> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Video streams

Video streams are used in **entertainment and communication systems** to manage streaming media servers.

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## **Playlist URL Specification**

1. Select **"Video from File"** from the content type dropdown.
2. Enter the **stream URL** where the stream is located.
   * Example: `RTSP://<server>/example.mp4`
   * Example: `RTSP://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:554`
3. Click **"..."** next to the URL field to open the **URL Editor**, which assists in structuring the correct URL format.

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## **Supported Streaming Protocols**

| **Protocol** | **Implemented** | **Description**                                              |
| ------------ | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **RTSP**     | Yes             | Real-Time Streaming Protocol (Typically on TCP port **554**) |
| **RTP**      | Yes             | Real-time Transfer Protocol                                  |
| **UDP**      | Yes             | User Datagram Protocol                                       |
| **MMS**      | Yes             | Microsoft Media Server                                       |
| **HTTP**     | Yes             | Hypertext Transfer Protocol                                  |

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## **Video Display Delay**

* **Streaming can introduce a delay** due to buffering.
* To reduce buffering, **increase the speed ratio to 400%**, which **bypasses the buffer**.
* **Side effect:** This may cause video **stuttering** if the network connection is **unstable**.

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## **Multicast vs. Unicast**

### **Multicast**

* **Sends one stream to multiple clients** instead of creating separate streams for each viewer.
* **Reduces server/network load** by avoiding duplicate data transmission.
* **Best for large-scale streaming environments**.

### **Unicast**

* **Each viewer receives an independent copy** of the stream.
* **Uses more bandwidth** than multicast.
* **Best for personalized or private streaming**.

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## **Considerations for Streaming**

* **Streaming consumes more bandwidth** than playing locally stored videos.
* **Multicasting** can help reduce network usage (consult your **network administrator** for details).
* If the **network connection fails**, the stream **will stop playing**.

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### **Performance Optimization Tip**

* **To reduce playback delay**, set the **speed ratio to 400%**.
* **Possible side effect:** If the connection is **unstable**, the video may **stutter**.