Best Streaming Video Software

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If you’re seeking the best possible streaming video software, it pays to ask yourself a few questions before you start, then ask a LOT of questions of the places you might put on your short list; businesses from whom you might purchase. There are a lot of companies that offer plug-ins for your computer that allow you to manufacture and broadcast a streaming video. Most are free, and you’ll be charged for your use of bandwidth, both to broadcast the productions, and by how many people will view your content. Will your audience be large or small, and will you require the ability to grow seamlessly?

In an industry that has exploded in a relatively short period of time, it might seem difficult to keep up with who is leading the way with new technology, excellent customer service, and proven reliability. Streaming video technology has a veritable slew of competitors, and finding the best is an ongoing quest. Some of the frontrunners are as follows:

* Microsoft’s NetShow
* RealNetwork’s RealMedia
* Xing Technology StreamWorks
...
... * Vivo Software VivoActive

What all of these products offer is ease of use, and reliability. What you can count on varying wildly as you do your research is the cost of producing, hosting and broadcasting your content from your home-base. Depending on your number of viewers, you might be able to stream from a regular web server. VivoActive’s VideoNow and Geo Interactive Emblaze VideoPro products don’t even require a streaming web server; VideoPro uses only a Java load to start a viewer’s video. So the smaller the audience, the more home-friendly your technology requirements and money outlay may be. The quality may be a bit lacking, but it’s the most economical solution for streaming video. If you’re looking for a more lavish display, there are many software options that can give you the professional look you’re seeking, and you have access to incredibly fast servers and hosting options (at a much higher cost, of course).

You’ll want to consider ease of use, if you’re not a techie. Look for easy to follow instructions, uncomplicated set-ups, technical support on call 24 hours, seven days a week. You don’t want to devote hours and hours of time to a video production, only to be stymied by the streaming process or the methods needed to disseminate your content to the world.

Consider pricing options, with your overhead including Pay-Per-View options, cost-per-view tiered pricing plans and bandwidth use charges from each server you might use your software with.

You can purchase out-of-the-box-ready software that allows you to plug into your computer and start producing. Some manufacturers and service firms offer the ability to customize software, and have onsite technical teams that can turn your production into a professional viewing experience on the level with a documentary film. You can get software that allows music broadcasts with you as the DJ, such as with RealAudio streaming technologies (now RealMedia).

These streaming video programs have the advantage of being among the technology giants, meaning they’ve been around the longest, have proven their products can withstand the test of time and have consistently reliable customer support.