Ultimate Guide to Low Latency Streaming

The video streaming industry is expected to grow significantly and is expected to reach $ 420 billion in 2028. The success of streaming services depends on important factors. Lo w-delay streaming is very important for improving viewers' experiences, and will continue to be important in the future as streaming is common on general platforms.

In this lo w-delay streaming guide, the following is taken:

• Definition of delay and low delay
• Low delay streaming business case
• Delayed in Qoe optimization video streaming in low delay DAI workflows

The term "low delay" is standardized in the streaming industry. In this context, the delay refers to the interval from the occurrence of a live event to the viewer's screen.

What is low latency?

In video streaming, low delay represents a subjective fas t-paced time frame in which the mass of data is sent between the source and the subscriber's screen between the screens and glass.

Another way to define lo w-delay streaming is to call it "lo w-delay streaming". What time frames are considered low or high delay?

The characteristic of live streaming delays is often compared with broadcasting. In the past, broadcast video delays were about 5 seconds. Even if you watch event broadcasts on TV or listen to explanations on analog radio, this delay is hardly known. Since consumers rarely hear complaints about this 5 seconds, can they say that they are generally acceptable? There is a possibility.

What about 6 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds delays? Let's jump into the protocol to understand this.

Low-Latency streaming protocols

The appearance of a lo w-delay streaming protocol is an important milestone in the evolution of live streaming technology. These protocols are specially designed to reduce the time lag i n-house in conventional streaming, which allows you to distribute almost rea l-time content. Here, we will introduce a famous lo w-delay protocol that reconstructs streaming.

RTMP

The RTMP, which was initially developed by Macromedia and later owned by Adobe, was designed for hig h-performance audio, video, and data transmission between the server and Flash Player. With the end of Flash Player, the spread of RTMP in playback has decreased, but its lo w-delay capacity has been widely used to capture streams.

SRT

SRT, an open source transport protocol, distributes hig h-quality, secure lo w-delay video on a noise network. SRT has gained support as a reliable option in unpredictable network conditions because it can recover from packet loss, ensure content security due to AES encryption, and reduce waiting time. 。 The SRT is being replaced by RTMP in the import of live streams into the cloud distribution platform.

Low-latency HLS

Apple has announced HLS, a lo w-latency HLS, which has expanded the conventional HLS protocol and reduces latency. This is based on the CMAF segment format. While utilizing HLS's extensive device support and adaptive streaming functions, it uses shorter segment time and preload hints to enable video distribution.

Low-latency DASH

Low delayed DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming Over HTTP) is a collaborative work to reduce the delay in the Dash protocol. This is based on the CMAF segment format. Using a chunk transfer encoding, segment distribution and processing are possible on the player before the entire file is available. Low delay DASH can significantly reduce the delay in content distribution.

Letencies depend on the type of application. The expected delays are not the same on the talk show live channel, sports events, gambling channels and auctions.

The business case for low latency video streaming

There is a new way to approach the stream delay problem, and the CMAF provides toolboxes used for both lo w-delay HLS and lo w-delay DASH, and the video technology has evolved. Today, the video streaming function has become sufficient to provide commercial services such as Netflix, but the issue of delay is still a concern, especially in live events.

Let's take a look at how R e-Tenshi plays the experience (Qoe) and what role.

How latency affects the video experience

First, let's take a look at how some different types of content are affected by delays.

• No n-linear content is affected by delay only in some cases, in some cases, an initial buffering may occur before the stream starts. However, even if the startup time is an important factor in global Qoe, it should not be confused with the en d-t o-end delay of stream distribution.
• Reverse linear content is also affected by delay, which is also like a channel change time. Again, it affects the user experience during the zapping, rather than a latent time, rather than a latency.
• For example, the Eurovision Song Contest still has voting done by phone and SMS. However, new genres of truly interactive shows, where participants interact in real time with the stream, require latencies significantly below the 5 seconds experienced in traditional broadcasting.
• Niche live sports are typically streamed only on a single platform, and are not broadcast simultaneously on different platforms. However, the ubiquitous use of social media changes the game, as no one wants to be ruined by a friend sending a message about an important event in the game.
• The Olympics are a unique case where latency matters. Indeed, in most cases, national team matches are broadcast by public broadcasters and are freely available to watch on all platforms.
• Gambling is a unique use case where low latency is desirable, but where perfectly controlled and consistent latency is required.

