Streaming live content
Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2
Normally, you will stream live content as a broadcast instead of as an on-demand stream because the user cannot control the playback of live content. Streaming live content can have distinct advantages over streaming prerecorded content. Entertainment and news information generally has a greater impact when broadcast live, and certain time-sensitive information may have no value to the user if it is recorded and broadcast later.
Producing live content for broadcast does not have to be difficult or expensive. Even live video can be streamed relatively easily with the right equipment. Moreover, a live stream can consist of nothing more than connecting your encoder to a live feed from a television or radio signal.
In any case, notifying the audience of the proper time and URL of the live streaming event is very important. Notify users early and often to make sure they know where to connect and when.
As with any complex project, planning is your first priority. Because live digital media streams often cannot be revised or adjusted after they have begun, careful planning and organization at the start of your project is important to the success of your live broadcast. The three primary steps in this process are: event preparation, input media preparation, and encoder preparation.