A system and method for streaming media and, more particularly, to a system and method for active transcoding of content in a distributed system. The method includes receiving a file having predetermined parameters and sizing the file up to an optimal packet size according to a logarithmic scheme. The optimal packet size is a largest packet size. In further aspects, the method also includes providing a computer infrastructure operable to perform the steps herein. The system includes a media service, rules engine, log based job creator and a stream constructor. A computer infrastructure having computer readable medium to perform the processes described herein is also provided.