Inherently real-time video applications, such as telemedicine, drone flying, and the use of giant screens at live events, are niche applications that require latency in milliseconds rather than seconds, and are outside the scope of this article.

Do you need low latency? Latency requirements depend on the use case

Any operator serving the above use cases would be eager to reduce latency in video streaming. However, whether there is a business case to spend a lot of money to reduce latency depends on the use case. However, one element that applies to all use cases is social media. In fact, if you post a tweet from a live event, there is a 5-second latency similar to linear broadcasting. This makes it a key target for live streaming.

There are various technical approaches to reduce latency in streams, but most of the new solutions use CMAF. To explain these other technologies, we need to dig deeper into packaging, chunk origin servers, video players, and CDNs.

Commercial products have been available for years, and media processing and delivery providers have made their presence known by expanding their marketing efforts. Some operators, like the BBC, have been vocal about the issue. Nevertheless, operators are learning more about the business growth potential that can be gained by reducing latency.

In addition to solving latency issues, video quality expectations are also increasing business challenges for broadcasters.

Second-screen experiences

The widespread use of second screens has become an integral part of the modern viewing experience. With more and more viewers using other digital devices while watching TV, synchronization between the primary content and the auxiliary device is paramount. This synchronization is especially important during live events like sports, where play-by-play and social media commentary must occur without any perceptible delay. In such scenarios, low latency is essential to ensure a cohesive and engaging second-screen user experience.

Betting and bidding

Integrating low-latency streaming into betting and bidding platforms is transformative for these industries. In sports betting and online auctions, every second counts. A timely bet or bid can mean the difference between winning and losing. As sports betting and media continue to converge, creating an immersive experience that reflects the live action without any delay is essential to increase viewer engagement and platform trust. As the two industries become more intertwined, the importance of real-time data transmission is highlighted, making ultra-low latency streaming not just a convenience but a necessity.

Video game streaming and esports

The video games and esports sectors are predicated on the immediacy of player actions and reactions. Streaming delays can disrupt gameplay, diminish competitiveness, and alienate viewers who expect real-time engagement. Low-latency streaming is therefore beneficial and essential to maintaining the integrity of the gaming experience. It allows viewers and players to experience the game as it unfolds without the frustration of lags and buffering.

Video chat

Video chat has undergone a major evolution from a personal communication tool to a function essential for customer service and business operations. As businesses rely more on video conferencing to connect remote teams and conduct virtual meetings, the demand for low-latency video chat solutions has skyrocketed. In such interactions, any noticeable delay disrupts the flow of conversation, preventing effective collaboration and making the interaction less professional. Low-latency streaming services address such concerns by facilitating smoother, more natural conversations, like face-to-face discussions.

Remote operations

From remote medicine to industrial automation, remote control rely on data and video feeds to operate machinery, medical consultation, and unmanned systems. In such an important environment, even a slight delay can lead to mistakes, errors, and in the worst case. Thus, lo w-delay streaming is an important component that allows operators to make rea l-time decisio n-making based on live data.

Real-time monitoring

In various industries, rea l-time monitoring systems are used for monitoring, process control, and safety. The effectiveness of these systems, such as monitoring of traffic flow, directing production lines, and ensuring public safety, depends on the ability to deliver live feeds with a minimum delay. Lo w-delay streaming enables immediate response and intervention, which is extremely important in preventing incidents and optimizing processes.

