Real-Time Streaming (RTS) is a premium feature of ApsaraVideo Live. This feature provides easy-to-access live streaming services characterized by ultra-low latency, high concurrency, high definition, and smooth playback. This topic describes basic information about RTS and how to use the feature.
Introduction
On top of ApsaraVideo Live, RTS provides enhanced streaming performance through various approaches. It supports latency monitoring throughout the live streaming process, revamps CDN transmission protocols, and optimizes underlying technologies such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP). RTS also integrates ApsaraVideo Player SDK. Compared with conventional live streaming that has a latency of 3 to 6 seconds, RTS can support the playback of tens of millions of concurrent streams at a latency of milliseconds. This ensures that the streams load instantly and play smoothly.
Awarded certification
Alibaba Cloud has cooperated with China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT) to formulate the following ultra-low-latency livestreaming standards: "Grading Model for the Performance and Quality of Ultra-low-latency Livestreaming Services" and "Capability Standards for Transmission and Distribution Networks Facing Real-time Communication". As one of the first products which were honored to be assessed by CAICT for their capabilities regarding interactive streaming, Alibaba Cloud Real-Time Streaming (RTS) was awarded the highest "Excellence Grade" certification. Alibaba Cloud RTS is the first-ever product to get that certification for powerful interactive streaming capabilities. For more information, see Alibaba Cloud RTS is awarded the "Excellence Grade" certification from CAICT.
Architecture
To use the RTS feature, you only need to add an RTS streaming domain to ApsaraVideo Live. Then, you can pull streams over various protocols. The following figure shows the architecture of RTS.
Streams are ingested over Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP). The latency of streams depends on the network quality for stream ingest, the group of pictures (GOP) size of the streams, and the player cache.
For standard streaming over RTMP, the streaming URL starts with
rtmp://; for standard streaming over Flash Video (FLV) or HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), the streaming URL starts withhttp://. For RTS over UDP, the streaming URL starts withartc://.
Differences between RTS and standard streaming
You can seamlessly upgrade from standard streaming to RTS. If you are using standard streaming, enable RTS in the ApsaraVideo Live console to use standard streaming and RTS at the same time. If RTS encounters playback failures, you can revert to standard streaming to ensure business reliability.
Limits
To use RTS 2.0, you must integrate RTS SDK on both the stream ingest side and playback side.
To use RTS 1.0, you only need to integrate RTS SDK on the playback side.
Feature comparison
Item | RTS | Standard streaming | |
RTS 2.0 | RTS 1.0 | ||
Streaming protocol | Alibaba Real-Time Communication (ARTC), a protocol based on Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) | ARTC | RTMP, FLV, and HLS |
End-to-end latency | 200 to 400 ms | 500 to 1,000 ms |
|
Resistance to poor networks | Smooth playback even at an end-to-end packet loss rate of 30% | Smooth playback even at a playback-side packet loss rate of 30% | Limited performance under poor network conditions |
Compatibility |
|
|
|
Coverage | Global | Global | Global |
Best practices | A live streaming latency of 200 to 400 ms is achieved. For more information, see Reduce the latency to 200 to 400 ms. | A live streaming latency of 500 to 1,000 ms is achieved. For more information, see Get started with RTS. | For more information, see Get started with ApsaraVideo Live. |
Scenario comparison
Type | Scenario |
RTS |
|
Standard streaming | Minimal user interaction: Standard streaming enables viewers to watch streams, but varying network conditions can result in inconsistent viewing experiences across different screens. |
Performance showcase
The following video shows the performance improvements of RTS over standard streaming:
Scenarios
Scenario | Description |
Education live streaming | In online large classes, a large number of students can interact with teachers at a low latency. |
E-commerce live streaming | Sellers can communicate with buyers, answer questions from buyers, and exchange product information with buyers in real time. |
Sports live streaming | Sports and e-sports events are broadcast in real time. |
Interactive entertainment | Streamers can give real-time response when viewers send virtual gifts, which creates a more interactive and engaging experience. |
Billing
The billing of RTS is different from that of standard streaming. The following rules apply:
You are charged based on the billable items of RTS rather than those of standard streaming.
The metering methods for RTS and standard streaming are the same. You can pay for RTS by traffic or bandwidth.
If you change the metering method for standard streaming, the metering method for RTS also changes.
For more information about the billing of RTS, see Billing of RTS.
Demos
To download RTS demos, use DingTalk to scan the following QR code:
FAQ
Consultation
If you have questions or suggestions when you use RTS, join the DingTalk group (group ID: 44533142) for RTS technical support. For troubleshooting and quality tuning, submit a ticket to contact Alibaba Cloud technical support. For more information, see Contact us.