Old chestnut re-visited - which streaming format?

[Paul Argyle]

I'm after any general thoughts or experiences with regard to streaming formats, or web video in general really. I'm currently producing video-based corporate product info on cd-rom for a specific customer base and want to re-purpose it/re-work it for the web.

I've been using Quicktime for ages for the cd-roms and it's great. What concerns me really is the choice of format for a web site (i.e. real, windows media or quicktime) and it's impact on the end-user.

Most of the people we'll be targeting (corporate customers) probably don't "surf" massively so they'll have to download a player of some sort. Do I inflict realplayer on them? Ok, I like the quality, streaming options etc. but the installation is a nightmare for an inexperienced user. Or at least it's easy (but long-winded) to do but it invades the pc.

Windows Media files should play with media player 6.4, but the user will no doubt get dragged into using the increasingly invasive Media Player 9 etc. Again the quality looks excellent though. I could put all three formats up (server permitting) or I guide them down one road. I use the various BBC sites a lot - they went for RealMedia, and I'm quite happy now I've got the player under control http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/smile.gif

Any comments would be welcomed!

Cheers
Paul

[wahiba]

As a narrow band amateur I started with Quick Time. While not the smallest files the quality is relative to the file size. Also they are straight forward to embed in web pages.

I then tried Real using their free programme. Quality to file size is reasonable, but they are near impossible to embed. I followed the instructions, intermediate files and the results were mixed.

I also downloaded the MS programme. It is better than Real as it can be set by the user. One does not have to use the pre-ordained set ups. Quality to file size is similar to Real, but it is also easy to embed. Not quite as easy as QT as the file name placing on the web page is such that one can be easily missed out.

I have just changed my hard drive so am in the process of re-loading and updating players etc.

My efforts, for what they are worth, can be seen at http;//www.siltec.co.uk

[wahiba]

http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/smile.gifHave not been on for a while.
Sorted.

------------------
If you have got it, flaunt it - see my efforts at: http://www.siltec.co.uk

[Paul Argyle]

Thanks for the info wahiba. I've had a look at your site, wow! that must keep you busy!
It's great to see lots of video on there.

I guess this section of the forums will gradually get busier as more people get stuck into some web video. Maybe broadband will shove it along a bit. It might be at the opposite end of the spectrum from dvd burning (picture quality-wise) but for me it's probably the most exciting area to see developing.

Cheers
Paul

[nicknoble]

This sounds like just the sort of string for my next bit of work in Premier (6.5). I have to repurpose some projects into files for download on the web. Nothing very long but quality is an issue, also I can't stream because the site is hosted and its not available right now. What format should I be using? Easy goes it, I'm beginner in video (but 10 years in dtp).

[Paul Argyle]

Hi Nick
I've probably got to try and stick with Quicktime for, mainly because the stuff I've got to do at the moment needs to be viewed by a specific customer base. They've already installed Quicktime via cd-roms that we send out, and many of them are Mac users (I know they can view other formats too).

Also I make use of the "Flash" track feature in Quicktime for synced-up graphics etc. and I'm interested to see if I can continue using that in the web.

My choices are probably going to influenced by ease of access for the end-user. I'm still put off by the RealPlayer installation, especially if I've got to
guide a customer through it.

Having reading this forum there are obviously others out there with lots of experience, so I might be back to pick some brains http://www.dvdoctor.net/cgi-bin/ubb/smile.gif

Cheers
Paul

[PaulD]

Hi
Another advantage of Quicktime is you can make the files unsavable while playing in a browser, or unalterable on an CD. They can also have an indelible 'watermark' overlayed which can be removed when being played on your webpage or from your CD. If copied the watermark will appear.
Not every useage needs these facilites of course, but it does mean you can control what happen if you need to.
Regards