Interactive streaming and user-generated content

The rise of interactive streaming platforms and use r-generated content has created a new paradigm of viewer engagement. Viewers are no longer passive consumers, but participants in active content production and exchange. Lo w-delay streaming is a basic in this interactive ecosystem where feedback, live voting, and user posting from viewers are essential for content. By minimizing delays, content creators can promote viewers participation and build a community, develop a more dynamic and comprehensive environment.

Next, let's explain what is gaining momentum due to hig h-speed streaming.

Ultra-low latency video streaming

In the fas t-paced digital media world, ultr a-lo w-delay video streaming is becoming increasingly important. This technology is indispensable for distributing live content with a minimum delay, and is ideal for various applications that are key keys to rea l-time interaction.

Definition and importance are ultr a-lo w-delay streaming means to distribute video content less than 1 second from camera to viewers as possible. This is extremely important in applications that have a significant impact on viewers' experiences, such as games, auctions, and interactive broadcasting.

Progress of technology: The progress of streaming protocols and network infrastructure has enabled ultr a-low streaming. Technology, such as Web Rea l-Time Communications (WebRTC), secure or reliable transport (SRT), is at the forefront of this revolution.

Applying to various industries: Ultr a-lo w-delay streaming is being transformed in various fields. In sports broadcasts, fans can see the live almost instantly and enhance the engagement. In online games and esports, players and viewers can experience games without delay. In the financial field, rea l-time transactions and bidding processes are possible.

Realization of ultr a-low delays in issues and solutions is technically difficult, and it is necessary to optimize the entire streaming pipeline from capture to playback. Solutions include the use of efficient encoding technology, optimizing network protocols, and using clou d-based technology for scalability and flexibility.

Future of streaming: As consumers' expectations for immediate nature increase, ultr a-lo w-delay streaming is no exception, but rather standard. With the development of the ongoing 5G technology, the delay is expected to be further reduced, and ultr a-lo w-delay streaming is expected to be more familiar and reliable.

Ultr a-lo w-delay video streaming means a big leap in live streaming technology, opens new possibilities for rea l-time online interaction, and enhances the overall quality of viewer experiences in various industries.

Bringing DAI and latency into focus

In the dynamic world of streaming videos, the role of target advertising as a profit booster is becoming more prominent. According to recent insights of Digital TV Research, global profits from online TV episodes and movie streaming are expected to increase significantly. By 2029, the market is expected to increase significantly from $ 162 billion in 2023 to $ 215 billion. In this growth orbital, advertisin g-support type VOD (AVOD) exceeds SVOD due to growth in profits.

The rapid increase in AVOD, which is expected to reach $ 69 billion by 2029, highlights the importance of advertising support models in the streaming ecosystem. But not just ads. The quality of streaming and VOD services, including aspects such as low delays in line with the expectations of live broadcasting, play an important role in maintaining viewers' satisfaction and engagement. As the industry evolves, the appropriate balance between advertising monetization and outstanding quality of experiences will be the key to attracting and sustaining viewers.

Expert tips to optimize QoE in low latency DAI workflows

Dynamic advertising insertion (DAI) allows you to replace ads in linear, live, and VOD content. The DAI Workflow provides a way to monetize content with a personalized video streaming service and a target advertising and advanced advertising function.

The DAI workflow inserts advertising content into the video stream and increases the steps of the media processing chain. When the workflow is affected by additional video processing, it is important to guarantee that the audience's experience will not change at least or further improvement.

The quality of the perceived experience affects both the viewer's behavior, positive and negative, either a subscriber keeps watching video services for a long time or creating a wave of cancellation. The DAI workflow can help create a unique experience that meets the needs and expectations of the subscriber.

However, when using a DAI workflow, delay is a risk factor in the quality of the perceived experience. A remarkable delay between live video streams and broadcasting is a streaming experience you want to avoid.

Here are four hints to use DAI while distributing lo w-delay videos.

