Latency in Live Streaming Projects

Latency In the context of live streaming, refers to the delay between the time an event occurs and the time it is displayed to the viewer. It is usually measured in seconds or milliseconds.

Latency can be introduced by various factors, such as the distance between the event and the viewer, the speed of the internet connection, and the processing time required by the streaming platform or device.

Low latency is generally desired in live streaming, as it allows for a more seamless and interactive experience. High latency can cause a lag between the event and the viewer, which can be frustrating and disrupt the flow of the stream.

There are various ways to reduce latency in live streaming, including using a faster internet connection, optimizing the encoding and transcoding process, and using specialized streaming protocols.

The Lower the Latency the closer to real time

The latency of a live stream using RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) or HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) can vary depending on various factors, such as the distance between the event and the viewer, the speed of the internet connection, and the processing time required by the streaming platform or device.

In general, a latency of around 20-30 seconds is considered normal for RTMP and HLS streaming. However, it is possible to achieve lower latencies with optimized configurations and specialized streaming protocols.

It’s worth noting that the latency of a live stream can also be influenced by the type of content being streamed. For example, a live speaker/conference event may have a higher tolerance for latency, while a live talk show or interactive game stream may require a lower latency to provide a more seamless and interactive experience

In summary, the normal latency for RTMP and HLS streaming is generally in the range of 2-5 seconds, but it is possible to achieve lower latencies with the right setup and protocols.

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is a widely supported streaming protocol that is used by many platforms and devices. It is supported natively on Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs, as well as on many other devices and platforms through the use of a media player.

Not all video players support Low Latency HLS streaming.

There are several platforms that support low latency streaming using HLS, including:

• Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol, which is natively supported on Apple devices.
• Wowza Streaming Engine, a software platform that can be used to deliver low latency HLS streams to a variety of devices.
• Nimble Streamer, a media server software that supports low latency HLS streaming.
• Akamai, a cloud-based platform that offers low latency HLS streaming as part of its streaming services.
• JW Player, a popular media player that supports low latency HLS streaming.
• AntMedia, an open-source streaming engine supports low latency.
• StreamShark, a cloud-based platform that provides a low latency HLS streaming solution.

These are just a few examples of platforms that support low latency HLS streaming. There are many other options available, and the choice of platform will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the live stream.