The QuickTime Streaming Server from Apple provides a means for Webmasters to deliver QuickTime media files to Web site visitors and supports both HTTP or RTP/RTSP streaming. The QuickTime Streaming Server supports concurrent streaming for up to 4,000 connections, and also offers support for the reflection of live broadcasts over the Web.

HTTP streaming makes use of the QuickTime Fast Start technology, which allows the media file to be downloaded to the user via standard HTTP or FTP protocols with the movie beginning to play for the user as soon as enough content has been buffered for a smooth playback (i.e., the movie begins playing before the entire movie is downloaded). When completely downloaded, files delivered via HTTP streams can be saved locally by the user.

RTP (Realtime Transport Protocol) is used to stream files directly to the user via an open data port connection in a continuous stream. Information delivered via RTP cannot be saved by the user upon completion.

Later versions of the QuickTime Streaming Server adds Web based administration features and "Skip Protection," which allows the server and QuickTime player to collaborate such that dropped frames in streams due to poor Internet connections are minimized. The new Version 4 server also adds support for MPEG-4 streaming (both live and on-demand) and MP3 streaming via the Icecast protocol.

Closely related to the QuickTime Streaming Server is the Darwin Streaming Server, an Open Source version of the server currently available for RH Linux, Solaris, and Windows NT/2000 Server. (See related link below for details).

Version 4 of the QuickTime Streaming Server is now available. Visit Apple's Web site for further information.

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