What a HESP protocol is and how it changes streaming for the better
- By Gcore
- November 9, 2021
- 4 min read
HESP is a new video streaming protocol developed by THEO Technologies for streaming video content with ultra-low latency. In order to standardize and promote this protocol, the developer company in collaboration with Synamedia has created HESP Alliance, an association of streaming providers and media companies.
In September 2021, Gcore joined the HESP Alliance. This means that from now on our CDN supports the HESP protocol, thus enabling our clients to organize video content broadcasts with minimal delays to millions of viewers around the world.
We will tell you what kind of protocol it is and which advantages it provides in terms of video delivery.
What is HESP?
HESP (High Efficiency Stream Protocol) is an adaptive HTTP based video streaming protocol developed by THEO Technologies for ensuring video content streaming with ultra-low latency and optimizing your costs.
This protocol can deliver videos very fast, with the delays not exceeding 0.4–2 seconds. As opposed to its analogs, HESP requires less bandwidth.
Since HESP is an HTTP based protocol, it can be transmitted via CDN. This protocol enables Gcore CDN to deliver video content to all kinds of devices and to millions of viewers located anywhere in the world, while maintaining up to 8K quality. Note that the broadcast costs are reduced to a minimum, as opposed to the alternative WebRTC protocol.
4 main differences between HESP and other protocols
The main protocols currently used for streaming are HLS, MPEG DASH, RTMP, and WebRTC. Each of them has certain drawbacks.
- HESP advantages over other protocols
The main disadvantage of the HLS and MPEG-DASH protocols is that they can’t provide sufficiently low latency streaming. Their limit is 4 seconds, which is too much for interactive events and for real-time communication.
WebRTC is too expensive and doesn’t allow clients to easily scale their streams to a larger audience.
HESP combines the advantages of all these protocols and is free of their weak points. Let’s take a look at its main features.
1. High speed and scalability
Since HESP is an HTTP based protocol, it allows the clients to broadcast videos using CDN, just like HLS and MPEG-DASH. This means that you can broadcast your video content to thousands and even millions of viewers around the world.
When using HESP, the video will be transmitted with the delays that don’t exceed 2 seconds. This is faster than with other HTTP based protocols.
- Comparison of HESP with other protocols in terms of speed
RTMP, RTSP/RTP, and WebRTC are independent protocols that can’t be transmitted via CDN. They provide ultra-low latency just like HESP, yet they don’t allow you to stream your video content to a larger audience.
By the way, Gcore CDN supports not only the HESP protocol but also other HTTP based protocols. Our Streaming Platform enables video streaming using RTMP, RTSP/RTP, and WebRTC as well. If you use our streaming services, you can choose any technology mentioned in this article.
2. Cost-effectiveness
Since video content that is broadcast using RTMP, RTSP/RTP, and WebRTC protocols can’t be scaled via CDN, streaming videos to a larger audience becomes more difficult and effort-consuming. On average, streaming videos via CDN costs only 1/2–1/5 as much as streaming videos without CDN.
4. Reduced bandwidth requirements
Another difference that we’ve already mentioned is that the HESP protocol requires 10–20% less bandwidth than other low-latency protocols and technologies, including LL HLS, Chunked CMAF, and WebRTC.
5. Adaptive bitrate (ABR) support
HESP is compatible with the adaptive bitrate technology. This means that your video content will be streamed to the users on all kinds of devices without buffering even in case of poor Internet connection. We’ve enlisted the main differences between HESP and other streaming protocols and technologies in the table below:
- Comparison of HESP with other protocols
When you will benefit from using HESP
Almost any business aims at minimizing latency during video broadcasts and optimizing costs at the same time. The new technology seems to be especially useful for the following industries:
- Cybersport and Gaming. HESP delivers video content to end users faster than standard HLS or MPEG-DASH protocols.
- Online learning. You can hold interactive events for 1,000+ and even 1,000,000+ people without any restrictions and without having to use any expensive external applications.
- Sports. Sports events are streamed almost in real time. They will be broadcast in the Internet even faster than on TV.
- Telemedicine. HESP ensures doctors’ communication with a large audience without resorting to any third-party applications while helping significantly reduce financial costs.
- Auctions and online casinos. In these spheres, it is important not only to minimize delays while delivering video content but also to maintain high video quality in order to give the viewers the opportunity to take a closer look at what is happening on the screen. Using HESP will allow you to achieve this at a lower cost.
- OTT and TV broadcasting. These technologies will allow you to combine IPTV and OTT solutions for creating fully-featured broadcasts of the highest quality.
We’ve enlisted the main branches only, yet this is far from being the ultimate list. Using the HESP protocol is a truly profitable solution for any project where reducing delays to a minimum is of vital importance.
