I am a little surprised about this comment on the Quicktime streaming server.

We have been using this technology for the last ten years and have had no
serious problems running the streaming server from Linux, Windows, and Mac
platforms to clients on Mac and Windows platforms , and we link directly into
BlackBoard - using quarter and full-screen displays.

Among the problems we discovered: Quicktime Publisher is too buggy to be used in
a networked environment. We have written our own php-based web interface that
handles everything from MPG1 (downloading or streaming) to H.264 (not
recommended). 

Problems on our client machines are often caused by corrupted browsers, network
problems (low bandwidth, inappropriate switches/hubs,  competition with other
playback application like REAL, and firewall settings, particularly on
Windows-based computers.

The most important thing to have in place when there is a problem with streaming
services is a process for the user to call or email a competent person either at
the institution's help desk or in the Language Resource Center. Example:
Microsoft's security updates in September 2006 closed, among other things and
under certain conditions,  the streaming ports on Windows XP, effectively
shutting down services on those computers. Good communication between the Help
Desk and the LRC solved this issue in a few days. 

I still find Quicktime Streaming Server a very inexpensive, flexible and
reliable solution to a LRC's needs. We have no plans for implementing other
streaming technologies at the moment.

Otmar Foelsche



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Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask])
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