1. Utilization of CMAF for low delay

The use of a common media application format (CMAF) is a solution when you want to distribute a lo w-delay video. CMAF is a media file format that provides a common workflow for distributing live content in MPEG DASH and Apple HLS. As standardized format, CMAF is supported by more than 60 ecosystems.

CMAF provides an option to create a subscription entity called CMAF chunk, which is often called low delay chunk (LLC). These chunks can usually deliver segments more progressively within the range of 100 milliseconds. By distributing a video using a smaller entity, it is possible to set the en d-t o-end distribution latency to 5 seconds (general broadcast latency) without impairing the quality of the video.

Another important value using CMAF is that a common distribution workflow is promised. You can avoid the cost of duplicate Cache in the general HLS segment and Dash segment. In CMAF, there is only one set of media files that can be used for HLS and DASH, so there is no need to overlap the cache with CDN.

This benefit of CMAF is still a work in progress in terms of being reflected in actual production workflows. The industry is currently working on the last details towards using a single ecosystem to deliver live content in DASH and HLS, rather than requiring two separate ecosystems.

2. Introducing a simple blackout management tool

As streaming services serve diverse audiences across multiple devices, it is essential to effectively manage regional viewing rights. A simple and effective geolocation-based management tool, commonly referred to as a "blackout", is essential.

Mostly utilized for live content like live sports broadcasts, this tool allows service providers to restrict access to programming based on the location of the viewer. This ensures compliance with regional broadcast rights and prevents viewers from accessing content in regions where the service provider does not have the rights to distribute. Such geo-restriction measures are key to maintaining the exclusivity of content and honoring license agreements across different territories.

A blackout management solution simplifies this process, handles event scheduling and ensures accurate inclusion of alternative content and slots. It also provides an up-to-date manifest to ensure legal commitments are fulfilled.

To efficiently manage and configure blackouts, it is important to be able to dynamically swap out segments. The dynamic aspect is essential because while ads are planned for specific times, they can be switched instantly based on predefined data.

DAI solutions that support blackout management through manifest manipulation allow you to dynamically change or customize the manifest. Advanced manifest manipulation allows you to, for example, create custom manifests for each user in real time.

Solutions that offer advanced capabilities for blackout management through manifest manipulation provide the most flexible way to personalize user experiences and deliver the relevant content viewers crave.

3. Increased flexibility with cloud solution deployment

If you want the highest possible level of flexibility for your entire DAI workflow, run it in the cloud. Running the entire end-to-end workflow on the cloud eliminates unnecessary deployment complexities and speeds up the launch of video streaming services. A cloud-based DAI approach gives you the flexibility to dynamically replace ads within live, linear, catch-up TV, and recorded content.

Conten t-type bit rate streaming (ABR) Transcoding, advertising transcoding, packaging, manifest generation, etc. The entire DAI workflow can be executed on the cloud.

Clou d-specific adaptivity greatly improves service scalability. This scalability is extremely important because it directly affects the consistency and quality of user experience. Clou d-based DAI framework provides the elasticity necessary to respond to the expanding viewers without reducing the service. Regardless of the scale of the viewer, we generate and manage individual manifests for each viewer.

This level of personalization guarantees a viewe r-based viewing experience and speeds up the monetization process. By utilizing the cloud functions, you can quickly implement targeted advertising strategies, use content quickly, and improve profits.

4. Reduce the complexity of workflows and deployments with integrated solutions

Introducing a DAI solution that supports CMAF and introducing a simple blackout management tool that runs on the cloud, there are a variety of advertising servers, clients, and players for target advertising distribution to end users. Elements are involved.

By using a DAI solution that provides an open architecture and a wide range of integrated ecosystem partners, you can speed up and simplify the process.

Get a DAI solution with low latency

HARMONIC's Dai solution is profitable from the close cooperation with an important vendor of the vast DAI ecosystem. As an active member of multiple standardized organizations, including Dash-IF, Streaming Video Alliance, and CTA Wave, when the ecosystem is mature, we are ready to integrate advanced functions to our VOS360 cloud video streaming and distribution platform. I am.

