Customer Reviews

The Streaming Media Handbook

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I had very high expectations when I began to read this book, and I dont feel like they were fulfilled. It is a nice introduction for beginners to the world of advanced computing. However, for anyone who has been toying around with streaming media, this is probably not the book for you. Actually, I'm not sure that there is a book for you (at least I haven't found it yet). This book is extremely general, which I can excuse because of the nature of the subject matter. The author does use some wierd names for devices, though. For example, he calls a power supply a "power housing". Errors in terminology aside, the book did not seem to have any kind of definite experience level. The author considers advanced network topology and server placement and explains how to install a simple program and how to add RAM. This is a bit odd. Also, with regards to wireless standards, the author writes with a clear bias against the WAP Consortium. At times, the single purpose of the chapter was to attack the standard and those who created it. I cannot entertain the inclusion of a political agenda in a technical reference book. The book does have its advantages. Namely, the fact that it is an introduction for business people who are interested in deploying streaming technology but do not have a wealth of technical knowledge. For the rest of us techies, stay away from this book.

Finally a book that explains how to start streaming. No walk around, no sophisticated language. Straight step by step explanation of how to configure a workstation or a media server. many other books that talk about streaming media concentrate on the development of web pages, or emphasize the production process. The Streaming Media Handbook covers in short the production process, but just as an overview. It covers how to prepare web pages to display streaming content, but just as a tool to test your streams. And what is more important then learning how to start streaming. How to connect a video source to your capture card, adjust your encoding tool, and configure your media server to receive a streaming signal? I definitely recommend it! I found helpful charts and product comparison, and a detail break down of software and hardware, showing the pros and cons of each streaming technology. Well done !!!

I find my self constantly refering to this book...it has helped me tremendously in optimizing my internal network for streaming. The book covers the basics of video on the web for beginers as well as advanced topics for experienced streaming professionals.

This is the #1 reference for streaming media. It is a comprehensive and practical guide and contains useful topics. One of the best resources I've seen on streaming!

Covers everything you need to know about streaming, including network setup, coding, customer examples. Definitely one of the best books around.

Covers everything you need to know about streaming, including network setup, coding, customer examples. Definitely one of the best books around.