Streaming Formats
HD Streaming has several distinct formats through which a HDTV is transmitted.
The following are the HD Streaming formats:
- 720p (for HD Ready) : 1280*720p : 923,600 pixels (~0.92 MP) per frame
- 1080i (for Full HD,“interlaced”) : 1920*1080i : 2,073,600 pixels (~2.07 MP) per frame
- 1080p (for Full HD, “progressive”) : 1920*1080p : 2,073,600 pixels (~2.07 megapixels) per frame
HD Streaming for all viewers
HD Streaming is the current trend for all video watchers. HD Streaming can be done for all the customers or viewers only if the broadcasters know their upload broadband speed correctly. Another thing the broadcasters need to be knowing is about their viewers.
HD Streaming can be done if the viewers have a strong download bandwidth.
The FCC has provided a standard HD streaming rate of 0.7Mbps. With multi-bitrate streaming, customers who have a fast connection speed can watch HD Streaming Live. Whereas customers with lower connection speeds can enjoy the same content at a little lesser quality.
HD Streamed Videos
HD Streaming Videos generally cover each of the images up to 720 lines of pixels on the screen from the top corner to the bottom. If the pixel lines are increased then it produces a more detailed image on the screen. The pixel lines can increase from 720 to 1080.
Such HD Streamed videos produce a very rich look to the viewers, provided the viewers have enough bandwidth in order to support the broadcast.In case the viewers do not have enough bandwidth to support the broadcast, then the image may buffer continuously over a period of time. But due to improved technology and constantly increasing internet speeds, a HD Streamed video is easier to be broadcasted nowadays.
HD Streaming affecting factors
HD Streaming is a huge success among many viewers at current times, still there are a few factors that affect the delivery of a HD Streaming.
The major factors producing bad HD Streamed videos are:
- The bandwidth of the viewer or customer
- The internet speed of the broadcaster
HD Streaming has been hugely affected due to these two reasons. The broadcaster should be able to give upload speed double that of the expected stream. The level of internet speed should be raised enough to stream theexpected quality HD streamed video. Even factors like HD Streaming from a wireless network or connections that are shared brings about an overall negative impact on the HD Streaming delivery quality. The upload speed can be tested once before launching it finally for a HD Streaming.
HD Streaming – Live
HD Streaming Live content does not have a pause or buffer feature like a Video On Demand content. Due to this reason it is very important to deliver the best quality HD Streamed video before live streaming it. Also the broadcasters should have a ready to implement backup plan for their customers with slower internet connections.
HD Streaming broadcaster is required to provide a multi bitrate HD streaming if the internet connection is not a major factor from the viewers side. Either
- Viewer can get a faster internet connection (or)
- HD Streaming Broadcaster can reduce the streaming quality
HD Streaming was and is the basis for all future streamed video enhancements.