Back to the Future

A look at streaming media's past can give us guidance on our journey toward where we're heading next

The Math Behind the Magic

Whether we're talking about content delivery, player performance, live events, or even DRM, it's important to understand the algorithms that make streaming video tick.

Netflix's Stock Price Tumbles as Higher Prices Lead to Churn

Why did Netflix's stock fall in Q2? Because the OTT leader's price increase lead to service cancellations. That's a warning to all SVODs: If it can happen to Netflix, it can happen to any service.

Engineering Women: IBC Plays Host to a Powerful Force for Change

Women in Streaming Media has announced a mentoring program to encourage and empower talented women in the industry.

Two Quick-Fix Solutions That Became Long-Term Problems

When will the industry jettison HTTP-segment-based streaming and buffer-based playback, both of which hold us back? How about right now, our columnist proposes.

For Thought-Provoking Video, Forget About Slick Production Values

In a previous age, videoconferencing was bright, sterile, and unpleasant. It lacked the multi-sensory input that makes face-to-face meetings valuable.

3 Things the Streaming Industry Must Do to Prepare for ATSC 3.0

This is "The Year Before the Year of ATSC 3.0," and that means preparation—not just for broadcasters, but for the streaming industry, as well.

How Australia's Optus Missed the Goal at the World Cup

Optus claimed it experienced "unprecedented demand" for live video streaming during the 2018 World Cup, but what else would it expect?

Streaming Video Exploration Makes the World a Little Smaller

Both armchair explorers and scientists are making use of new video technologies that are able to see more deeply than human vision can.

Help Us Help Others Stream: The Online Video Industry Gives Back

This is the birth of a non-profit that could make a difference in the lives of many. If you have streaming skills and you'd like to help NGOs working in economically distressed areas, read on.

Streaming Options for Foreign Travelers Are Improving—Slowly

When it comes to subscription video on-demand, increasingly you can take it with you. Some services now let subscribers stream while abroad.

The Streaming Video Revolution Is About More Than Entertainment

Industries such as agriculture, mining, music, and manufacturing have all been transformed by audio and video streaming. In 2018, we'll take a deeper look.

The Streaming Industry Is Dead, and It's Never Been Hotter

Over the decades the streaming video industry has migrated into hundreds of other industries, and what was fringe is now mainstream.

The Chinese Streaming Market Rife With Possibilities and Pitfalls

Western publishers that want to stream video to audiences in China need to overcome unique hurdles that are more political than technical.

Is Apple's Move to HEVC About Effectiveness or Efficiency?

The latest macOS includes support for HEVC, but not for older Macs. In the rush to support higher resolutions and lower files sizes, are too many people being left out?

A King’s Ransom: Why Do OTT Subscription Costs Keep Rising?

The subscription video market is getting crowded, so why aren't prices declining? To understand that, first understand which actors are driving the market.

Dying to Stream: The Rise in Violent Acts Streamed Live Online

Another week, another story of a horrific act live streamed across the internet. Live video makes this possible. Now, how does the industry stop it?

Cut the Cord, Plug In an Antenna: It's Prime Time for Subchannels

TV Everywhere is plagued by connection difficulties, while quality is improving on over-the-air digital subchannels. The home antenna is making a comeback.