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m3u8 is simply a UTF-8 version of the M3U format. Have to pay for third-party software if you want to broader browser support which may flash.So it's not good for remote controlled applications where instant reactions are required, ie robots or helicopters. Has a delay of at least 5 seconds (in this application, but using mirroring from iPhone to AppleTv they achieve 50 ms - 500 ms somehow).Some support in third-party premium software like jwplayer 6 can be used.Uses HTML5 semantics (but it is not standardised format).Can stream HD 1080p on LAN to any device that supports.Google (Chromium / YouTube) uses its own implementation called dash mpeg and everybody else is either confused or using H.264 encapsulated in MP4.
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It is called HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and is only supported by Apple's technology. Apple's proprietary method of streaming live video.
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