Live Streaming Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RTMP | Low latency, relies on Flash-era technology | Traditional pushing / pulling |
| HTTP-FLV | Low latency, playable in HTML5 | The go-to choice for web live streaming |
| WebSocket-FLV | Even lower latency | Latency-sensitive scenarios |
| HLS | High compatibility, segment-based delivery | Video-on-demand and mobile |
How to Play
- Copy your live stream URL (a
.flvor RTMP address). - Open the RTMP video stream player.
- Paste the address and press play.
- If the stream fails to play, the tool automatically falls back to HLS.
Technical Notes
The player is built on Video.js and flv.js (open source by bilibili), decoding the stream in your browser via Media Source Extensions — no Flash plugin required.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is CORS required for playback?
Browser cross-origin security policies require the streaming server to send the proper CORS headers, otherwise the stream cannot be pulled into a web page.
How high is the typical latency?
HTTP-FLV usually adds about 1–5 seconds of latency; for scenarios that demand even lower latency, consider a WebRTC solution.
References
- Video.js: https://videojs.com/
- flv.js (by bilibili): https://github.com/bilibili/flv.js