Encoding Rates
| Encoding Formats |
We can encode from these Formats:
VHS, VHS C, S-VHS, S-VHS , DVD, CD, ZIP |
|
Encoding Rates |
|
Setup fee - All Orders |
FREE |
|
1 -2 clips audio or video (up to 5 minutes) |
$50.00 each |
|
3-5 clips - audio or video (up to 5 minutes) |
$45.00 each |
|
6-9 clips - audio or video (up to 5 minutes) |
$40.00 each |
|
10 + clips - audio or video (up to 5 minutes) |
$35.00 each |
What is video encoding?
Encoding is the process of converting video and/or
audio into a digital file capable of being sent over the Internet
or other types of networks. There are a variety of options when
it comes to encoding. There are format or "media player" choices
such as Windows Media, RealVideo and QuickTime, each of which has
its relative strengths and weaknesses based on the type of video
and target audience. There are also considerations depending on
the audience's connection speeds and the actual content of the video.
What are media players?
Media players are software applications that allow
a user to view "streaming video." The three most popular players
are Windows Media, RealVideo and QuickTime and can be downloaded
and installed free of charge from their respective websites:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia/, http://www.mediastreamnetwork.com/www.real.com, www.apple.com/quicktime/download.
A media player will typically launch automatically when the user
clicks a video link on a Web page. Each player is associated with
a specific file type or "format." Video clips must be encoded to
the correct format for each player.
What is streaming video?
In the past, viewers had to download an entire video
file before viewing. This was a time consuming and frustrating process.
"Streaming" video allows the user to begin viewing the video in
seconds by delivering the data in small packets which are buffered
and then discarded after viewing is complete. Streaming video also
ensures that the video will continue to play regardless of network
congestion and bottlenecks.
How do I decide what format (media player)
is best?
The first consideration when selecting format(s)
is your audience. Because it's important to make the viewing experience
as passive as possible, consider which player is most popular with
your audience. By reducing the need to download and install new
players, you increase the likelihood that the video clip will be
watched. To gain the widest possible audience, you may want to consider
using more than one format. The second consideration in selecting
format(s) is the content of your video. Videos with little to moderate
movement, such as interviews, lectures, focus groups, etc. are ideal
for encoding. High motion video presents a greater challenge to
achieve a high quality result. Careful selection of format and encoding
parameters, however, can help achieve this result.
Windows Media-Any computer that has Windows 98 or
later will already have Windows Media installed. If your audience
is primarily PC based, Windows Media may be your best option because
it is well suited for most streaming applications at a wide range
of Internet connection speeds.
RealVideo-This player is also well suited for most
streaming applications at a wide range of Internet connection speeds.
RealVideo has over 150 million unique users worldwide and is the
number one contender with Windows Media. A pre-encoding analysis
feature gives RealVideo a slight advantage over Windows Media for
high motion video.
QuickTime-This player is very popular among MAC users.
Encoding for QuickTime can optimize the quality of higher motion
video clips. QuickTime can achieve fantastic results for users with
high broadband connections and high-speed processors. QuickTime
is often used for Hollywood movie trailers.
What about my audience's Internet connection
speeds?
In addition to format considerations, you should
also consider your audience's connection to the Internet. It is
critical to provide your viewer with a "stream" that is optimized
for their particular connection speed. This can be achieved two
different ways. First, you can encode a single file for each individual
connection speed. The second alternative is to create a single file
or "multiple bit rate stream" to allow viewability from a variety
of connection speeds. The main advantage of encoding individual
files for each connection speed (single bit rate) is that you can
vary the size of the window (frame size) according to their connection
speed. In other words, viewers with a faster connection will be
able to view the video in a larger window. One of the advantages
of a multiple bit rate stream is that it allows for a more passive
viewing experience as the user will automatically receive the stream
appropriate for their connection speed. Also, it is only necessary
to create one link on your site as opposed to multiple links for
single files. The downside is that the video is constricted to a
single frame size. In other words, viewers with a faster connection
speed will be limited to a smaller video window.
What are data rates?
Streaming video clips are delivered at specific data
rates based on the connection speed of the viewer. Data rates are
expressed in kilobits per second (kbps).
Contact us for prices.