Please contact us if you have any questions and details on how to optimize the DAI workflow for low delay, which leads the industry to lead the industry. < SPAN> Content adaptive bit rate streaming (ABR) Transcoding, advertising transcoding, packaging, manifest generation and operation can be executed on the cloud.

What is Low Latency Video Streaming?

Clou d-specific adaptivity greatly improves service scalability. This scalability is extremely important because it directly affects the consistency and quality of user experience. Clou d-based DAI framework provides the elasticity necessary to respond to the expanding viewers without reducing the service. Regardless of the scale of the viewer, we generate and manage individual manifests for each viewer.

What is Low Latency Video Streaming?

This level of personalization guarantees a viewe r-based viewing experience and speeds up the monetization process. By utilizing the cloud functions, you can quickly implement targeted advertising strategies, use content quickly, and improve profits.

4. Reduce the complexity of workflows and deployments with integrated solutions

Why Do We Need Low-latency Streaming?

Introducing a DAI solution that supports CMAF and introducing a simple blackout management tool that runs on the cloud, there are a variety of advertising servers, clients, and players for target advertising distribution to end users. Elements are involved.

1. Enhanced User Experience

By using a DAI solution that provides an open architecture and a wide range of integrated ecosystem partners, you can speed up and simplify the process.

2. Real-time Interaction

HARMONIC's Dai solution is profitable from the close cooperation with an important vendor of the vast DAI ecosystem. As an active member of multiple standardized organizations, including Dash-IF, Streaming Video Alliance, and CTA Wave, when the ecosystem is mature, we are ready to integrate advanced functions to our VOS360 cloud video streaming and distribution platform. I am.

3. Competitive Advantage

Please contact us if you have any questions and details on how to optimize the DAI workflow for low delay, which leads the industry to lead the industry. Conten t-type bit rate streaming (ABR) Transcoding, advertising transcoding, packaging, manifest generation and operation can be executed on the cloud.

4. Improved Quality of Service

Clou d-specific adaptivity greatly improves service scalability. This scalability is extremely important because it directly affects the consistency and quality of user experience. Clou d-based DAI framework provides the elasticity necessary to respond to the expanding viewers without reducing the service. Regardless of the scale of the viewer, we generate and manage individual manifests for each viewer.

5. Enabling New Technologies and Applications

This level of personalization guarantees a viewe r-based viewing experience and speeds up the monetization process. By utilizing the cloud functions, you can quickly implement targeted advertising strategies, use content quickly, and improve profits.

6. Compliance with Industry Standards

4. Reduce the complexity of workflows and deployments with integrated solutions

Who Needs Low Latency Video Streaming?

Introducing a DAI solution that supports CMAF and introducing a simple blackout management tool that runs on the cloud, there are a variety of advertising servers, clients, and players for target advertising distribution to end users. Elements are involved.

By using a DAI solution that provides an open architecture and a wide range of integrated ecosystem partners, you can speed up and simplify the process.

HARMONIC's Dai solution is profitable from the close cooperation with an important vendor of the vast DAI ecosystem. As an active member of multiple standardized organizations, including Dash-IF, Streaming Video Alliance, and CTA Wave, when the ecosystem is mature, we are ready to integrate advanced functions to our VOS360 cloud video streaming and distribution platform. I am.

Impact of High Latency

Please contact us if you have any questions and details on how to optimize the DAI workflow for low delay, which leads the industry to lead the industry.

Understanding lo w-delay video streaming is not only desired for rea l-time interaction and seamless video playback, but also extremely important in the expected digital age. This technology enables immediate video transmission on the Internet, minimizes delays, and approaches live streaming experience as much as possible. In both games, live events, and video conferences, lo w-delay streaming plays a very important role in distributing content efficiently without causing frustrated delays, and in modern digital communication. It is an important factor.

What is an Acceptable Latency for Streaming?

