  In the paper, we proposed a novel algorithm dedicated to adaptive video
streaming based on HTTP. The algorithm employs a hybrid play-out strategy which
combines two popular approaches: an estimation of network bandwidth and a
control of a player buffer. The proposed algorithm was implemented in two
versions which differ in the method of handling fluctuations of network
throughput.
  The proposed hybrid algorithm was evaluated against solutions which base
their play-out strategy purely on bandwidth or buffer level assessment. The
comparison was performed in an environment which emulated two systems: a Wi-Fi
network with a single immobile node and HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) network
with a mobile node. The evaluation shows that the hybrid approach in most cases
achieves better results compared to its competitors, being able to stream the
video more smoothly without unnecessary bit-rate switches. However, in certain
network conditions, this score is traded for a worse throughput utilisation
compared to other play-out strategies.
