BitTorrent is a software company that provides communications protocol of peer-to-peer file sharing to distribute data on the internet. Known most for its file-sharing torrents and Sync, the company believes it can do much more that that - and that is live television.
On May 17th, 2016, the company announces that it's setting its sight on broadcasting television, called BitTorrent Live. With it, the platform is focusing on areas such as web streaming - something that isn't quite cracked yet.
The idea behind this is the scale of streaming videos. The problem is the issue of scaling: the more viewers a network has, the larger and the more expensive its distribution network has to be. Without it, live-streaming will be laggy, and this however is something many people are familiar with experiencing.
BitTorrent with BitTorrent Live, makes viewers part of the distribution channel themselves. This is done as they are both receiving, and sharing the video at the same time - just like torrent. But this time, the protocol is set for latency in which the company promises under 10 seconds latency without the needs for users to spend on CDNs.
Erik Schwartz, VP of Media, BitTorrent Live, said:
On-demand video streaming has established itself as a reliable consumption method. But live-streaming broadcast has its own problems on both performance and monetization. According to BitTorrent, "there has been very little innovation around the distribution of live video on the internet."
Currently, HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) is used commonly for live streaming videos. As good as it gets, lagging (latency issue) is something that almost everyone is still having.
For frequent torrent users, BitTorrent Live works in a similar way by making viewers the broadcasters. This method allows video streaming to remain strong, and for the broadcast to be as scalable as traditional over-the-air television.
As a start, the platform includes 13 free channels - including live sports, news, tech, youth culture and films. the list includes:
- AWE: 24/7 network formerly known as WealthTV.
- Clubbing TV: The official media partner of some electro festivals.
- FAST&FUN: A television channel that offers action-packed, adrenaline-including medley of extreme sports.
- Fightbox: A compilation of the combat sports from around the world.
- Filmbox Arthouse: Airs special presentations devoted to a particular creative movement.
- Heroes TV: A channel that delivers action and adventure.
- Newsmax: Airs news, expert views and live programming from TV hosts and A-list guests.
- NUsicTV: Delivers the new independent artists at the forefront of music in a linear broadcast.
- OANN: Features political analysis programming and political talk shows, along with network documentary-style reports.
- One World Sports: Features live sporting events and premier matchups from around the world.
- OpenNews TV: Airs live video talk shows from the radio personalities.
- Pursuit Channel: A television network that airs programming geared to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation.
- TWiT: A technology podcast.
BitTorrent said that it will later expand to include subscription, ad supported and pay-per-view networks.