Company
Date Published
Author
Michael Carroll
Word count
1400
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

In an era marked by the soaring consumption of live streaming content, HTTP streaming technologies have undergone significant evolution, beginning with the progressive download method of the late 1990s and early 2000s, which allowed viewing before complete downloads but was limited by bandwidth inefficiencies. This initial method paved the way for more advanced protocols like HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH), which introduced adaptive bitrate streaming to optimize video quality based on network conditions, enhancing user experiences and accommodating a diverse range of devices. While HDS by Adobe improved streaming for high-definition content and live events, its reliance on proprietary technologies limited its widespread adoption. Apple’s HLS became an industry standard due to its robust performance, broad compatibility, and support for both live and on-demand streaming, while DASH offered a standardized approach enhancing scalability and content protection. Looking forward, the integration of AI, 5G, and immersive technologies like virtual reality hints at a future where HTTP streaming becomes more personalized and interactive, with companies like PubNub poised to support these advancements through real-time APIs.