Nobody thinks about storage space until it runs out while recording in the middle of a broadcast. That\u2019s when it becomes all anyone is thinking about. If you have live streaming broadcasts, VOD content, or both, making sure that you get your streaming server storage requirements correct upfront can save you time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how much storage space you really need and why live streaming and VOD are different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Video is very large. An hour of 1080p video may use from 1.5 GB to 6 GB depending on its bitrate and codec. Then, several quality versions need to be created for adaptive streaming, which means that the same source material is used several times over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the reason why the calculation for streaming server storage requirements is never as straightforward as “how many movies do I have?” Also needed is space for transcoding, screenshots, subtitles, recordings, and backups \u2013 and omitting anything will cause the calculation to be inaccurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Live streaming focuses on speed. Continuous data flows in, splits into chunks, and reaches the destination instantly. In storage, what is required is fast write speeds and low latency. When you record live streams for future viewing as well, capacity becomes important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VOD is mainly about volume and speed of reading. The number of your documents increases consistently, and a thousand viewers can request their own files. An ideal VOD storage server<\/a> must have enough volume, fast reading, and scalable capabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many platforms do both, so your streaming server storage requirements have to cover fast writes for ingest and heavy reads for playback, often at the same time. That is what Live Streaming VOD storage infrastructure<\/a> has to handle every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You don’t need fancy software. Start with this simple formula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bitrate \u00d7 duration \u00f7 8 = file size<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, a 5 Mbps stream running for one hour produces about 2.25 GB. Now multiply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 500-hour library at four renditions can easily land in the tens of terabytes before backups. Do this math before you shop, not after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all drives are equal, and mixing them intelligently keeps costs down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A tiered setup works well: hot content on SSD, older material on HDD or object storage. This approach keeps your video streaming server storage<\/a> costs under control without hurting playback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Storage does not act independently. The fastest disks will do you no good if you cannot transfer the data out through your network. Test your port speed, transfer caps, and unmetered status of the plan. Also ask for information about peering and CDNs. If popular content is stored at the edges, the stress on your origin storage is greatly alleviated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Server location shapes your streaming server storage requirements as much as file sizes do, because distance affects latency, buffering, and viewer experience. Choose infrastructure close to your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The London streaming server for European media delivery<\/a> offers you a one-stop center for UK and European users with superior connections throughout Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A New York streaming server for video storage<\/a> is ideal for platforms providing service to the East Coast of the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Los Angeles streaming server for media content<\/a> is the best option for the entertainment industry, and also for consumers from the West Coast area.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to Calculate Streaming Server Storage Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Choosing the Right Storage Type<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Bandwidth and Storage Work Together<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Location Matters More Than You Think<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n