Evaluation and Analysis of Buffer Requirements for Streamed Video Data in Video on Demand Applications

Abstract

The integration of computers and communications is able to automate storage, processing and transportation of information. Video information is considered most bulky as it needs high space and consequently high bandwidth for real time playback. Thereby, Video on Demand (VOD) systems are inherently resource intensive and demanding with respect to the performance for continuous playback. The data stream is to be maintained between server and consumer for longer periods once playback of video begins. The restricted bandwidth of all contemporary media and the need to maintain long duration connectivity have been major bottleneck for jitter and breaks free VOD services. In this paper, an analysis and evaluation of buffer requirements for jitter and break free playback of video from a streaming server has been presented. In practice, the ordered delivery of data packets through public domain networks is not guaranteed, which can break the sequential playback of streamed video data. The performance of VOD system thus is critically dependent upon buffer available with the user. The limits and bounds for continuous playback versus buffer and real transmission plan have been illustrated, which have been identified by the authors during their recent research work cited under references. This paper also overviews the video streaming and playback processes for VOD systems and provides for graphical and formal representation of limits and bounds for buffers.