Data processing over a network connection takes time due to a delay. In other, simple words, the time between capturing a video and displaying it on a viewer’s device is known as video streaming delay. Every step of the streaming workflow involves passing chunks of data from one place to another, resulting in a lag. Glass-to-glass latency is the time difference between the source and the viewer. “Capture latency” or “player latency” means the lags introduced at specific steps of the streaming workflow.

When streaming only audio, you can expect the audio gap to be similar to the video gap. There is no difference in the information; it is just a tad later. If the audio latency isn’t synced with the video latency, it can pose a significant problem. There can be a negative impact on the viewer’s experience when audio and visual data are not in sync. Hence, the importance of low-latency audio streaming should be considered equally.

Applications with low latency improve user experience and increase customer satisfaction by helping them run faster and more smoothly. A cloud-based application, an online meeting application, or a mission-critical computation application can fall into this category. When latency fluctuates unpredictably, that is, when low latency is followed by high latency. Some applications have a greater problem with unpredictability than high latency.

Low Latency

Generally, low latency refers to minimal data processing delays over a network. Streaming with low latency refers to a delay of fewer than five seconds from glass to glass. 

It should be noted, however, that not every streaming protocol or method can achieve low latency. Streams from Apple HLS have a default delay of approximately 30 seconds, whereas cable and satellite broadcast default to about a five-second delay. 

Causes Of Latency

Information requests made by users, applications, or systems are processed locally, then transmitted over the network to a server or system. Upon arrival at the destination, it is processed once again, resulting in the creation of a reply. This process begins the return trip reply transmission process.

Several network components are present along the way, as well as switches, routers, protocol changes, translators, and changes between fiber optic and wireless transmission. Hence, it is common for tiny delays to add up to discernible waiting times for users at every step.

With an increasing amount of traffic on the network, the gap increases as transmission lines back up and micro-latencies accumulate. A frustrating delay before the page loads is a manifestation of high latency.

The geographical distance that data must travel can also have a significant impact. Consequently, edge computing is a well-known method of reducing latency by locating data and applications closer to users.

When Do You Need Low Latency?

The benefits of low latency come at a cost. You’d need to make some adjustments if you wanted to broadcast your video live on YouTube, for example. Streaming in 4k resolutions wouldn’t be possible with what YouTube calls “low latency.” Likewise, YouTube doesn’t support live streaming in 1440p for its version of ultra-low latency.

However, there are some cases in which the tradeoff is worth it. It is still possible to watch some live streams despite standard lateness. There can be no other level except low or ultra-low for some.

There are a number of situations in which low latency is needed:

Q&A Session

When streaming a Q&A session, you should aim for low latency so that the audience can ask questions. It will facilitate better interaction with audiences, as they will expect it.

Video Games

The player must be able to see the action in real-time on the screen when playing online video games. Gaming and gameplay will be compromised by the lag between action and display onscreen.

Sports Betting

With online casinos and sports betting, players can gamble in real-time, or as close to it as possible, due to a short transmission time or low latency. This reduces the chance that someone will have the upper hand thanks to lower latency. A live auction can be attended by remote bidders through video conferencing or video chatting. To participate with people present at the actual location, bidders must have low-latency live streaming.

Video Chatting Solutions

Skype and other video chatting solutions may suffer from temporary communication breakdowns due to lags. Low latency and fast data transmission are essential to ensure seamless and uninterrupted communication on both sides.

For streams without audience interaction, low latency is not needed. Nevertheless, timeliness becomes increasingly critical as your content becomes more interactive. The importance of ultra-low latency is made even more important when it involves monetary transactions, as in live auctions or betting.

Multistreaming with low latency

A low-latency stream is especially important if you are streaming to multiple platforms at the same time. It is imperative that you find something reliable to cut down the delay when broadcasting to multiple channels at the same time. The platforms on which your audiences watch your stream aren’t communicating with you when you use a multistreaming service such as Restream. Only the server of the multistreaming service communicates with the platforms, and users communicate with the server only.

That is why you need a streaming service that is compatible with both the fastest streaming protocols and the platform you use. Communication with a service’s server is typically done via an RTMP protocol, and communication with platforms is usually achieved using the most appropriate available protocol. You are required to play a minimal role in all of this.

On a concluding note, any marketer, entrepreneur, gambler, or gamer who wants to do high-performance live streaming should consider video delay. In order for your viewers to enjoy uninterrupted viewing, it is imperative to achieve low latency if you are streaming.

Use a protocol that fits your video needs, such as 5centsCDN, to reduce video delays. In order to stream to a multistreaming service as quickly as possible, you should use the fastest possible protocol. Restream can handle the rest