Specifying particular portions of a video for retrieval, rather than the entire file, allows for targeted acquisition of content. For example, a user might only need the introduction or a specific segment of a lecture. This functionality is often achieved through designating start and end times, or chapter markers within the video.
The ability to selectively retrieve video portions offers several advantages. It reduces download times and storage space requirements. Furthermore, it facilitates the creation of customized content compilations or focused research efforts. Historically, obtaining only segments of online video required manual editing after a full download, a time-consuming process circumvented by this feature.
