Media streaming techniques and systems

A computer-storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon for causing at least one processing unit to perform acts comprising:

• streaming media through at least a portion of a network by:
• transferring an initial portion of a stream of data from a first device to at least a second device through an interconnecting network;
• establishing a desired quality of service path within at least a portion of the network from the first device to the second device;
• and
• transferring a subsequent portion of the stream of data over the established quality of service path from the first device to the second device,
• wherein transferring the initial stream of data from the first device to the second device occurs, at least partially, while establishing the quality of service path.

An apparatus suitable for use in streaming media within a network environment, the apparatus comprising:

• memory containing media data;
• and
• logic operatively coupled to the memory and configurable to:
• transfer an initial portion of the media data as a stream of data to at least one device through a network,
• establish a desired quality of service path within at least a portion of the network, and
• transfer a subsequent portion of the media data as a subsequent stream of data over the established quality of service path,
• wherein the logic is further configurable to simultaneously transfer the initial portion of the media data and establish the desired quality of service path.

An apparatus suitable for use in streaming media within a network environment, the apparatus comprising:

• memory suitable for storing received media data;
• and
• logic operatively coupled to the memory and configurable to:
• receive an initial portion of streamed media data though a network,
• establish a desired quality of service path within at least a portion of the network, and
• receive a subsequent portion streamed media data over the established quality of service path,
• wherein the logic is further configurable to simultaneously receive the initial portion of streamed media data and establish the desired quality of service path.