Real-Time Messaging Protocol
Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) is a widely-used protocol for streaming audio, video, and data over the internet, primarily designed to provide high-performance transmission of multimedia content. Developed originally by Macromedia, which was later acquired by Adobe Systems, RTMP was initially a part of the Adobe Flash platform. It is most commonly employed for streaming within the Adobe Flash Player, but its use has expanded to various applications and platforms for live streaming setups. RTMP is favored for its capability to deliver content with low latency, making it ideal for real-time interactive applications such as live broadcasts, video conferencing, and online gaming.
RTMP works by maintaining a constant connection between the video player (the client) and the server. This persistent connection allows for the delivery of data in real-time, as opposed to the traditional method of downloading a video file before playing. The protocol splits the data into small packets, which are then sent from the server to the player. These packets contain fragments of the video and audio data, enabling the content to be played almost as soon as it is received. This method is known as streaming. RTMP is capable of dynamic bit rate adjustment, which means it can seamlessly adjust the quality of the video stream based on the user’s internet speed, ensuring a buffer-free experience even under fluctuating network conditions.
Despite its widespread use, the shift towards HTML5 and the gradual phasing out of Adobe Flash has led to the emergence of alternative protocols like HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and MPEG-DASH. These newer protocols offer better compatibility with modern web technologies and are designed to work natively with HTML5 video players. However, RTMP remains significant for live streaming applications due to its low latency capabilities. It is often used in tandem with these newer protocols; where RTMP is used for the ingestion of live video feeds to a server or cloud-based platform, which then redistributes the stream using HLS or DASH for consumption by viewers. This hybrid approach allows content creators and broadcasters to leverage the strengths of RTMP in live video production while utilising more modern and compatible protocols for content delivery.
Links
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real-Time_Messaging_Protocol
- Wowza: https://www.wowza.com/blog/rtmp-streaming-real-time-messaging-protocol
- Stackpath: https://www.stackpath.com/edge-academy/what-is-real-time-messaging-protocol-rtmp/