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Not every video you watch is actually streamed. Sometimes there is what we call "progressive download". With progressive download the file is already being played as soon as a small part is downloaded.
Compare
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Classic download |
Progressive download |
Streaming server |
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Need special file type? |
No |
Yes
|
Yes
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File saved on local drive?
Note: this needs space! |
Yes
|
Yes
|
No |
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Begin of file can be viewed during download? |
No |
Yes
|
Yes
|
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What happens when bandwidth is too small? |
Downloading takes longer |
Viewing is interruped till enough new material is downloaded |
First less frames per second are shown (no sound interruption). Then video is interrupted while player is trying to keep playing sound
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Is fast forward possible (e.g. to watch the end) |
- |
No |
Yes
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Statistics
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Limited |
Limited |
Extesnive |
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What is the difference between streaming and progressive download?
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