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paulemem
Participant
October 13, 2008
Question

Red5

  • October 13, 2008
  • 2 replies
  • 691 views
Any reasons why I should not use Red5 over Flash Media Server?
    This topic has been closed for replies.

    2 replies

    H
    HappyHomestead
    Participant
    January 12, 2010

    For me it was purely a question of cost... I don't think any of us would choose an open source platform over a paid system if we could all afford the support, stability and reputation of the paid systems... but as a startup or a low budget operation, sometimes you have to use what you can.  I've been streaming with Red5 for about six months now with no problems - other than a steep learning curve and some hair pulling.  Once I got it right, it's performed without a hitch.  That being said, one day I'll be able to afford FMS and I'll do so.

    -Dave

    Nutrimill Grain

    A
    Anonymous
    January 12, 2010

    Since this old thread has been brought back up, it should be noted that the RTMP spec has since been opened, which changes the game a bit.

    A
    Anonymous
    October 13, 2008
    I personally have been keeping clear of red5 and other RTMP server implementations for three reasons:

    1. There is a patent on the RTMP process. While I'm no patent attorney, and some have told me that there is some gray area as to how the patent may or may not be applied, I have doubts as to whether the other RTMP servers out there are completely immune the patent should Adobe choose to raise an argument about the other server's use of RTMP. You can give it a read here:

    http://www.google.com/patents?id=SGiBAAAAEBAJ

    2. Adobe controls the Flashplayer. What that means to me is that should Adobe choose to make changes to how the flashplayer interacts with RTMP servers, the developers of the other RTMP servers will be playing a game of catch-up to bring their servers in line with the changes to the player.

    3. I'm an actionscript and javascript programmer, and Java isn't my strong suit. Red5 (as well as Wowza) are both Java applications, and are programmed with Java. This wouldn't necessarily have any bearing on your decision, but it's important to know that you'll want someone well versed in Java if you plan to go the red5 or Wowza route.

    Should those reasons sway your thinking in which server you'll choose? I suppose that's really a decision to make based on other factors surrounding your deployment.
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