Today is Friday the 13th of December, 2013 and behold, multiple screw ups have occurred this week in the streaming community. From the YouTube Copyright Content ID Claim system automatically contesting videos with copyright claims, to the brand new Twitch live stream service through HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) for designed for smoother viewing of streams, the week has been nothing but a headache for those dedicated to streaming their games online.
The Twitch smooth streaming delivery has caused more problems than it solved. This morning, streamers found themselves under the new system with no press release, email, or alert of the change. Usually, companies announce they will be doing a test. Twitch mentioned earlier this earlier this year they would be making the transition to HLS. Twitch streamers assumed prior warning would be given when the move to HLS would occur.
The assumed warning did not occur. Later in the day, Twitch provided a blog article regarding the update, but only after the new HLS service went live.
What makes this update so bad, causing a hew and cry among the Twitch streaming community? The delay between the person making the the video stream to the viewers was around 10 seconds, at most. Many times, it could be as little as 2 to 4 seconds. Currently, this delay is a full 30 seconds or more. That assumes one can view the stream, due to endless buffering. A delay worse than YouTube Live' similar service. This delay puts a severe damper on interactivity between streamer and viewer.
Perhaps the streamer's broadcast settings are not correctly configured? But, It is not just Lagspike.tv having these issues. All streamers, including Riot Games, Man Vs Game, and other high volume Twitch channels, to the person with only two people watching their stream, have been hit by the delay and buffering. Twitch has issued a statement, saying if a streamer has an issue please contact them here. Previously, a feedback form was used to collect information regarding changes to the chat service. Considering the chat system is still a problem, and the feedback has not been used to add features, Lagspike.tv will see if this form provides actual changes to the system in the short term.
From a technical point of view, it might seem easier to update a video system. However, with no prior warning and the technical difficulties encountered by the streaming community, a lot of people are unhappy.
Mind you, it is a good day to push the update. After all, it is Friday 13th.
Image Credit to @fr00typanda