A lo w-delay streaming is to shorten the time delay between the video content recording time and the viewer watching it. Simply put, it takes time for video streams to move from source to end audience. The shorter this time, the smaller the delay, and as a result, the video experience becomes more rea l-time.

Delaying is an essential element that requires video streaming, especially in applications that require rea l-time interaction such as live streaming and games. If the delay is large, a delay will occur between the user's operation and the viewer's display, and the experience may be felt or not synchronized. Lo w-delay video streaming is usually realized by a variety of factors, such as special encoding technology, faster Internet connection, and optimized network infrastructure.

Lo w-delay streaming is essential for several reasons, especially in applications and services where rea l-time interaction and immediate feedback are important. Here are some of the main reasons that require low delay streaming:

Lo w-delay streaming greatly improves user experiences by minimizing delays between broadcast stations and viewers. This is extremely important, especially in live events that emphasize the sense of viewers participating in action in real time.

Comparison: Standard, Low, and Ultra-low Latency

In applications such as video conferences, online games, and live auctions, rea l-time interaction is most important. Lo w-delay streaming guarantees communication and action synchronization between participants and promotes more natural and effective interaction.

Standard Latency

In areas where there is a big difference in milliseconds, such as financial transactions and e-sports, lo w-delay streaming can provide competitiveness. A quick decision and reaction to live events will be possible, and it will be essential for success.

Low Latency

Reducing latency contributes to a smoother, buffer-free streaming experience that is essential to retain viewers and subscribers. High latency leads to interrupted viewing, buffering, and a frustrating viewing experience, which drives users to seek better alternatives.

Ultra-Low Latency

Low latency streaming is a key enabler for new technologies and applications, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), where latency can destroy the immersive experience. It also plays a key role in the development of applications that require real-time data transmission, such as remote surgery and autonomous vehicles.

As the demand for live streaming grows, so do expectations for quality and speed. Low latency streaming helps content providers comply with industry standards and meet or exceed audience expectations for live content delivery.

How to Choose a Good Low-Latency Streaming Service?

Low latency video streaming is essential in a variety of sectors where real-time interaction and rapid response are key. Live sports broadcasts and online gaming platforms stand out as major beneficiaries. In these sectors, even slight latency can have a significant impact on viewer experience and engagement levels. The immediacy provided by low-latency streaming ensures fans and gamers receive data and visuals in real time, closely mirroring a live, in-person experience.

• Similarly, financial institutions and traders rely heavily on low-latency streaming for real-time analysis and trade execution. In the world of financial trading, milliseconds can mean the difference between big gains and losses. Healthcare is another sector that benefits greatly from low-latency streaming. Especially in telemedicine and remote surgery, where instant feedback is vital to patient care and surgical precision.

• Educational institutions and corporate training programs are also leveraging low-latency video streaming to facilitate interactive learning experiences. The technology enables more engaging and dynamic educational environments where students and participants can interact with instructors in real time. Security and surveillance systems leverage low-latency streaming to monitor and rapidly respond to incidents to ensure safety and timely intervention. In these diverse applications, low-latency streaming has become a key factor in enhancing user experience, operational efficiency, and outcomes.

• High latency can have a significant impact on performance, especially in online activities that require real-time interaction, such as online gaming, video conferencing, and live streaming. High latency creates a delay between when a user enters a command and when the server responds. This delay can cause delays, stuttering, and poor sound quality, making it difficult or impossible to effectively participate in these activities.

• Furthermore, high latency can lead to frustration as users feel like they have no control over their actions or don't receive timely feedback. Overall, high latency is a major hindrance to the usability and effectiveness of online applications.

• To provide a seamless viewing experience, it is important to understand acceptable latency in low latency video streaming. Latency is the delay between when a video is captured and when it is played on the viewer's screen, and is a key performance metric in streaming technology.

