Real-Time Streaming (RTS) is a value-added feature of ApsaraVideo Live. It provides a live streaming service that features easy integration, ultra-low latency, high concurrency, and smooth high-definition playback.
Features
On top of standard live streaming, RTS provides enhanced streaming performance through various approaches. It supports end-to-end latency monitoring, revamps transmission protocols, and optimizes underlying technologies such as User Datagram Protocol (UDP). RTS also integrates with 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.
Industry recognition
Alibaba Cloud, in collaboration with the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), co-authored 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. ApsaraVideo Live was among the first to be evaluated under these new standards and received an "Excellent" rating—the highest possible—for its interactive live streaming capabilities. For more information, see Alibaba Cloud RTS is awarded the "Excellence Grade" certification from CAICT.
Architecture
The architecture is designed for easy adoption. You only need to add an RTS streaming domain to your existing standard live streaming setup to enable multi-protocol playback.
The ingest side can continue to use the standard RTMP protocol. End-to-end latency is affected by factors such as the ingest network quality, stream GOP size, and the player-side buffer.
Standard live streaming playback (RTMP, FLV, HLS) uses
rtmp://andhttp://URLs, while RTS playback uses theartc://format.
RTS vs. standard live streaming
You can seamlessly upgrade from standard live streaming to RTS. Simply enable the RTS feature to use both services simultaneously. This also allows for a fallback to standard live streaming if RTS playback fails, ensuring high service reliability.
Usage notes
For RTS stream ingest and playback, use the Push SDK and the ApsaraVideo Player SDK.
Solution comparison
Solution | RTS | Standard live streaming |
Ingest protocol | RTMP, ARTC | RTMP |
Playback protocol | ARTC (based on WebRTC) | RTMP, FLV, HLS |
Performance in poor network conditions | Maintains smooth playback with up to 30% packet loss. | Limited resilience in poor network conditions. |
Compatibility |
|
|
Coverage | Global | Global |
End-to-End latency |
|
|
Best practices |
Use case comparison
Solution | Use case |
RTS |
|
Standard live streaming | Low-interaction scenarios: Suitable for broadcasts where the primary focus is one-way viewing and minor differences in playback timing between viewers are acceptable. |
Demonstration
The following video compares the latency of RTS and standard live streaming:
Use cases
Use case | Description |
Online education | Supports large-scale online classes, allowing a massive number of students to interact with the instructor in real-time. |
E-commerce | Enables real-time Q&A and product discussions between sellers and buyers. |
Live sports | Broadcasts exciting sports and esports events, allowing viewers to experience the action as it happens. |
Interactive entertainment | Allows hosts to respond instantly to viewer interactions, such as virtual gifts, enhancing engagement. |
Billing
Unlike standard live streaming, RTS uses a different pricing model. The following rules apply:
RTS is billed according to its own pricing items and does not stack with standard live streaming charges.
RTS can be billed by either data transfer (traffic).
Any changes to your standard live streaming billing method will also apply to RTS.
For more information, see RTS billing.
Try the demo
Use DingTalk to scan the QR code to download and install the RTS demo.
FAQ
Contact us
For technical questions and community discussions about RTS, join our DingTalk group by searching for group ID 44533142. For product issues or quality-of-service investigations, submit a ticket to contact Alibaba Cloud technical support.