To receive the video, the user's computer must also possess certain capabilities. Specially designed software packages, called media players, work with the server to steady the flow of data. Typically, the user downloads the media player from the Internet free of charge. The media player acts like a buffer, collecting the data as it flows in at an uneven rate from the server to create a steady stream. The media player also decompresses the data packets.
Video arrives on the user's computer screen.