What is QuickTime Streaming Server?

QuickTime Streaming Server delivers hinted QuickTime (.mov), hinted MPEG-4 (.mp4), and hinted 3GPP (.3gp) files in real time over the Internet and mobile networks via the Real-time Transport Protocol/Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTP/RTSP). It can also deliver MP3 files via Icecast-compatible protocols. It delivers both video on demand (VoD) and, when combined with broadcasting software, live streams. It is perfect for serving live events over the web, when partnered with broadcaster software, or for creating a 24x7 video or radio station with the included Playlist Broadcaster, or delivering long-form media. It is also perfect for those concerned with customers downloading files locally: real time streaming means the data is “consumed” as it is delivered, leaving no file to play back locally.

QuickTime Streaming Server, while designed for Mac OS X Server, is also available via the Darwin open source project, which offers a high level of customizability to just about any network. Sharing the same code base as QuickTime Streaming Server. Darwin Streaming Server can be compiled for a number of operating systems including Windows and Linux.

What’s new in QuickTime Streaming Server 5.5?

QuickTime Streaming Server 5 includes:

• Performance enhancements: Stream industry standard, HD (High Definition) H.264 content to a wide range wide of compliant players and devices.
• Increased support for 3G streaming. Deliver live and on-demand 3G streams over high-speed mobile networks to a wide range of mobile handsets.
• Brand new QTSS Publisher. Included with QuickTime Streaming Server 5.5 is a brand-new version of QTSS Publisher, an easy-to-use application for managing your server-side media. Features include:
  • Redesigned user interface
  • Support for non-admin log-in
  • AppleScript support for automating workflows

What is QTSS Publisher?

QuickTime Streaming Server (QTSS) Publisher is an application for managing all of your QuickTime media for delivery via QuickTime Streaming Server on Mac OS X Server. Features include:

• File upload
• Automatic hinting of QuickTime and MPEG-4 files
• Simple playlist creation
• Automatic generation of embed tags
• One-click web page publishing with templates
• AppleScript support

On which platforms can I run QTSS Publisher?

QTSS Publisher can be run locally on Mac OS X Server v10.4 or later or remotely from any Macintosh running Mac OS X v10.4 and later. Note: you will have to log into a computer running Mac OS X Server v10.4 or later in order for QTSS Publisher to function.

What are the system requirement for QuickTime Streaming Server 5.5?

• Mac OS X Server v10.4 and later
• Xserve, Power Mac G5, G4 or G3, iMac, eMac or Mac mini computer; 128MB of RAM, at least 256MB of RAM for high-demand servers running multiple services; built-in USB; 4GB of available disk space.

Where can I get more information about licensing?

For information on licensing the Darwin Streaming Server, visit the Darwin Streaming Server area of the Apple Public Source web site.

For information on licensing the QuickTime Player, visit the QuickTime Software Distribution Agreement page.

How do I calculate how large my Internet connection must be to stream content?

Multiply the maximum number of users you expect to connect by the bit rate of the files they will view. If files play at different bit rates, multiply by the highest and then the lowest bit rates to estimate a range.

For more information and details refer to the Knowledge Base article, “Determining Adequate Server Bandwidth”.

How do I do live video and audio streaming?

In order to stream live media you will need recording equipment (i.e., a video camera), a computer that has broadcast software, and a Mac OS X Server with QuickTime Streaming Server installed.

For more information on setting up this environment and streaming live media, refer to http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=75002.

Where can I find more information on broadcasting software?

See QuickTime Broadcaster to learn more about Apple’s free broadcasting application. For information about 3rd party broadcasting products please visit the QuickTime Broadcasting Tools page.

How do I stream prerecorded movies or audio?

All prerecorded, or stored, media must be "hinted" with either QuickTime Pro or most authoring applications.

For more information on hinting, see the tutorials area or visit the Hint Track tutorial. You can stream single and multiple stored files. After the movie is hinted, copy the file to the Movies folder on your QuickTime Streaming Server.

Where is the Help located?

The QuickTime Streaming Help can be found in several different places. Select QuickTime Streaming Help from the Help menu or you can choose "Streaming media" from the Server Administration Help table of contents.

Are there resources on the web that I can reference to obtain more information?

Yes. For more information about QuickTime Streaming, see QuickTime Streaming Server, Mac OS X Server support, and QuickTime. You may also subscribe to related mailing lists by visiting Apple Mailing Lists.