THETA

THETA is an open source protocol that powers a decentralized streaming network. It will allow for decentralized apps (DApps) to be built on top of the platform to enable use cases that span esports, entertainment, and peer-to-peer streaming. SLIVER.tv’s DApp was the first application built on the Theta network leveraging its existing user base of millions of esports viewers.

In Nov 2018, Tencent Games announced a collaboration with SLIVER.tv to bring Theta rewards to Ring of Elysium players. The founding team has a combined 30+ years of experience in the video streaming space with advisors including Steve Chen, Co-Founder of YouTube, and Justin Kan, Co-Founder of Twitch.

The Theta Network and protocol solves various challenges the video streaming industry faces today. First, tokens on the Theta blockchain are used as an incentive to encourage individual users to share their redundant computing and bandwidth resources as caching or relay nodes for video streams. This improves the quality of stream delivery and solves the "last-mile" delivery problem, the main bottleneck for traditional content delivery pipelines, especially for high resolution high bitrate 4k, 8k and next generation streams. Second, with sufficient network density the majority of viewers will pull streams from peering caching nodes, allowing video platforms to significantly reduce content delivery network (CDN) costs.

Theta’s innovation is set to disrupt today’s online video industry much in the same way that the YouTube platform did to traditional video back in 2005. One of our biggest challenges had been the high costs of delivering video to various parts of the world, and this problem is only getting bigger with HD, 4K and higher quality video streams,” said Steve Chen, Co-Founder of YouTube. “I’m excited to be part of the next evolution of the streaming space, helping Theta create a decentralized peer-to-peer network that can offer improved video delivery at lower costs.

Live video streaming of today

• Poor Quality. Today's content delivery networks (CDN) lack reach, causing video re-buffering, and high load times in many parts of the world.
• Sky rocketing data needs. Users demand 4k, 8k, and higher quality streams create infrastructure bottleneck.
• Centralized and inefficient system. The centralized nature means less revenue flows back to content creators and platforms.

Decentralized peer-to-peer video delivery. A new native blockchain. Powered by users.

• Viewers earn rewards as Theta Fuel. For sharing excess bandwidth and resources, viewers are now rewarded to participate in the network.
• Higher quality, smoother video streaming. A decentralized peer-to-peer network delivers streams efficiently globally.
• Reduced cost of delivering video streams. Video platforms no longer need to build expensive infrastructure, means more innovation and unique business models.