Preparing a streaming application

Preparing a streaming application consists of several steps. The figure below gives an overview of the steps.

Figure 1: Steps in creating an application that uses data streaming.

Here's a bit more detail about each step shown in the figure:

Analyze your data and plan how to stream them. Memory, I/O, and processor bandwidth limitations require trade-offs. For example, you can't play full-screen software-compressed video and CD-quality stereo audio at the same time. See Analyzing data and making trade-offs.
Convert source data to 3DO format and compress if appropriate. See Converting data to 3DO format.
Create chunk files using the DataStreamer tools. See Creating chunk files.
Merge all data into one stream file with the Weaver tool. See Creating a stream file with the Weaver tool.
Run the stream file using a playback application. See Playing back a simple stream.

After initial verification of your data, you may want to modify streaming according to your needs. This can include the following:

Optimize the stream file and the application, making trade-offs where needed. Use tools for examining stream files and the tracing facilities for optimum use of bandwidth and other resources. See Debugging and Optimization.
Add branching and user input capabilities (start, stop, and so on). See Inside Streaming: Control.
Modify a subscriber or create your own for a special data type. See Creating New Subscribers.