This chapter presents several techniques for broadcasting multimedia data (audio and video) over the Internet. Internet broadcasting (also called webcasting) techniques have become very important in applications such as Internet (or Web) radio and television, real-time broadcasting of critical data (such as stock prices), distance learning, videoconferencing, and many others. We describe the current Internet broadcasting techniques including IP Unicast and IP Multicast, and we introduce a new technique IP Simulcast. The IP Simulcast approach is based on the hierarchical, binary structure of receivers, which at the same time become data senders or repeaters.

INTRODUCTION

Internet broadcasting, referred as webcasting, is coming of age. Now, in addition to reprocessed audio or video that is transferred from radio or TV to the Internet, webcasting also means broadcasting new, original content, sometimes live, on the Web. Taking advantage of streaming audio and video technology, site producers can bring real-time sound and vision to the Web. With the present technology, to squeeze it through a 28.8 Kbps modem line, audio and video must be compressed almost to the breaking point, and that means plenty of people will find it's not worth hearing or viewing.

However, the problems have not stopped millions of people from downloading viewers and seeking out the webcasts. Listening to music or watching video straight off the Internet (Web) still creates a strong enough buzz that people...