Streaming media is a form of multimedia consumption where the playback can occur while the content is being downloaded, providing a nearly instantaneous viewing or listening experience. This process can happen both when you're connected to the internet or when you're offline using a designated media player. Importantly, streaming focuses on the method by which the media is delivered rather than the content itself.
In telecommunications, there's a clear division between streaming and non-streaming delivery methods. Traditional formats like radio and television are intrinsically designed for streaming, whereas physical forms such as books, videotapes, and audio CDs are not. Streaming over the internet does come with its own set of issues. If a user's internet connection doesn't have the necessary bandwidth, they may find the stream pauses, or the video buffers excessively. Even with perfect bandwidth, users might face compatibility issues with their hardware or software preventing them from accessing certain streams. That said, even a few seconds of pre-loading content, known as buffering, can significantly improve the quality of the stream.
Livestreaming offers content in real-time, similar to live television. It involves several key components: a source of the media, an encoder to convert the content into a digital format, a media publisher, and a network to distribute the content. This mechanism allows viewers to watch events as they happen.
Streaming is different from downloading, where the complete content file must be downloaded before it can be played. With streaming, users can begin to play a video or audio file before it has been entirely downloaded. Besides video and audio, streaming can also refer to other types of media like live text updates, closed captioning, and ticker tape information.
The prevalence of streaming is particularly noticeable with video-on-demand services and streaming television. Music streaming is also a widely used service, expanding the convenience and reach of streaming technology.
Jennifer Cecily Ward-Lealand, a renowned New Zealand actress and director, has been a significant figure in theatre and film for four decades. With an extensive career encompassing over 120 stage productions, her repertoire includes a vast range of genres from Greek and Shakespearean plays to dramas, comedies, musicals, and original works. Her cinematic achievements are highlighted by her performance in the film "Desperate Remedies" and various roles in "The Footstep Man," the television series "Shortland Street," and the Australian comedy "Full Frontal."
Born into a family intrigued by the arts, Ward-Lealand discovered her passion for acting at the tender age of seven and took on her first film role when she was eight years old. She has been married to fellow actor Michael Hurst since 1988, whom she met at Theatre Corporate. Together they have performed in numerous shows and have two sons who have continued the family's creative legacy in film and music production.
Ward-Lealand's television career launched with the role of Jan in "Close to Home," which aired from 1978 to 1980. She honed her craft in theatre from a young age, expanding her skills with the Downstage Youth Theatre and later joining The Town and Country Players, where she toured New Zealand. The play 'The Bear' by Chekhov was among her performances during this time. Her dedication to mastering her art led her to pursue formal training, completing a diploma in acting in 1982 with Theatre Corporate in Auckland. This formative period in her career was deeply influenced by the inspirational work of artists such as Paul Minifie.
Hugh Michael Jackman, an Australian actor born on October 12, 1968, began his career in theatre and television, but his portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men film series truly showcased his talent and led to international recognition. This iconic role won him a Guinness World Record for the "longest career as a live-action Marvel character," a commendation he maintained until another actor surpassed him in May 2022.
Jackman's diverse acting abilities are evident in his broad range of film genres—romantic comedies such as "Kate & Leopold," action-packed movies including "Van Helsing," stirring dramas like "The Prestige," epic romances with "Australia," and captivating musicals "Les Misérables" and "The Greatest Showman." His performance as Jean Valjean was particularly acclaimed, earning him a Golden Globe Award and an Oscar nomination.
His talents also extend beyond film. Jackman boasts a successful stage career with initial roles in Australian productions of "Beauty and the Beast" and "Sunset Boulevard." He received recognition for his performance in the West End production of "Oklahoma!" and later won a Tony Award for his Broadway role in "The Boy from Oz."
Besides his remarkable acting career, Jackman has been honored with various awards, including a Grammy Award and two Tony Awards, and was even appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2019. He continues to make an impact on the entertainment industry, and from 2021 to 2023, he will star in a prominent Broadway production, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to the performing arts.