How to achieve zero latency in your video streams
For media executives, delivering high-quality, low-latency video isn’t just a technical goal. Streaming quality can make or break viewer engagement, especially when it comes to sports and other live events. Low video latency is crucial for business success, but many content providers struggle to meet rising viewer expectations. If this sounds like you, it’s time to explore the causes of live event latency and how low-latency solutions can help you attract more viewers, boost engagement, and increase profitability.
Common causes of stream latency
Before you can capture the low-latency video streaming market, you need to understand what’s slowing you down. Understanding these causes is the first step in developing strategies to minimize stream latency and improve streaming performance.
Network congestion
Network congestion occurs when there’s more data being transmitted through a network than it can handle efficiently. This oversaturation leads to slower data transfer rates and increased video latency, which can result in buffering, reduced video quality, and time delays. Content delivery networks (CDNs) and adaptive bitrate streaming can help minimize the effects of network congestion, but they don’t always eliminate the problem.
Insufficient bandwidth
Bandwidth is the maximum rate at which data can be transmitted over an internet connection. When the available bandwidth doesn’t meet the video stream’s requirements, it leads to increased stream latency. This issue can occur at various points in the streaming process, from the content provider’s upload capacity to the viewer’s download speed. Reducing live event latency depends on having enough bandwidth at all stages of the streaming pipeline.
Server location
The physical distance between the streaming server and the viewer can also increase overall latency because data traveling longer distances takes more time to reach its destination. This is why many low-latency live video streaming services use geographically distributed server networks to reduce the distance the data needs to travel and improve the quality of the stream no matter where viewers are.
Streaming quality settings
While viewers generally prefer higher-quality video, it comes at the cost of increased processing time and data transfer: Low- and ultra-low-latency video require more data, which can increase latency. Balancing quality with video latency requirements is a key consideration if you want to deliver the best possible viewing experience.
Encoding and decoding delays
The process of encoding video for streaming and decoding it on the viewer’s device introduces additional latency. More complex encoding methods may provide better compression and quality, but come at the cost of increased processing time. Similarly, the capabilities of the viewer’s device can affect decoding speed, potentially adding to the overall video latency.
How to reduce live event latency
Reducing video latency will improve your streaming performance and deliver a better viewing experience. Here’s how to do it.
Optimize encoding settings
Efficient encoding decreases the time needed to process and transmit video data, reducing video latency while maintaining quality. Making your encoding more efficient involves selecting appropriate codecs, bitrates, and frame rates that balance quality and speed. Implementing adaptive bitrate streaming can also help optimize the viewing experience across different network conditions.
Utilize edge computing
Edge computing distributes computing resources across a network of edge servers, which are closer to where the data is actually produced and consumed. It brings processing closer to the data source, reducing the distance data needs to travel and lowering stream latency. It’s a great approach for executives who need to reach large, global audiences.
Implement low-latency video streaming protocols
Choosing the right streaming protocol might be the most important piece of the video latency puzzle. Traditional streaming protocols like HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) and DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) are widely supported but can introduce latency. New low-latency video streaming protocols like WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication), SRT (Secure Reliable Transport), and CMAF (Common Media Application Format) can also help reduce live event latency.
Choosing the best low-latency streaming solution
As the demand for real-time content delivery continues to grow, executives are under pressure to solve the problem of video latency. Here’s what to look for so that you can deliver high-quality, low-latency video to global audiences.
Proven infrastructure and global reach
You want to work with someone who has already built the infrastructure needed to deliver low-latency video at scale. The best partners operate dedicated networks specifically designed for video transport, not just standard internet connections that can introduce unpredictable delays. LTN operates the industry’s only IP network purpose-built for video, with Tier 1 data centers worldwide.
Multicast capabilities and network efficiency
Not all IP networks are created equal when it comes to handling live event latency and large audiences. Partners with multicast-enabled networks, like LTN, can deliver the same stream to thousands of viewers without multiplying bandwidth costs or introducing additional latency. This is especially important for live sports and breaking news, where you need to maintain the real-time experience that keeps viewers engaged.
End-to-end management and support
Managing low-latency live video streaming involves complex technical challenges that go beyond just choosing the right protocols. LTN can handle everything from signal acquisition to final delivery, eliminating the need for you to coordinate between multiple vendors. We also provide 24/7 technical support and monitoring, because live events don't wait for business hours.
Discover the low-latency LTN Network
Whether you’re looking to enhance live sports broadcasts, improve interactive streaming experiences, or simply stay ahead in the competitive landscape, LTN has low-latency video streaming solutions to meet your needs. With LTN, you can be confident your content will reach viewers with minimal delay and maximum impact. Reach out for a demo today to see how we can help you solve video latency issues and stay ahead of the streaming curve.