Using the same concept as streaming audio, streaming video uses streaming technology to allow viewers to watch and listen to video files while they are being downloaded, instead of waiting for the entire file to download before it is accessible. This is necessary because most users don't have a fast enough Internet connection to download these large files in a timely manner.

As I touched on in the last column, streaming video works by displaying data while it is being downloaded. Your browser or video player assembles the data and saves the excess (following 10-30 seconds) into what is called the buffer. As long as the connection continues to flow smoothly, you will receive smooth video and audio. If this connection degrades, the content can become choppy or even stall until a solid connection is reestablished.

One of the emerging leaders in the streaming video market is from our old friend Apple Computers. They produce the Quicktime player and just released the new Quicktime version 4.0 which is available for free download at (www.quicktime.com).

At the recent Macworld Expo, Steve Jobs announced the new player (keynote available for download) and a new line of streaming content called Quicktime TV. The player makes it very easy to access the different Quicktime channels, including live broadcasts and it is very clear that the technology has a lot of potential beyond just video clips and downloadable movie trailers.

In addition to Apple's proprietary channels, Quicktime is compatible with many other media formats including MP3, Flash, AVI, WAV and even still graphic images which allows viewers to access an abundance of content from all over the Internet.

The other major company in streaming video is Real Networks. Readers that downloaded Real's software from the last column are already equipped to watch video using the same player. Otherwise, it is available for free download at (www.real.com).

Because Real has been dedicated to streaming video technology longer than Apple, there is plenty of commercial and independent video content designed specifically for the realplayer G2 already accesible on the Internet.

A great place to start is with one of the biggest streaming content providers, Broadcast.com (www.broadcast.com). Once you have arrived at this site you will find a directory of content as well as an index of upcoming live events down the left column.

Another site with informative streaming content is CNN Interactive (www.cnn.com). After arriving at their home page, click on 'Video'. Once this page loads, choose a stream rate (modem speed). Now you are ready to watch headline news updated throughout the day, top stories and select CNN television shows right through your browser.

While significant quality improvements clearly need to be made with streaming media before it can compete with broadcast television, cable or satellite, it has great potential on the Internet. And, the combination of current web technology and multimedia content is now in the process of becoming mainstream and will, one day, revolutionize how the public accesses information.

Next time, we'll take a look at broadband technologies and how this new concept may allow viewers to access large files like audio and video without long downloads or outrageous connectivity costs.