Optimizing Windows Media Streams

Our internet streaming is powered almost exclusively by Windows Media Streams. We stream a High, Low, and audio streams.

Our High bitrate = 323Kbps
Low = 160Kbps
Audio = MultiFormat 64Kbps, 23, 8

Everything has been great until recently when our streaming numbers have begun pushing 600 per weekend. We get reports of strange timeouts and other network related issues.

After doing some research, I have some key items to share with anyone interested for improving Windows Media Streaming Quality for the end user!

1. Send your stream from encoder to Windows Media Server Via HTTP. This will ensure your get the full stream delivered to distribution point.
2. Change your WM Encoder to use a set maximum packet size. Under the tabbed options for the encoder you can set the maximum packet size to something a little lower. I am using 1400 and it is working really well.
3. On your windows media server... Under the server->Unicast Stream Writer->Properties you will want to set your maximum packet size to 1400 as well.
4. On each publishing point, you should set your startup bandwidth to something less than the default 3500. (I use 512.) If you don't do this, when your system gets towards the upper end of bandwidth use, people get bumped while someone else is connecting.


There are some other things that can cleanup streaming performance, such as network path between encoder and distribution server, firewalls, and the like, but this is mainly focused on the encoder.