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Question Title What is the difference between streaming and progressive download?

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.

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Classic download Progressive download Streaming server
Need special file type? No Yes
Yes
File saved on local drive?
Note: this needs space!
Yes
Yes
No
Begin of file can be viewed during download? No Yes
Yes
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
Is fast forward possible (e.g. to watch the end) - No Yes
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Article Number: 571
Created: 2008-11-18 16:27
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