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CM|IP Comment: Reducing latency for live video streaming is essential


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One of the final hurdles for the OTT market to overcome is widespread adoption of low latency, particularly for live video and sports applications. Latency has been a longtime thorn in the side of video streaming, and it’s an issue that operators must address if they want to deliver a superior quality of experience, on par with traditional broadcast.

Why latency is an Issue

We’ve all experienced it. You’re watching your favourite sports team on a connected device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Your favorite team scores a goal, and you hear fans at the pub down the road – who are watching the game on a broadcast TV set – cheering about 10 seconds before you actually see it happen. Whenever this happens, it creates an instant dissatisfaction with the video streaming experience. Based on a recent research study, 57.7% of global viewers said they would be more likely to watch live sports online if the stream was not delayed from the broadcast.

A lag between live broadcasts and live streaming services can also significantly impact certain business models, such as online gambling. Gamblers want to be able to follow sports in real time, and place their bets live. The sports betting market in the U.S. is huge, generating $1 billion in revenue in 2020, a number that is projected to grow sixfold by 2023


What improvements are being made?

Since the birth of video streaming, latency has improved. In 2019, ABI found that the typical latency for HTTP streaming is 40 seconds, compared with a broadcast latency of about 5 seconds. For live sports, 35 seconds in delay can make a huge difference. While latency has improved since then, it’s not improved to the point where live sports is truly live.

Sports leagues and video streaming providers need to bring the latency for OTT down to a few seconds to maintain viewer satisfaction and engagement.

The rollout of 5G networks around the world promises to decrease latency by creating a faster pipe for video streaming. However, 5G networks only address the last mile of the delivery chain. Ultimately, the end-to-end streaming workflow needs to be optimised to ensure low latency.

Over the years, the industry has been busy working on solutions to achieve end-to-end low latency. Apple’s HLS and MPEG-DASH Low Latency protocols are designed to bring latency closer to where it needs to be – down to a few seconds, in some cases.


Learn more on reducing latency at Connected Media|IP

OTT video consumption continues to grow, and there’s a strong consumer interest in live sports streaming. Research shows that 63% of consumers would consider paying – or paying more if they already do so – for a live sports streaming service if it offered coverage of a sports league or team that interests them.

Therefore, latency continues to be an important topic for the industry to address. At NAB Show 2021, Connected Media|IP (CMIP) will help you learn more about the latest techniques for ensuring low latency. CMIP is an excellent opportunity to see demos of real-world solutions in its exhibitor booths and learn about the latest developments in low latency within the seminar theatres.

To learn more details about Connected Media|IP (CM|IP)


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Be a Part of Media and Entertainment’s Future at Connected Media|IP


With OTT streaming booming, the time has never been better than to engage with your customers. At the 2021 NAB Show — 10-13 October 2021, Las Vegas Convention Center — Connected Media|IP is the place to do it.

Over the next few months, we’ll be revealing more details about Connected Media|IP presentation topics, panel debate themes, and more. After the year we’ve had, Connected Media|IP will be a great opportunity to meet with customers, partners and industry experts face to face and stay on top of the latest OTT trends. To find out additional information:

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