An evaluation of segment duration effects in HTTP adaptive streaming over mobile networks

In HTTP adaptive streaming, the length of each video segment is not strictly specified; choosing segment duration is an implementation-specific decision. In this paper, we evaluate the effects of segment duration to video streaming performance in various network conditions. By carrying out experiments we realize that the choice of segment duration has a profound impact on several aspects including end-user's experience as well as the effects on the server and network side. Our experimental results provide preliminary suggestions on the choice of segment duration in certain streaming situations.