How to start using HESP for video content delivery
If you want to start streaming videos using HESP, you will need to incorporate some new features into your standard procedure of content production, processing, and delivery:
- A special HESP Packager that encodes videos before transmitting them. You can take it from our partners.
- CDN supporting the HESP protocol, e.g., Gcore CDN. We have excellent coverage and connectivity, including 90+ points of presence on 5 continents and 6,000+ peering partners.
- A player supporting the HESP protocol. You can also take it from our partners. For example, THEO Technologies has its own player called THEOPlayer. It has quite a number of different functions and can be easily integrated into your web resource.
- Video creation and delivery process using HESP
If you are already signed up for our CDN and eager to stream your video content using the HESP protocol, contact our technical support, and they will activate this feature for you.
Summary
- Now our CDN supports the new HESP protocol and can deliver video content to the users even faster.
- HESP is an HTTP based streaming protocol providing ultra-low latency with the delays not exceeding 0.4–2 seconds.
- HESP will help you enhance user experience and optimize costs when it comes to any project that requires high video delivery speed: sports, cybersports and gaming, online learning, telemedicine, auctions, online casinos, etc.
- What distinguishes HESP from other protocols is that it both provides ultra-low latency and can be easily scaled via CDN. HESP requires 10–20% less bandwidth. This protocol costs only 1/2–1/5 as much as its analogs.
- To start using HESP, you will need to integrate a special HESP Packager and a player supporting HESP into your standard streaming process.
The HESP protocol combined with Gcore CDN will allow you to provide your users with the best streaming experience, no matter where in the world they are located.
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3 use cases for geo-aware routing with Gcore DNS
If your audience is global but you’re serving everyone the same content from the same place, you're likely sacrificing performance and resilience. Gcore DNS (which includes a free-forever plan and enterprise-grade option) offers a straightforward way to change that with geo-aware routing, a feature that lets you return different DNS responses based on where users are coming from.This article breaks down how Gcore's geo-routing works, how to set it up using the GeoDNS preset in dynamic response mode, where it shines, and when you might be better off with a different option. We’ll walk through three hands-on use cases with real config examples, highlight TTL trade-offs, and call out what developers need to know about edge cases like resolver mismatch and caching delays.What is geo-aware DNS routing?Gcore DNS lets you return different IP addresses based on the user’s geographic location. 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Flexible DDoS mitigation with BGP Flowspec
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With Flowspec, you can match on packet size, TCP flags, ICMP codes, and more, enabling fine-tuned control that traditional ACLs or RTBH don’t support.Edge offloading: Filtering happens directly on Gcore’s routers, offloading your infrastructure and avoiding scrubbing latency.Real-time updates: Changes to rules are distributed across the network via BGP and take effect immediately, faster than manual intervention or standard blackholing.You still have the option to block traffic during an active attack, but with Flowspec, you gain the flexibility to protect services with minimal disruption and greater precision than conventional tools allow.Which parts of the Flowspec does Gcore implement?Gcore supports twelve filter types and four actions of the Flowspec.Supported filter typesGcore supports all 12 standard Flowspec match components.Filter FieldDescriptionDestination prefixTarget subnet (usually your service or app)Source prefixSource of traffic (e.g., attacker IP range)IP protocolTCP, UDP, ICMP, etc.Port / Source portMatch specific client or server portsDestination portMatch destination-side service portsICMP type/codeFilter echo requests, errors, etc.TCP flagsFilter packets by SYN, ACK, RST, FIN, combinationsPacket lengthFilter based on payload sizeDSCPQuality of service code pointFragmentMatch on packet fragmentation characteristicsSupported actionsGcore DDoS Protection supports the following Flowspec actions, which can be triggered when traffic matches a specific filter:ActionDescriptionTraffic-rate (0x8006)Throttle/rate limit traffic by byte-per-second rateredirectRedirect traffic to alternate location (e.g., scrubbing)traffic-markingApply DSCP marks for downstream classificationno-action (drop)Drop packets (rate-limit 0)Rule orderingRFC 5575 defines the implicit order of Flowspec rules. 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Tuning Gcore CDN rules for dynamic application data caching
Caching services like a CDN service can be a solid addition to your web stack. They lower response latency and improve user experience while also helping protect your origin servers through security features like access control lists (ACLs) and traffic filtering. However, if you’re running a highly dynamic web service, a misconfigured CDN might lead to the delivery of stale or, in the worst case, wrong data.If you’re hosting a dynamic web service and want to speed it up, this guide is for you. It explains the common issues dynamic services have with CDNs and how to solve them with Gcore CDN.How does dynamic data differ from static data?There are two main differences between static and dynamic data:Change frequency: Dynamic data changes more often than static data. Some websites stay the same for weeks or months; others change multiple times daily.Personalized responses: Static systems deliver the same response for a given URL path. 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How AI is reshaping the future of interactive streaming
