The SRT Alliance, an open-source initiative focused on developing methods for low-latency video streaming, has released version 1.3 of the SRT video transport protocol.

This version supports encrypted fast file transfer of VOD files and the multiplexing of streams within the same network port.

Founded by streaming video providers Haivision and Wowza, the SRT Alliance is focused on developing an open source alternative to proprietary technologies.

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The SRT Alliance has been endorsed by over 40 video streaming related companies since its launch at the NAB Show.

Combining UDP-like performance, fast packet loss recovery, simplified firewall transversal and encryption, SRT claims its approach has become the most rapidly adopted technology in the video streaming industry.

The latest release of SRT version 1.3, which is available on GitHub, features two new elements:

Fast File Transfer: Broadcasters, media companies and anyone interested in sending large files efficiently over public internet connections can now transmit files securely, quickly, and reliably. As a result any company involved in the streaming video industry can reduce the costs typically associated with alternative commercial file transfer technologies.

Stream Multiplexing: SRT has augmented its firewall traversal techniques by supporting multiple connections on the same UDP port. This simplifies the challenges of complex streaming workflows.

Peter Maag

“Our latest release of SRT evolves the protocol beyond just live streaming to new use cases with support for fast file transfer, applicable within broadcast and many other markets,” said Peter Maag, CMO for Haivision, in a release.

What sets SRT apart from other approaches is that it can help video providers overcome issues such as packet loss when sending UDP-based low latency MPEG Transport Streams over the public internet.

Video providers traditionally had no other choice than to provision expensive reserved MPLS or satellite networks links to overcome these issues. By using the open source implementation of SRT, any developer has access to a streaming protocol that provides a secure and reliable solution for low latency video transport with packet loss recovery, end-to-end security with AES encryption, network health monitoring between endpoints, and simplified firewall traversal. Additionally, developers can enable SRT functionality over any network, including cost-effective public internet.

Since the SRT Alliance technology is available in open source, any member of the video ecosystem will be able to integrate their video streaming technologies with other video solutions, network infrastructures and systems.