Web Video Streaming - Pt. #2 (Hosting)

So you've found your connectivity solution for a web stream, now you'll need to align yourself with a host. The host is where your video stream is destined, and provides a "player" and bandwidth so that people who want to watch it, can. That is what a hosting services provides in its simplest form.

There is a cadre of hosting providers available on the net. Some are free - others charge for the service. Search "web streaming providers" and you'll see how many service providers there are.  Sorting out priorities and variables before jumping in is a necessity. Keep in mind that most free hosting providers are only "free" because advertising will appear before (and sometime during - static) your live event. Here are considerations you will need to keep in mind:

• Who will be watching and where (dynamic player)
• How many viewers do you think you might have (bandwidth requirements)
• Does social networking play a part in your web cast (embedded player for social networking sites)
• what level of quality to you want to achieve (player for large format devices)
• Do you want your webcast password protected, or open to the public (security)
• Do you have a budget in place (provider charges)

Web streaming has come a long in the past year. If you are up for it, and budget isn't limiting your choices, you can align yourself with a provider that can give you a web stream capable of appearing on a large screen TV in all its glory. Keep in mind that some people may want to watch your web cast on a smart phone - don't ignore the portable device crowd, they are growing and demanding to see whatever they can via that little computer in their pocket. A "dynamic player" (being able to play the stream on multiple devices) is almost a no-brainer in terms of requirements for steaming providers these days.

Bottom line is this, when it comes to deciding upon a video host/provider, almost all allow you to embed live video streams on multiple web sites. Some allow you to embed on social networks. Keep in mind the old rule, "you get what you pay for," meaning you might not get support when you need it in a free provider, or people who want to see your live stream may not be able to because of bandwidth issues (to many people viewing at the same time). However it goes, the web cast will reflect back on you, or your organization. Always shoot a bit higher than what you think you'll need. It will make a difference, and make your life simpler.