It seems like
everybody and their proverbial
uncle wants to get in on the delivery of HD via the internet. EdgeStream (not to be confused with
NetStreams) is a new entry into the streaming field, and based on the name, it's safe to assume an edge-network is the central bit here. Like most players in this field, specific details are shrouded over by either techy or catchy names. EdgeStream took the techy approach, and touts it Internet Congestion Tunnel Through (ICCT) and Continuous Route Optimization (CROS) technologies for delivering a smooth, eye-popping viewing experience here. Our own experience with their demos was less than stellar, but Rome wasn't built in a day, was it? At this point, we welcome all entries in the hopes that one of them will catch on and deliver on three counts: smooth playback (some initial buffering is acceptable), great picture quality and studio support.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Nfinity @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:11AM
First Akamai, now EdgeStream... it seems we might actaully see HD streaming this year and really expanded next year.
This was quite expected. Next step, connect it with Xbox 360 or PS3 and we are done. With explosion of HDTV sources, HD digital distribution models are coming very soon, I think it's becoming very clear now that we will say bye bye to optical media completely in the next 2-3 years.
snowfedstream @ May 24th 2008 2:44PM
We are just entering an era of HD streaming. Akamai only delivers low bit rate streams - you must have at least three times the clip rate in the last mile to stream a video without hiccups. High bit rate videos can only be watched after they downloaded to your PC.
EdgeStream is atleast streaming high bit rates with a very good quality of service and from what we hear, they are not an edge network - only three data centers!
Something sure is changing and the edge delivered models are going to have a tough time upgrading to match the new video delivery networks