Non-Streaming versus Streaming Audio and Video

Audio Non-Streaming Audio Streaming	Video Non-Streaming Video Streaming
Non-Streaming - audio and video file must first download (transfer) to your computer from another computer on the Web before it plays. Streaming - audio and video file starts playing once a connection is made between your computer and another computer on the Web.

Audio:

Format:

Plug-ins:

Size and Examples:

Non-Streaming

.aiff .wav .au or .midi format

No plug-in required if using Netscape 3.01 or later or Explorer 4.0 or later

Short files (500k-1MB) - 30 seconds-1 minute

George Bush on broccoli

Other sound clips from Webcorp Historic Archive

Streaming

Special compressed format - Real Audio

Helper application required.
Real Player

Several minutes to several hours or live broadcast

National Public Radio

Video:	Format:	Plug-ins:	Size and Examples:
Non-Streaming	.mov or .avi format	No plug-in required if using a recent version of Netscape or Explorer.	Short files (500k-3MB) - 5 seconds-45 seconds QuickTime video Chris Farley imitates Newt Gingrich during a visit to Washington.
Streaming	Special compressed format - Real Video Other streaming formats	Helper application required. Real Player	Long files - several minutes or live broadcast An example from VCU's School of Pharmacy. C-Span Online - archives (....more video)