4 Factors Impacting Latency in Video Streaming

Media Entertainment Tech Outlook | Thursday, December 12, 2019

Content providers have realized the business implications of video content and are striving to offer latency-free streaming services.  

FREMONT, CA: Video streaming has gained tremendous popularity in the past few years. Businesses know the potential of video content and are also using it for marketing purposes. Besides, the statistics suggest that video content has the potential to attract and engage more audiences than any other form of media. Thus, it’s essential to ensure a seamless video streaming service for better customer experience. Video latency indicates the time between the capturing of a frame and its display on the screen of the end-user.     

Ideally, lower latency is good for the streaming business. However, there is no set standard describing a low latency rate. A latency which is below the average in the particular field of broadcasting can be regarded as a low latency. Here are the factors that can impact latency in streaming solutions.

Quality Tradeoffs

Lower latency can also be achieved through tradeoffs. For instance, if broadcasters wish to stream video live on YouTube, they must consider giving up 4k resolution to qualify for YouTube’s version of ultra-low latency. Thus, calculated quality tradeoffs can enable the broadcasters to offset streaming latency. 

Bandwidth

Higher bandwidth enables faster data flow and results in less congestion. Alternatively, insufficient bandwidth can increase latency. Thus, content providers need to consider a higher bandwidth range to minimize streaming latency for the viewers. 

Internet Connectivity & Encoding

The type of internet connectivity also affects data transmission speeds. For instance, optic fibers enable faster transmission of video streams than wireless internet. 

Encoding plays a role in latency too. For instance, an optimized encoded signal will reach the receiving device with minimal delay. 

Distance from the Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Finally, the distance is also an active contributor to the latency factor. If the user is located far from the internet hub, internet service provider, or satellites, there will be an increased latency in the video stream.

These factors offer an insight into the means and requirements of reduced latency outputs. A streaming service provider must analyze the afore-mentioned and counter the hindrances that lead to streaming latency. 

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