The Advancements in HEVC Streaming Equipment

The evolution of live streaming started with streaming media. Streaming media refers to the multimedia that is continuously presented and received by end-users while the provider delivers them. Hence, the concept of streaming often connotes the process of delivery and obtaining of media, and it is an alternative process to downloading. From the crude way of transmitting media, the process of streaming has greatly improved in the recent years. Buoyed by the fast-paced advancements in computer networking, coupled with advanced development in home computers, operating systems, HEVC streaming units, and HEVC streaming device, the process of streaming becomes a viable and practicable means of conveying media contents for ordinary consumers. By 2016, consumers already got the option of either streaming "live" or "on demand."

Live streaming allows end-users to enjoy streamed video event that is happening at present. On the other hand, "on demand" streaming is generally provided via progressive streaming. Live streaming is available only at one time when the event being videoed is occurring. On the other hand, “on demand” contents are either saved or stored in the hard disks or servers for a long time. Live streaming surely revolutionizes video streaming, allowing live video streaming for mobile, TV, and social media, and there are many companies that have ventured into the development of streaming technology and have tried to improve on the existing streaming technology; however, there are only very few companies that really excel in developing better streaming equipment, and one these very few companies is LiveU.

LiveU is a company based in America that focuses on providing portable live video equipment and acquisition solutions. LiveU's headquarter is situated in Hackensack, New Jersey. The technology that LiveU produces for television broadcasters enables quick live video links through wireless cellular networks. LiveU offers a wide range of equipment that could be used for live video coverage, and some of these pieces of equipment are portable enough and can be easily fitted into a backpack. These portable pieces of equipment and devices readily revolutionizes live broadcasting because these devices did away easily with the tons of equipment and materials which were formerly used in the traditional modes of broadcasting. LiveU likewise specializes in the development of software and mobile applications that make possible efficient and latent-free wireless live streaming of videos. The company have also patented the technology that enables cellular bonding for far and remote news gathering in various countries.

LiveU continues to excel in developing better streaming equipment, and in April of 2012, Panasonic, another great company, said that LiveU technology would be incorporated by Panasonic into its professional camcorder. The integration was successful, and it was excitedly announced on February of 2013. This integration of LiveU LU40 with that of AG-HPX600 Panasonic camera was made possible through the software upgrade key that permits the interface of the camera to control the LU40. Soon after, in March of 2013, another company—that of Hitacchi—integrated LiveU units with its camera solutions. Lastly, in April of the same year, the customers of LiveU became capable of integrating their cellular solutions with the XDCAM camera of Sony.  

The Evolution of Media Streaming Equipment

The history of streaming technology can be traced back to the 1920s when George Squier was first granted his patents for a certain system of distribution and transmission of certain signals over lines of electricity. This patent later on became the technical basis for the development of the Muzak, a technology for conveying continuous music to customers without relying on radio. The necessary technologies however to realize this rudimentary form of streaming were not available during those times, and it took several decades for the needed technologies to evolve for the realization of contemporary streaming technology. Streaming live necessitates a remarkable improvement in computer technology, software technology, and networking technology to be completely realized and become commercially viable. Hence, it took several decades, and only after computer and software technologies became powerful enough to support live streaming technology when streaming technology really took off. At present, almost anyone can now stream live videos through the internet via one of those video providers.

The broadcasting industry was first hesitant to adapt the technological advancements brought about by streaming technology. However, the industry afterwards saw the full potential of utilizing streaming devices and technology, and soon after, the industry has become enthusiastic enough to espouse the technology. With the use of streaming devices, the broadcasting industry readily do away with the tons of equipment and resources that have to be pulled together to actualize a live broadcasting. In the previous methods of live broadcasting, several equipment had to be brought into the location of the live broadcasting, and satellite trucks had to be mobilized likewise to transmit data to the mother studio. Moreover, a meticulous preparation had to be made before the actual live broadcast, and a lot of manpower support was needed to ensure that everything would be in its proper place before the live broadcast. This made live broadcasting the expertise only of a very few companies and teams, leaving the consuming public incapable of making live broadcast. However, with the introduction of various streaming technologies and the advancements in wireless transmission technology, the process of broadcasting live no longer becomes a special act that could be done only by those with the necessary equipment. At present, anyone can broadcast live via Facebook or YouTube. Moreover, this broadcasting of live videos can be done alone, without the need for tons of equipment and crews. Using highly specialized live streaming equipment, anyone can now broadcast live anywhere there are cellular signals. Furthermore, the streaming live of videos generally comes in high quality.

Streaming technology has greatly revolutionized live broadcasting, yet, the broadcasting industry was a bit slow to embrace the new streaming technology, being cautious in its approach to change. At present, however, the broadcasting industry is gobbling up the new streaming technologies as if they are hot cars, and they are scrapping off the old system of live broadcasting in favor of these new and innovative methods of broadcasting. Outside Broadcast equipment of the previous generation are now considered obsolete. Lastly, outside live broadcasting is no longer an act reserved for those big broadcasting companies, but something that could be enjoyed even by the ordinary end-users of the internet.