TrueVod: Streaming or Progressive Downloading?

In this paper we compare the necessary server load of a generic Video-on-Demand service in peak hours for two delivery methods, streaming and elastic progressive downloading. We use a simple user model for the VCR (Video Cassette Recording) actions behavior that is described with two parameters. As a function of these parameters we compute the ratio of the necessary server loads. Based on analytical results we identify those settings in which streaming works better. This gives the opportunity for the operator to choose between the delivery methods.