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.