Experiences and challenges in implementing adaptive bitrate multimedia streaming for live multimedia content

Abstract

The process of network convergence and the increased availability of high speed networks has opened a number of possibilities in the field of multimedia content distribution. Above all, the popularity of mobile platforms and the accompanying user mobility requires the distribution platforms to be able to respond to changing network conditions and to maintain a satisfactory quality of service regardless of client device capabilities. This paper discusses the experiences and challenges in implementing an adaptive bitrate (ABR) multimedia streaming platform for live media content. Common streaming techniques and protocols used for live streaming are described, along with the basic principles of adaptive stream selection based on available bandwidth. As a proof of concept, adaptive bitrate streaming has been successfully implemented in a Digital Multimedia Distribution system called GSTV.