The MediaStream object is then sent through the RTCPeerConnection. This replicates the mic and camera access originally provided by Flash. This creates the MediaStream object which contains the video stream parameters and constraints (resolution, aspect, bit rate, etc.). Those not interested in the technical explanation can skip to the end of this section.įor direct access and encoding of an attached or built-in webcam and microphone, WebRTC uses the MediaStream API usually invoking the GetUserMedia method. The following part is a deeper dive into the nitty-gritty of how WebRTC works. RTCDataChannel: peer-to-peer communication of generic data. RTCPeerConnection: audio or video streaming, with facilities for encryption and bandwidth management. MediaStream (aka getUserMedia): gain access to data streams, such as from the user's camera, screen, and microphone. To conduct the actual process of live streaming, WebRTC implements the following APIs: It can also still maintain a high-quality video, even in less than ideal network conditions. That support ensures that the WebRTC standard remains up to date and functional for the foreseeable future.īy using a secure and efficient UDP based transport known as SRTP, WebRTC is able to transport video with the lowest latency currently possible. WebRTC, an open-source project, also enjoys wide support from major players Apple, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, and Opera. Fortunately, there is a fully functioning (in many ways, better functioning) solution: WebRTC.Īs an HTML5 specification, WebRTC creates peer-to-peer, real-time media communications directly between browsers and devices via a simple API. While there are VOD replacements to Flash as well, this post shall focus mostly on discussing live streaming.Īs many browser-based applications have depended upon Flash, the fact that it is going away could be a major source of concern. In fact, YouTube at one time depended upon Flash. It is worth mentioning that Flash also served as a default solution for VOD and prerecorded content as well. As demand for live video grew, Flash's limitations (plugin-in dependent, proprietary technology, performance issues, etc.) proved an impediment to the advancement of live-streaming.
#Alternative to flash tv#
The general-purpose streaming platform Justin TV was powered by Flash before it turned into the game streaming platform Twitch. Flash is well on its way out with 2020 marking the last official year for support.įlash was a cornerstone of the live-streaming technology sector and, with the use of the underlying RTMP protocol, lay the groundwork for where we are today.