Transcoding for Adaptive Bitrate Streaming That said, it also pushes latency higher, so most content distributors encode their streaming content using the Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) and then repackage it for HLS delivery once it reaches the media server. HLS video streams are broken up into segments of data (also called chunks or packets) rather than being delivered as a continuous flow of information. This departure from how streams were traditionally delivered enables a higher-quality stream to reach a greater number of viewers. How Does HLS Work? Typical RTMP to HLS Workflow May 2020: the Low-Latency HLS specification is incorporated into the overarching HLS standard.November 2019: Wowza announces support for Apple Low-Latency HLS as part of the Wowza Streaming Engine 4.7.8 release.June 2019: Apple announces the spec for Low-Latency HLS extension.June 2016: Apple announces support of fMP4 format.
January 2015: Microsoft announces native support for HLS in Windows 10.HLS, which stands for HTTP Live Streaming, is a protocol developed for delivering live and on-demand streaming content that leverages HTTP technology for scalability and adaptive bitrate streaming.Scale and quality have traditionally come at the sacrifice of speedy delivery, but that’s all changing with Apple’s release of Low-Latency HLS. With HLS, content distributors are able to ensure great viewing experiences across a wide range of devices, while relying on a content delivery network (CDN) for global delivery. This is because all Mac, Android, Microsoft, and Linux devices can play streams delivered using HLS. The popularity of HLS over its alternatives can be chalked up to playback compatibility and quality of experience. In our 2019 Video Streaming Latency Report, more than 45% of participants indicated that they use the HLS protocol for content distribution. This is especially likely if you’re using an Apple device. Regardless of whether you’re watching live streams via an app on your phone or binging on-demand content on your smart TV, the chances are that HLS streaming is involved.
HLS is an adaptive HTTP-based format for transporting video and audio data from media servers to viewers’ screens.