Streaming Video Formats — Flash

The evolution of streaming video formats has been going on for years, and will continue for the foreseeable future. Currently there are four formats in popular use: Flash, Windows Media (WMV), Quicktime, and Real. Of the four, Real is arguably the weakest, and will most probably continue to decline.

On the the, hand, the Flash video format appears to be in the lead, and continues to gain market share. The reasons for this are various, and are detailed below.

A Matter of Numbers

More computers and browsers have the Flash player installed than any other format. Though not every user will have the latest version, the fact is that Flash is quickly becoming ubiquitous. Since most computer users tend to use whatever is easiest, this gives the Flash video player a definite edge.

On the other side, more and more content deliverers are choosing Flash simply because it gives them increased audience reach. Obviously, trends like this are self perpetuating, as the two sides tend to reinforce each other.

Compatibility

Flash works well on Macintosh, PC, Linux, and just about any other popular computer system. The experience is consistent within every format, which means that both users and deliverers benefit. (One of the parameters in which this is especially helpful is Flash’s adept handling of a broad range of connection speeds.)

Yes, other formats are designed to work across all platforms, too, but the reality doesn’t match the theory. For instance, Mac users can, supposedly, download a version of Windows Media for their machines. However, in additional to the extra effort required to find, download, install and configure that player, it doesn’t always work the way it should.

Improved Video Streaming

While all four video formats can stream, Flash seems to do it more effectively than the others. Without a dedicated server, Flash certainly delivers the best progressive download. With a dedicated server, Flash still provides the smoothest experience for the user.

As far as the quality of the video delivered, there are many different opinions on the subject. But there are so many factors involved, including the quality of the original video, compression methodology, delivery speed, user’s computer, browser, and monitor, etc., that it is difficult to make a judgement. Suffice it to say that there is no definitive answer regarding the comparison in quality between Flash, Quicktime, Windows Media, and Real.

Additional Capabilities

We’ve all seen the cool, multi-layered features contained within Flash websites. Now, Flash has built the same kind of capabilities into their video player, including overlays, pop-ups, sweeps, and other features that make the video experience far richer than with a standard, “flat” video players.

NOTE: Like all video delivery formats, only with a dedicated server can Flash video files be “protected.” When delivered via a standard web server, video files are downloaded into the users computer, and can be captured.

Wrapping Up

While the situation regarding video formats is — like much of technology — in flux, at this point in time, the Flash Video format has emerged as the clear winner regarding video streaming.