New iPhone 3.0 and live video streaming over HTTP

Since the release of Apple OS 3.0 a lot of features have been mentioned, however not many people have been talking about the new open format for live video streaming over HTTP. Previously Apple have sold QuickTime Streaming Server which uses Real Time Streaming Protocol.

The idea of Apple’s HTTP Live streaming is to create a standard of streaming video which will allow anyone to use it, without the risk of firewalls blocking the communication. HTTP Live Steaming will be viewable in any playback client on any platform.

The way in which HTTP live streaming works is to take the source video/audio and stream it live to your playback client, however the media is chopped up into segments of about 10 seconds rather then sending one continuous stream. By doing this it causes latency however more internet connections will allow the traffic to go through without restricting any of it, the latency then allows for the sengment to join and playback smoothly.

As your iPhone has embedded QuickTime player all you will need is a URL and you will be able to stream the data direct to your iPhone.

To see a fully detailed review of HTTP Live Streaming check out Apple Insider