Peer-to-peer architectures applied to the distribution of audiovisual archives

The distribution of large audiovisual archives through electronic networks has problems like the lack of scalability and an excessive cost. To deal with these obstacles, some institutions and broadcasters are applying peer-to-peer architectures in order to optimize the transmission and to reduce its cost This article explains this model and its main characteristics, as well as some of the projects which are using it nowadays. It analyses the advantages associated to this system and the contribution it can make for a more efficient distribution of archives. The aim is to make the audiovisual heritage available to a citizenry educated in a culture of images and sound.