Technology – Internet Radio and TV
Today an enormous variety of movies, television programs, and radio broadcasts can be transmitted over the Internet and other networks, giving rise to a range of new applications, media, and services.
Internet, or Web radio, is traditional radio broadcasting transmitted over the Internet. Many radio stations offer online programming, allowing access to material that aired previously. Stations can also reach listeners over the Internet who cannot receive over-the-air broadcasts. Many radio stations have emerged that offer exclusively Internet-based programming.
Sending and receiving technology
Internet radio programs are transmitted as a constant data “stream.” Unlike normal downloads, users need not download large data files. A stream is processed as it downloads, meaning users can begin listening to the radio program almost immediately.
In fact, in the case of live programming, this is the only option. This type of data transfer is called streaming and can be received using streaming media computer software, as well as wirelessly connected mobile devices.
Internet TV and IPTV
Broadcasting movies and television programs over the Internet is called Internet TV or Web TV. This system is similar to Internet radio. However, because of the larger amounts of data, highspeed Internet connections are necessary for good quality viewing. Television broadcasts are also offered under a system called IPTV; these are often broadcast over dedicated networks using Internet standards.
Internet broadcasts are accessible to nearly everyone, often at no cost. However, since the Internet is an open network, broadcast quality can vary. IPTV, by nature of being offered mainly by providers connected to larger data networks, is usually of better quality.
Podcasting
In podcasting, audio or video files are offered for downloading via the Internet, usually free of charge. An extremely wide range of content is offered through podcasting.
Increasingly, professional producers are also getting involved; for instance podcasts may be offered to supplement the content of online magazines or political party Web sites.
BASICS
DUE TO THE MODERN developments of the Internet, traditional media such as television, radio, and magazines are beginning to overlap and merge. This media convergence is, in turn, giving rise to new applications.
IN A VIDEO on demand system, users can choose films from an archive. The movies are transmitted over an Internet connection or other data network from special high speed video servers maintained by the provider.