Interactive streaming is entering a new era. Artificial intelligence is changing how live content is created, delivered, and experienced. Advances in real-time avatars, voice synthesis, deepfake rendering, and ultra-low-latency delivery are giving rise to new formats and expectations.Viewers don’t want to be passive audiences anymore. They want to interact, influence, and participate. For platforms that want to lead, the stakes are growing: innovate now, or fall behind.At Gcore, we support this shift with global streaming infrastructure built to handle responsive, AI-driven content at scale. This article explores how real-time interactivity is evolving and how you can prepare for what’s next.A new era for live contentStreaming used to mean watching someone else perform. Today, it’s becoming a conversation between the creator and the viewer. AI tools are making live content more reactive and personalized. A cooking show host can take ingredient requests from the audience and generate live recipes. A language tutor can assess student pronunciation and adjust the lesson plan on the spot. These aren’t speculative use cases—they’re already being piloted.Traditional cameras and presenters are no longer required. Some creators now use entirely digital hosts, powered by motion capture and generative AI. They can stream with multiple personas, switch backgrounds on command, or pause for mid-session translations. This evolution is not about replacing humans but creating new ways to engage that scale across time zones, languages, and platforms.Creating virtual influencersVirtual influencers are digital characters designed to build audiences, promote products, and hold conversations with followers. Unlike human influencers, they don’t get tired, change jobs, or need extensive re-shoots when messaging changes. 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Gcore’s infrastructure supports the real-time input-output loop needed to make digital characters feel present and responsive.Deepfake technology for creative storytellingDeepfakes are often associated with misinformation, but the same tools can be used to build engaging, high-integrity content. The technology enables face-swapping, voice cloning, and character animation, all of which are powerful in live formats.A museum might use deepfake avatars of historical figures for interactive educational sessions. Visitors could ask questions, and Abraham Lincoln or Golda Meir might respond with historically grounded answers in real time. A brand could create a fictional spokesperson who evolves over time, appearing in product demos, ads, and livestreams. Deepfake technology also allows multilingual content without re-recording—the speaker’s lip movements and tone are modified to match each language.These applications raise legitimate ethical questions. 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Our infrastructure is built to support high-throughput, globally distributed audiences with the responsiveness that interactive formats demand.Preparing for what’s nextAI-generated content is no longer a novelty. It’s becoming a standard feature of modern streaming strategies. Whether you’re building a platform that features virtual influencers, immersive avatars, or interactive educational streams, the foundation matters. That foundation is infrastructure.If you’re planning the next generation of live content, we’re ready to help you bring it to life. At Gcore, we provide the performance, scale, and security to launch these experiences with confidence. Our streaming solutions are designed to support real-time content generation, audience interaction, and global delivery without compromise.Want to see interactive streaming in action? Learn how fan.at used Gcore Video Streaming to deliver ultra-low-latency streams and boost fan engagement with real-time features.Read the case study
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Punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure are adjusted so that the user’s reading experience is seamless and doesn’t detract from the content.Step 3: Synchronization/spottingNext, the text and audio are aligned precisely. Each caption or subtitle’s timing is adjusted so it appears and disappears at the correct moment.Step 4: TranslationTranslation is required for content intended for consumption in multiple languages. During this stage, it’s important to consider format requirements and character limitations. For example, a caption that fits on two lines in English might require three in Spanish, and so in Spanish, one caption becomes two. As a result, additional synchronization might be necessary.Step 5: Simulation/display on screenFinally, the captions or subtitles need to be integrated onto the end user’s screen. Formatting issues might arise at this stage, requiring tweaks for an optimal user experience.How does the end user see subtitles and captions?After the technical process of creating captions and subtitles, the next step is understanding how these elements appear to the end user. The type of captions you choose can greatly impact the user experience, especially when considering accessibility, engagement, and clarity. Below, we break down the different options available and how they serve different viewing scenarios.Open captions: These are always visible to viewers and are a fixed part of the video. They’re popular, for example, for video installations in museums and employee training videos—cases where maximum accessibility is the key consideration when it comes to captions and/or subtitles.Closed captions: Viewers can turn these on or off based on preference. For instance, an online course might offer this feature, allowing learners to choose how to consume the content. Students could opt temporarily to turn on closed captions to note the spelling of a new term introduced during the course.Real-time captions: These are great for live events like webinars, where the text appears almost simultaneously as the words are spoken. They keep the audience engaged in real time without missing