Microsoft KB Archive/175762

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NetShow 2.0 and NetShow Theater Application Features

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Q175762

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft NetShow Theater Server version 3.0

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SUMMARY
To assist system administrators in the proper application of Microsoft streaming video technology, this article highlights the differences between NetShow 2.0 and NetShow Theater Server 3.0.

MORE INFORMATION
What is NetShow 2.0?

NetShow 2.0 provides a method of streaming video content (*.asf files) through narrow bandwidth networks, such as the Internet. Content is created for an audience based on the data transfer rate at which the average user will connect to the NetShow 2.0 server. For example, if most users are connecting to the Internet via 14.4 baud modems, then the *.asf content is created to match that data transfer rate.

These .asf files are usually rendered on the player in a small (320 X 240 pixel or fewer) window. In addition to video, the .asf file can contain script commands that cause a browser or other application to download and display static content, such as Web pages.

NetShow 2.0 has the ability to stream live video and to provide that real time content in multicast form: any number of individual players can connect to a single site and each will receive the same content stream.

What is NetShow Theater Server?

NetShow Theater Server is a system for streaming full screen video at comparable quality and control to that delivered by a VHS video cassette player through a wide-bandwidth dedicated network. A typical application for this product might be to provide a selection of full length feature films for customers in a hotel, on an airplane, or a cruise ship.

Content files contain all the same audio and video data as the original MPEG source file. The number of concurrent clients you can stream video to is hardware dependent. The speed of the content hard drives, the number of content hard drives, the number of content servers, the bandwidth of the network switch architecture, and other factors combine to define the total capacity of the system.

Content in the form of MPEG format files is loaded onto the content drives through the Administrative Workstation. The Theater Server system can be configured with fault tolerance so that hardware failures, such as the failure of a content hard disk, do not disrupt client playback of titles.

Essential Data
NetShow 2.0:


 * Designed for video content on Internet web pages.
 * Sends video and browser commands over the Internet.
 * Can "broadcast" over the Internet live video transmissions.
 * You cannot install the NetShow 2.0 Server on the same computer as the NetShow Theater Server components.
 * A single Netshow 2.0 server can service any number of multiple clients.
 * Great for animated diagrams and talking heads.

NetShow Theater Server:


 * Designed for full screen rendering of feature length motion pictures.
 * Transmits video on high-bandwidth, dedicated networks.
 * High-quality rendering of audio and video.
 * You cannot locate NetShow Theater Server on the same computer as NetShow 2.0 Server.
 * Configuring multiple servers to support a designed maximum number of clients.

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