Live streaming has transformed the way we engage with real-time content, but it also poses challenges for delivering stable and efficient video streams. Secure Reliable Transport (SRT) has emerged as a popular protocol, but it comes with certain disadvantages that impact the live streaming experience. In this blog post, we will explore the drawbacks of using SRT for live streaming, including the requirement of a network threshold and increased latency. Additionally, we will compare SRT with the RASCOW2 streaming protocol from Soliton Systems, which offers adaptive encoding and supports ultra-low latency video streaming over public 4G and 5G networks.
Complexity and Configuration Challenges
Implementing and configuring SRT for live streaming can be complex, requiring technical expertise and an understanding of network infrastructure. While SRT offers configuration options to optimize streaming performance, it may be overwhelming for non-technical users. Moreover, SRT requires a network threshold to operate effectively. Going below this threshold can result in the live stream abruptly stopping, causing interruptions in the streaming experience.
Increased Latency
One notable disadvantage of SRT in live streaming is increased latency compared to certain streaming protocols. While SRT ensures reliable video transmission, the protocol introduces additional processing time, resulting in higher latency. This latency can be noticeable in live events where real-time interaction and immediate feedback are critical. However, it's important to note that latency comparisons should be made with specific protocols, such as RTMP or HLS, as the baseline. These traditional streaming protocols may offer lower latency compared to SRT. RASCOW2 from Soliton offers unique latencies over 4G that is unmatched by other technologies.
Resource Intensive
SRT's reliability and error correction mechanisms come at the cost of increased resource utilization. The protocol requires additional processing power and network bandwidth, which can strain the streaming infrastructure, especially in resource-constrained scenarios. This increased resource consumption can lead to higher costs for content providers, particularly when scaling up to accommodate larger audiences or multiple streaming channels. Additionally, viewers with limited internet bandwidth may experience buffering issues and degraded streaming quality due to the resource-intensive nature of SRT.
Comparison with RASCOW2 Protocol with Ultra-Low Latency
In contrast to SRT, the RASCOW streaming protocol from Soliton Systems offers not only adaptive encoding but also supports ultra-low latency video streaming over public 4G and 5G networks. RASCOW's efficient video delivery includes both the network latency and H.265 encoding and decoding at the receiving end. Soliton Systems has demonstrated proven latencies of 65ms over public 4G networks and 35ms over 5G networks.
This ultra-low latency advantage of RASCOW2 is a significant benefit, especially in applications where real-time interaction and immediate feedback are crucial. Live events, remote production, and interactive streaming scenarios greatly benefit from minimized latency, ensuring seamless viewer experiences and enabling timely interaction.
Additionally, RASCOW2's adaptive encoding capabilities allow it to optimize video streams, dynamically adjusting the encoding parameters based on network conditions. This ensures reliable transmission and minimized buffering, even in challenging network environments with limited bandwidth or high contention.
While SRT has gained popularity as a live streaming protocol, it is essential to acknowledge its disadvantages, including the requirement of a network threshold and increased latency compared to certain streaming protocols. In contrast, the RASCOW streaming protocol from Soliton Systems offers adaptive encoding and the significant advantage of ultra-low latency video streaming over public 4G and 5G networks. Content providers and streaming platforms should carefully evaluate these factors and consider the specific requirements of their live streaming scenarios. For applications where ultra-low latency and real-time interaction are paramount, RASCOW2 presents a compelling solution with its proven latencies of 65ms over public 4G networks and 35ms over 5G networks. By incorporating adaptive encoding and minimizing network latency, RASCOW2 ensures a seamless streaming experience, even in challenging network conditions. Content providers and streaming platforms can leverage the advantages of RASCOW2 to deliver high-quality, low-latency video streams, particularly in areas with poor cellular coverage or high contention. Ultimately, the choice between SRT and RASCOW2 depends on the specific needs and priorities of each live streaming deployment