Webcasting is a means
of telecasting media - specifically live shows over the Internet.
The signals transmitted are conveyed stepwise from the source
to the encrypter which in turn directs information to the
server which is then made available to viewers.
Resource:
The source for webcasts can be any audio-video file in the
form of video tapes, video cameras or telephonic/satellite
signal. The data from the source is conveyed to the encrypter.
Encrypter:
The encrypter comprises of specialized software that transforms
the signals from the source into a format capable of being
broadcasted over the Internet. The encrypted signals are directed
to the server.
Server:
It is the server which makes networking possible (inter and
intranet). The server is provided with software which enables
several users to access the information/audio-video files.
Users:
Users can easily view the webcasts if they have an Internet
connection and their computer is supported with suitable software.
There are a wide range of softwares which can be used to play
video files from the Internet. Some of them are
Windows Media Player : which was
created by Microsoft is endowed with the latest technology and
has several development software packages.
Macromedia
Flash Player :
which was created by Adobe systems. This application is used
to display games and movies created using the same software.
Quick
Player :
which was designed by Apple Systems. It is used to open and
play over a dozen file formats (inclusive of sound, text, animations
and video) and create slide shows.
Real
Time Player :
which was brought to the market by Real Networks is used to
display, organize and access audio-video files.
Shoutcast
: which is an audio-video streaming program helps set
your own radio station on a server and play live broadcasts.
Icecast : which
is yet another program is designed to display files from the
Internet.
Unique
Features Of Webcasting
Webcasting is economically-viable as it saves travel and boarding
expenses by providing information at your desktop. It yields
fast returns upon investment in corporate firms. Productivity
rate is high which makes webcasting a very good business venture.
Obviously
webcasting is also time-saving as it shortens distances by delivering
signals across continents. It facilitates participators to interact
from their own locations.
Webcasting
offers long-term benefits by archiving live broadcasts which
could be played on demand by anyone across borders on any given
day in the future. This incurs profits not only on the day of
the event but even long after that.
Webcasting
extends first hand information as its sources are primary ones
which in turn avoid uncertainties in conveyance of signals.
Hence authenticity of information is preserved.
