Streaming flash videos

[Mateusz]

I'm a total newbie when it comes to streaming flash videos. My friend google told me a lot but I still have few questions

First.. why streaming videos are so popular? I always thought because of the fact that .flv files are much smaller than .wmv or other standard videos but from what I've seen - not. Most times they are 'only' 30% - 40% smaller.

Second.. I noticed there are some really cool .flv web players but they are not free for commercial use. So.. could you please recommed any? or maybe there are any free ones?

Thanks in advance