Streaming Versus Progressive Download

Progressive download is a method of video delivery in which a video file starts to play, after a short buffer period, while it is being downloaded to the client's computer. It's easy to deploy video in this manner because it requires nothing more than a web server. It also provides a good experience (especially with short videos that don't need long buffering times). Because the video is downloaded to the client's computer, it allows the end user to rewatch the video without having to download it again. Streaming video, by contrast, sends video in real time to a client machine, which plays the video as it is received and then discards it. A streaming server such as Macromedia Flash Communication Server MX can establish an intelligent connection with the client to allow the video to respond to the network connection and client requests. Because streamed video starts fast, plays in real time, and allows users to access different parts of the video immediately without first downloading the entire the video file beforehand, it's a great solution for long-playing videos, live video broadcasts, and applications that interact extensively with users. See in detail