• For most streaming applications, a latency of 10 to 30 seconds is considered standard. However, advances in low latency video streaming have significantly reduced this benchmark. In scenarios like live sports, online gaming, and interactive broadcasting, where real-time interaction is essential, acceptable latency can be on the order of 1-5 seconds.

What Causes Low Latency In Video Streaming?

The drive for low latency stems from the need to synchronize live events with virtual interactions, reducing the gap between real-time and broadcast time. This is especially important in applications like live auctions and online betting, where even a few seconds of latency can impact the user experience.

1. However, achieving ultra-low latency is a key balance to strike. Reducing latency too much can compromise video quality and increase the likelihood of buffering. Thus, acceptable latency levels often depend on the specific requirements of the streaming content and its viewer tolerance.
2. Understanding the nuances of latency, especially in the context of video streaming, is crucial to deliver content that meets the expectations and needs of various audiences and applications. Latency is the delay between when video content is captured and when it is displayed to the viewer. It plays a key role in how interactive and "live" a streaming experience feels. Categorizing latency into standard, low, and ultra-low allows for technology choices tailored to specific use cases.
3. Standard latency is typical for many traditional streaming services, where latency of a few seconds to a minute is acceptable and often unnoticeable to viewers. This level of latency is typical for video-on-demand services and scenarios where real-time interaction between content providers and viewers is not important, such as standard live broadcasts like news and television shows. The advantage of standard latency is in its buffering capabilities, which compensate for network variations to ensure smoother playback and higher video quality.
4. Low latency streaming can significantly reduce latency, typically to just a few seconds, making it suitable for more interactive applications where standard latency cannot be met. This category is particularly suitable for live sporting events, live auctions, or live streaming content where viewer engagement through chat and reactions is important. Low latency strikes a balance between minimizing latency and maintaining quality of experience, allowing for more immediate and engaging interaction without sacrificing video quality.
5. Ultra-low latency streaming pushes the boundaries even further by reducing latency to near real-time, often below a second. This level of immediacy is crucial for applications where any perceptible delay between broadcaster and viewer can degrade the experience and effectiveness of the service. Examples include financial exchanges, online gaming, especially interactive competitive gaming, and some types of live events where real-time viewer participation is essential to the content itself (gambling, gaming, interactive shows, etc.).

Each latency category serves different needs and comes with its own challenges and considerations. Standard latency is suitable for most traditional broadcast content and provides a reliable, high-quality viewing experience. Low latency increases viewer engagement for live events, while ultra-low latency is essential for applications that require real-time interaction and feedback. Choosing the right latency level requires balancing your need for immediacy with factors such as network conditions, scalability, and video quality requirements.

Top 5 Low Latency Video Streaming Services & Solutions

When choosing a good low latency live streaming service, you need to look into a lot of things carefully. These range from latency to security and technical support. To make it easier, we are explaining some of these points below:

1. ZEGOCLOUD

Cost: There is no way not to use the streaming service of as low as possible, but you should carefully consider how much it will cost. It's not a good idea to go to an expensive service that doesn't help you. Therefore, find a streaming service that has a perfect balance between your needs and budgets.

Late: As is clear from the name, it is desirable that the delay provided by lo w-delay streaming services is as low as possible. Ideally, less than 3 seconds so that viewers can see everything in real time.

Reliable: Excellent streaming services must be able to handle high traffic without buffering or downtime. Therefore, look for a lo w-delay streaming service that can respond to the number of simultaneous viewers.

• Quality: The next important thing after waiting is the quality of live video streaming services. The selected streaming service must be supported for hours of ultr a-hig h-quality video streaming. In addition, the high quality of the video should not be at the cost of waiting time.
• Customization: It is also important to be able to customize low delay live streaming services according to your brand. Therefore, it is necessary to provide flexibility and a wide range of customization options to find services that can be completely integrated with their apps and brands.
• Support: It's stupid to think that lo w-delay streaming services can be integrated into the app without any problems. Therefore, it is essential to select services that provide strong technical support to solve the generated problems. In addition, the service must have a detailed document and a video tutorial.

