Cloud-Based Services and Their Impact on Digital Entertainment Infrastructure

August 21, 2023 Jones cloud storage, cloud-based services, Media, streaming

The demand for cloud computing in the entertainment sector is considerably increasing due to its cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility. If you look into the number of times you access a film on Netflix, a video from YouTube, or a music album on Spotify, you will discover that all these tasks are only possible through cloud computing. Read on to learn more about cloud-based services.

As a result, several companies have resorted to migrating to the cloud to offer OTT (Over-The-Top) streaming services and use the internet to provide digital content directly to their consumers. In this article, we explore cloud-based services and their impact on digital entertainment infrastructure.

Media Streaming

Traditional broadcasting is quickly becoming outdated in the modern world as many consumers continue to use streaming platforms to consume their favorite content anywhere and anytime. Due to the shift in consumer preference, media companies are now using cloud computing to accommodate this need in an attempt to retain customers’ loyalty.

Streaming media, also called OTT Media Services, delivers audio or video content over the internet in a compact form. Streamers can then consume such content instantly without downloading or saving it. They can also pause, rewind and forward the audio or video content at their own pleasure.

How the Cloud Helps OTT Streaming Media Services

Over-the-Top services involve formatting various video files for distribution to any gadget with an internet connection. OTT streaming or broadcasting usually requires high-end infrastructure and includes complicated workflows. However, in most cases, the on-premise systems lack the scalability and computing capacity to provide digital content without interruptions, and this usually leads to a poor consumer experience. Moreover, the maintenance for on-premises systems is expensive.

Fortunately, the cloud solves these issues by:

Simplifying processes by eradicating any complicated cloud media workflow. Cloud computing has the flexibility and scalability to manage advanced and complex workflows. Its robust structure enables companies to distribute, manage, and protect their digital content.
Minimizing streaming latency so that consumers are able to swiftly watch explicit, buffer-free videos.
Offering a cost-effective alternative to costly maintenance associated with on-premise setups.

Gaming

The cloud’s impact on the gaming industry extends beyond accessibility enhancements—it’s fostering a transformative shift in both gaming companies and consumer experiences. Cloud gaming, also known as on-demand gaming, represents a paradigm shift where gameplay occurs in data centres through remote servers. Consequently, the need to download and install games becomes obsolete, replaced by the requirement for a stable internet connection to seamlessly stream preferred games. This innovative cloud-based approach isn’t limited to traditional gaming; even renowned online casinos like Fortune Clock harness its power to host a diverse array of popular casino game variants. Among the captivating titles hosted by this casino are Mega Greatest Catch, Grab the Gold!, Five Hand Vegas Blackjack V2, and Lucky Roulette.

How the Cloud Has Improved Gaming

Cloud computing has completely changed how gaming companies distribute their games. Companies such as Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox are now using cloud-based platforms for distributing their games. The efforts made by such large gaming companies clearly point to the fact that the cloud is the future of gaming.

Here are ways the cloud has improved gaming.

The cloud has increased access to games by eradicating the need for costly hardware such as consoles. Gamers can stream their favorite games through the cloud effortlessly without needing powerful gadgets.
The cloud doesn’t limit gamers to playing their favorite games using one device. Since games are stored on the cloud, they can access them using different devices.
Cloud computing also enhances social interaction with its cloud-based multiplayer platforms. Through these platforms, gamers worldwide are able to connect and play against each other seamlessly. Cloud servers also support real-time interactions, minimize latency, and provide a smooth gaming experience.
The cloud also lets developers provide game updates in the cloud so that all gamers can enjoy the latest versions immediately after they resume playing their games.

Video Streaming

Cloud computing also allows users to stream and store videos using its video streaming servers. Gone are the days when people had to download and play videos through CDs, USBs, or even floppy discs. Right now, you can watch any video directly from the cloud.

The features of the best cloud services for video streaming and storage include:

Capability to Live Stream Video Files to Cloud Storage – It enables users to record live streams and stream videos from cloud storage.
Cloud Video Encoder – This feature assists in converting the format of video files.
Video Hosting – It enables streaming service providers to offer digital content anytime.
Cloud Video Transcoding Service – It creates various versions of each video with different quality and size.
Cloud-based Media Player – It plays digital content in the cloud, like the HTML5 video player.

Netflix is the best example of an Over-the-Top cloud-based streaming service provider. It uses cloud video processing, cloud-based video transcoding, cloud-based media service for video streaming, cloud media player, cloud media analysis, and even cloud-based video encoding. Other similar cloud video streaming services include YouTube and Hulu.

Audio Streaming

This service involves the delivery of audio files, such as music, through the Internet. Cloud music services enable users to listen to their favorite songs online anytime. Some cloud-based music streaming services also give users cloud storage for audio files. This feature allows you to record your audio files remotely using a recorder and then upload them to the cloud. In some cases, you can also download and play offline the audio files from the cloud storage.

Spotify is the best example of a cloud-based audio streaming platform. It has an audio cloud player that lets users play their favorite music online. It also allows you to create playlists, save songs, and play them offline.

Media Hosting

Not so long ago, people needed storage devices like CDs or USBs to store a collection of their favorite videos and songs. These forms of storage required large physical space to keep them safe for later use. Cloud computing has eradicated this inconvenience with its media cloud storage service. You can now store your music, videos, and other vital files in the cloud and access them anywhere and anytime.

In Summation

Cloud computing has helped solve innumerable issues in the media and entertainment sector. It has facilitated the quick distribution and access of digital content. This has made it easier for users to access their favorite entertainment in the comfort of their homes. It has also stopped the reliance on costly equipment like consoles for gaming, making entertainment more affordable for every individual. Furthermore, the migration of major entertainment companies to the cloud proves that this technology is here to stay.