out on crucial points. For example, ambient noise like chatter in a sports bar might obscure commentary on a live TV basketball game. Real-time captions allow viewers to benefit from near-live commentary regardless of the bar’s noise levels or if the TV’s sound is muted.Burned-in subtitles: These are etched onto the video and cannot be turned off. A promotional video targeting a multilingual audience might use this feature so that everyone understands the message, regardless of their language preference.What to look for in captioning and subtitling servicesTo deliver high-quality captions and subtitles, it's important to choose a provider that offers key features for accuracy, efficiency, and audience engagement.Original language transcription: Accurate documentation of every spoken word in your video for unrivaled accuracy.Tailored translation: Localized content that integrates translations with cultural relevance, increasing resonance with diverse audiences.Alignment synchronization: Time-annotated subtitles, matching words perfectly to the on-screen action.Automatic SRT file generation: A simplified subtitling and captioning process through effortless file creation for a better user experience.Transform your videos with cutting-edge captions and subtitles from GcoreNo matter your video content needs, it’s essential to be aware of the best type of captions and subtitles for your audience’s needs. Choosing the right format ensures a smoother viewing experience, better accessibility, and stronger engagement across every platform.Gcore Video Streaming offers subtitles and closed captions to enhance users’ experience. Each feature within the subtitling and captioning toolkit is crafted to expand your video content’s reach and impact, catering to a multitude of use cases. Embedding captions is quick and easy, and AI-automated speech recognition also saves you time and money.Try Gcore's automated subtitle and caption solution for free
Why captions and subtitles are essential for video engagement
From TikToks on silent commutes to training videos in noisy offices, silent viewing is now standard. Captions and subtitles aren’t just accessibility features anymore. They’re essential for user engagement, global reach, and video performance.This article explores why captions and subtitles matter and how they boost engagement with your videos, providing a better user experience for your audience. If you want to know how captions and subtitles work, we’ve got an article for that too.How subtitles and captions improve your video performanceSubtitles are now widely used across platforms and age groups. For many younger viewers, reading along while watching is second nature, especially on social media. For others, subtitles are a practical solution: watching videos in public spaces, scrolling during breaks, or learning on the go—all without needing sound.Captions offer tangible benefits across four key areas:Engagement and comprehension: Improve clarity in movies, boost understanding in online courses, and increase focus in business content.Accessibility and inclusion: Make content available to hard-of-hearing users and break language barriers for global audiences.SEO and discoverability: Search engines can crawl subtitle text, making your video content more findable, even when autoplayed without sound.Silent usability: Your content works in all environments, from crowded trains to quiet offices.Captions have shifted from niche to norm, helping creators reach more people, boost retention, and deliver clearer messages.Common challenges and their solutionsImplementing captions at scale poses three major challenges: cost, delay, and accuracy. Here's why these challenges exist and how Gcore Video Streaming can help you overcome them at the click of a button.CostInvesting in high-quality transcriptions can be a financial burden, especially for smaller players in online education. Specialized expertise is required for accurate educational content, and human oversight adds ongoing labor costs. Transcription is a recurring expense that grows with multiple languages or regulatory compliance.Gcore scalable AI-powered transcription services reduce reliance on costly manual processes, offering affordable, multi-language support with built-in compliance features, making transcription cost-effective for all budgets.Delay/latencyIn live events, even slight delays in captioning can disengage audiences. For example, in a Formula One race, missing real-time commentary on pit stops or track conditions can leave viewers confused or frustrated. Lagging captions fail to keep pace with the action, breaking immersion.Real-time AI ASR (automatic speech recognition) from Gcore minimizes captioning delay, so that live captions sync perfectly with events, keeping viewers fully engaged without lag.AccuracyA small text error in captions can distort the message and harm reputation. Errors in MOOCs or corporate webinars risk undermining credibility and discouraging future participation. Precision is critical to maintain trust and clarity.Gcore leverages advanced AI models fine-tuned for domain-specific vocabulary and includes automated quality checks, drastically reducing errors and preserving message integrity across all video content.Enhance your video content with Gcore AI-powered caption and subtitles toolsCaptions are now a strategic content layer, not just an accessibility checkbox. With video now the dominant format across marketing, education, and entertainment, it's critical to implement captions efficiently, affordably, and at scale.Gcore’s AI-powered Video Streaming lets you generate accurate, real-time captions across multiple languages with minimal developer effort. Built-in AI ASR (automatic speech recognition) means your captions stay synchronized even during fast-paced live events. Whether you’re running an LMS, hosting global events, or publishing OTT content, Gcore Video Streaming helps you scale captions with speed and precision.Request a demo of Gcore AI ASR
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