2. Dolby Real-Time Streaming API

Lo w-delay video streaming is a gold standard for broadcasting operators aiming to provide viewers a rea l-time experience. But what are the factors to achieve this seamless streaming?

Reliable: Excellent streaming services must be able to handle high traffic without buffering or downtime. Therefore, look for a lo w-delay streaming service that can respond to the number of simultaneous viewers.

• Content Delivery Network (CDN): Using a robust CDN will route video data on the most efficient route and reduce the time to reach the end user.
• Optimized network protocol: Protocols such as Webrtc and SRT are specially designed for lo w-delay video streaming, minimizing data transmission delays.
• Server and infrastructure: Hig h-performance servers and appropriate infrastructure can process and transfer data packets more quickly.

3. Red5 Pro

Adaptive Bitrate Streaming (Adaptive Bit Rate Streaming) Adjusts video quality in real time according to the viewer's Internet speed, minimizes buffering and realizes continuous playback.

Reliable: Excellent streaming services must be able to handle high traffic without buffering or downtime. Therefore, look for a lo w-delay streaming service that can respond to the number of simultaneous viewers.

• There are many lo w-delay video streaming solutions online. In other words, choosing a highly reliable ultra lo w-delay video streaming solution is difficult for customers. Therefore, select the best 5 of lo w-delay video streaming solutions and explain below:
• The ZEGOCLOUD LIVE STREAMING API & AMP; SDK is the best choice of lo w-delay video streaming solutions with ultr a-lo w-delay of 600ms or less. With this, you can integrate live videos and audio streaming into your app. Provides functions such as ultr a-low delay, mult i-channel storage, and cloud recording.
• In addition, live stream supports high quality of up to 4K and supports more than 10 million viewers in one stream. Regarding security, we support advanced en d-t o-end encryption algorithm.

4. DACast

Main function

Reliable: Excellent streaming services must be able to handle high traffic without buffering or downtime. Therefore, look for a lo w-delay streaming service that can respond to the number of simultaneous viewers.

• The average waiting time is less than 1 second.
• The price of ZEGOCLOUD LIVE STREAMING API & AMP; SDK is from the 3. 99 US dollar/ participant of the video HD to the 35. 99 US dollar/ 1, 000 videos.
• Dolby. io's product, Dolby Real Time Story API, is another great option for lo w-delay video streaming solutions. It achieves a maximum of 500ms and a very low delay, and guarantees that viewers and streakers are on the same frame during streaming. This API can also stream a high quality video with a maximum of 4K resolution with the latest and optimized codecs.

5. Ant Media Server

Main function

Reliable: Excellent streaming services must be able to handle high traffic without buffering or downtime. Therefore, look for a lo w-delay streaming service that can respond to the number of simultaneous viewers.

• The Dolby Real-Time Streaming API achieves less than 1 second delay through live video streaming.
• The price is from $ 495 to $ 4995 per month.
• RED5 Pro is a rea l-time video streaming platform that enables ultr a-low live streaming. It also includes many other functions, such as adaptive bit rate, and guarantees that video quality is automatically adjusted according to the viewer's Internet connection. As a result, it is a smooth streaming experience for end users. In addition, users can access rea l-time analysis and monitor and optimize video stream performances.

Conclusion

Main function

This solution contains embedded cros s-platforms, guaranteeing seamless experiences throughout the browser and device.

• Rea l-time video streaming achieves less than 1 second waiting time.
• The price of the RED5 Pro is $ 29. 99 per month for developers, the US $ 3399. 00 per month.

DACAST is also a lo w-delay live streaming platform, and users can stream live and o n-demand video content. With DACAST, you can stream live events to viewers around the world, such as sports games, music concerts, and business meetings. This platform supports adaptive bit rate streaming, allowing viewers to watch streams with the highest quality as possible according to the Internet connection status.

Main function