How does Streaming Media work?

There is a lot of protocol that goes into the process of streaming media. In order to understand this process you need to understand basic terms:
IP: Internet Protocol: underlying protocol which transmits data across the internet; supports real-time transfer of data
HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol: Protocol for transfering hypertext files or web pages
RTP: Real-time Transfer Protocol: allows the actual transfer of data in real time (allows one-way stream: server --> client)
RTSP: Real-time Streaming Protocol: allows two -way protocol and allows client to have more control over streaming media (i.e.- stop, start, pause like with a remote control for DVD's) as well as request info about the data in a format-specific way, specific transport type and destination, and the like
Unicast: "one to one" each end user gets seperate stream (one cast)
Multicast: "multiples" allows multiple streams to be sent to multiple end users

These are some terms just to get you started. Understanding how the technology of streaming media works can seem difficult, but if you break it down into simple steps, its not so bad. More on this later. Good luck!

Streaming Media Technology Examples:
Adobe Flash
Accordent Technologies
Ampache
Clipstream
FORscene
Icecast
FreeCast
Matroska
Microsoft Windows Media
Ogg/Vorbis
Orb
QuickTime
ReelTime.com
RealNetworks
RealPlayer
SHOUTcast
Slingbox
SlimServer
Winamp
Philips Media Manager
Unreal Media Server

Flash as a Form of Popular Entertainment

Flash is a great way to view animation imbedded directly into the web page. Thousands of people a week go to homestarrunner.com for free (if bizarre) entertainment. Started by brothers Mike and Matt Chapman in early 2000, this Flash cartoon has grown steadily in popularity since its inception. Although the cartoon itself is free, the brothers have made their living off the site from merchandise sales. This is a great example of innovation and creativity blending with emerging technology.

Check it out here.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF STREAMING MEDIA FROM THE POPULAR WEBSITE YOU TUBE!!

Streaming video is incredibly useful in today's world. For example, in our apartment, we do not have a TV, but when we need to catch the new episode of the Office that we missed we hop online to http://www.nbc.com/ and watch it there!

4. iBiquity
-Is a company formed by the merger of USA Digital Radio and Lucent Digital Radio, with the goal of creating an in-band on-channel (IBOC) digital radio system for the United States.
-It can operate on both AM band and FM band broadcasts either in a digital-only mode, or in a "hybrid" digital+analog mode. Most broadcasts for the foreseeable future will use the hybrid method, reportedly giving AM stations "FM quality" sound, while allowing FM stations to achieve "CD quality" audio or carry multiple audio programs.
-The technology is marketed under the term HD Radio. Note the "HD" in HD-Radio stands for "Hybrid Digital" not "High Definition" in more popular usage.

3. YouTube
-is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips.
-YouTube was founded by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim, who were all early employees of PayPal.