Home Video Hints: Home Video Distribution (page 2)

Stream On

One of the more exciting and ultimately challenging methods of video distribution is the Internet. Placing your video on a Web site gives you a way to make your work available to hundreds of millions of potential viewers. Because you don't have to make multiple copies, Internet streaming offers one of the most cost-effective ways to reach large audiences.

There are two main types of Internet video: download-and-play and streaming. You've likely downloaded thousands of files to your computer and video is no different. Streaming video, on the other hand, requires the use of expensive servers and allows the viewer to watch the video without downloading the entire file first and has the advantage of near-instant playback (if your Internet connection is fast enough). Sophisticated servers can also deliver video to large numbers of viewers simultaneously. Progressive downloads works without a special server and lets your viewers begin watching the video before it has finished downloading. With progressive downloads, if the connection isn't fast enough, you can simply wait until the video is finished downloading and play it back full-quality at your leisure.

There are, of course, some important drawbacks involved in streaming your video on the Internet:

You need to pay for hosting. This can be very inexpensive, but streaming services can cost quite a lot.

You need to reduce your video's quality. Whereas 640x480 is considered full resolution for most video, Internet video is commonly reduced to something much smaller, like 320x240. Internet video is also subject to compression artifacts.

The Internet is not always 100% reliable and is still subject to delays of one sort or another.

Your audience could be using any kind of computer and software movie player. Folks get annoyed very quickly on the Internet and if you require them to install something before they can see your work, many viewers will just click and be gone.

Keep your VHS VCR

If you decide to pursue one of the non-VHS methods of distribution, bear in mind that you're likely to encounter a member of your audience who is having trouble playing back your DVD or VCD or who doesn't have their computer configured properly for streaming video.

In that case, good old VHS is still great to have around. It's easy to use, inexpensive and just about guaranteed to work in almost every home in this country. Nonetheless, you may find yourself endlessly tweaking and configuring your final DVD to minimize playback problems on the widest range of home DVD players.

On the other hand, if you are technically inclined and you enjoy doing this sort of thing, more power to you. You'll likely become an expert on the topic in no time.

Joe McCleskey | September 2003

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