Streaming is a process by which video is created and passed to a viewer in real time. For example, a live video that is being watched by someone around the world is known as video streaming. Streaming refers to the medium in which the data is transferred–streaming media–rather than the actual data being transferred. Therefore, a video is being streamed. The data is being streamed.
History of Streaming
Streaming has always been of interest to computer users; however, because bandwidth was so expensive, it was difficult to transfer the video. Therefore, it never really took off. However, when high speed Internet popped up and it became affordable for the average person to have, suddenly there were people who were interested in watching live feeds and their computers could handle it.
Specifically, the reason that the average user could now stream was because of four things. The first was that broadband increased in the last mile. The last mile is the individual wiring that leads to a person's house. While the main lines might be heavy duty, if the small last mile lines were weak, the user could only access that much power. The Internet became more accessible. The use of standard protocols made it easier for more people to appreciate the same media. Finally, the Internet became commercialized. When this happened, more people began to use streaming media.
How to Stream
To stream media, one would need to sign up for a site such as Justin.tv or LiveStream. These are sites that provide the software and hardware necessary. Once signed up, connect your camera to your computer and then make sure that the connection is on through the streaming website. Once this happens and the camera picks you up, you're successfully streaming. So long as you don't get a huge influx of viewers, you'll be able to handle a free set up. However, should you get many viewers, a paid set up might be a smart move.
