An introduction to low latency streaming

A lot of us are acquainted with the delays of video data transfers.

Then what is the definition of low latency? Do you require reducing latency on all of your live events? Let's answer all this and more with this article.

An introduction to low latency

Low latency refers to the smallest delay for video data to transfer from the player onto the screens of your viewers.

The shorter time for data transmission provides a great viewing experience and facilitates interaction. But here's the catch For a low latency experience, you must compromise on lower resolution or video quality.

Fortunately, not every live event demands low latency.

It is essential in live streaming events for real-time interaction or the viewing experience. When you live stream, your audience expects to see what's going on and/or participate live during the course of the event. So you can't afford the high-latency requirements and you will need to stream with smaller resolutions than 4K.

Although this is low-latency streaming in a nutshell Let's get deeper into the specifics of what it takes and how to achieve it.

What exactly is low latency?

When translated, latency literally refers to a delay in transmission.'

When it comes to video latency, it refers to the delay in the time it takes from the video captured from your camera to play within your viewers' player.

Hence, low latency means reduced time to transfer video data to point A (your streaming headquarter) and to the point of B (your your audience's members).

Similarly, a high latency means more time in streaming video data from the live streamer to their audience.

What constitutes as a low latency?

According to industry standards, the minimum latency for live streaming has a duration of 10 seconds or less while streaming broadcast tv ranges from 2- six seconds. Based on the use you intend to make, it's even possible to reach ultra-low latency that lies between 2 and 0.2 seconds.

But why do you need the lowest latency when streaming video? There is no need for low latency for every live stream that you host. But you do need it for each active live streaming.

The key here is the amount of interaction that your live event requires.

So if your event involves, for example auctions live, you'll need the lowest latency to stream your event. Why? In order to make sure that every interaction is in real-time and not have the possibility of delays, which could result in unfair advantage.

We'll look into more examples of these usage cases later.

Do you really need streaming that is low-latency?

The more participation live your event requires, the shorter transmission time you will require. In this way, guests can live-stream the experience with no any delay.

Here are instances when you'll need low latency streaming:

• Two-way communicationsuch as live chat. This is also true for live events in which Q&As are part of the.
• Live-streamed viewingis important, just like online games.
• Required audience participation. This is the case, for instance, when it comes to cases of casinos online, gambling on sports and live auctions.
• Real-time monitoring. For example, searches and rescue operations, military-level bodycams, and baby and pet monitors.
• Remote operations that require consistent connectivity between a distant operator and machinery they control. Example: endoscopy cameras.

When should you use streaming with low latency?

Summarizing the use cases which we've previously discussed It is necessary to have streaming with low latency when streaming:

• Content with a time limit
• Content that needs an immediate interaction with the audience and engages them

However, why shouldn't you use low latency for all your video streams? The more efficient delay your content has in being seen by your viewers, the better? Well, not exactly. Low latency does comes with disadvantages.

They include:

• The low latency can compromise the quality of video. The reason: high video quality can slow down transmission workflow due to its large file size.
• There's little buffered (or pre-loaded) information in the this line. This leaves little room for error should there an issue with the network.

If you stream live the streaming platform rapidly preloads content prior to streaming to viewers. So, in the event of an issue with the network, it plays the buffered video, which allows the network-caused slowdown to catch up.

When the network issue is resolved when the issue is resolved, the player downloads the top quality possible video. All this, however, happens in the background.

Translation: viewers get the same high-quality, uninterrupted replay experience, unless in the course of events, a serious incident occurs on the network.

When you select a low latency however it's not as much playback video to be prepared by the player. There's a little room for error when an issue with your network occurs out of the blue.

The fact is that high latency can be beneficial in certain circumstances. As an example, the greater delay gives the producers chance to remove vulgar content or inappropriate language.

Also, in situations where there is no compromise in the quality of video broadcasting, you can increase the speed of transmission to ensure the best viewing experience possible as well as allow to adjust for errors.

How do you measure latency?

In the light of the definition of low latency streaming as well as its applications off the table we'll look at ways you can gauge it.

Technicallyspeaking, the term "low latency" is defined by the unit the round-trip duration (RTT). It refers to the length of amount of time required for a packet to move between points A and B and to be returned to the origin.

For calculating this number most effective method is to use time stamps to the video stream and request a teammate to watch the live stream.

Have them look for the exact time frame to appear on their monitor. Then, subtract the timestamp's time from the time the viewer saw the exact frame. This will give you your latency.

You can also ask a friend to follow your stream and record a particular signal when it appears. Now take the time you performed the cue on your live stream, and note when your assigned viewer saw it. It will provide you with time, although not as precise as the above method. But it's still good enough for a rough idea.

How can you reduce the latency of video?

Now how do you achieve lower latency?

The fact of the matter is that there are a variety of elements that influence the speed of your video. From encoder settings to streamer you're using, various factors play a part to play.

So let's examine these aspects and the best way to maximize the way you use them to decrease latency , while ensuring that the quality of your videos don't suffer an enormous hit.

• Internet connection form. The internet connection affects speeds and rates of data transmission. This is why Ethernet connections are more suitable for live streaming than WiFi and cellular data (it's recommended to use them as your backups though).

• Bandwidth. A high bandwidth (the amount of data that can be transferred at a time) means less congestion and faster internet.

• Video file size. The larger sizes consume more bandwidth in transferring from one point to B. This increases the latency and vice versa.

• Distance. It's how far you are from your Internet source. The closer you are closer to the source, the more quickly the video stream you upload will be transferred.

• Encoder. Pick an encoder which helps to keep your latency low by transmitting signals through your device to the receiver device in as short a time as possible. However, make sure that the encoder you select will work with the streaming service you use.
• Streaming protocol or the protocol that delivers the data you've collected (including audio and video) through your laptop to the screens of viewers. For achieving low latency, it is necessary to choose the right streaming protocol to minimize data loss while introducing lesser latency.

Let's look at the different streaming protocols that you are able to pick from:

• SRT The protocol efficiently transmits high-quality video over lengthy distances with minimal latency. Since it's new, it's still being utilized by various tech companies, such as encoders. What's the solution? Use it in combination with another protocol.

• WebRTC: WebRTC is great for video conferencing however it has a few compromises on video quality since it focuses on speed mainly. However, the issue is that most players don't work with it due to the creation of a complicated setup to allow to be deployed.
• High-latency HLS This is ideal for streaming with low latency of up to 2 seconds. This makes it ideal for live streaming that is interactive. It's an emerging spec so it's not yet supported for implementation. process.
  

Live stream, with low latency.

A low-latency stream is possible with a fast internet connection, high bandwidth, the best-fit streaming technology, and an optimized encoder.

Additionally, closing the distance between you and your internet connection as well as using smaller video formats help.