[Sigia-l] Online Video Learnings Summary

Wed Jan 16 06:46:41 EST 2008

Thanks for that summary. I wish more people summarised their findings from questions they ask here. It's a nice way of saying thanks for our time...

That said, I'm a little puzzled about some of the statements about streaming vs downloading.

My understanding is that from a user experience point of view, there is really no difference between streaming (in the sense of client/server RTSP multicast type stuff) and downloading (as in the more usual term "progressive downloading").

The vast majority of web video right now is progressive download with a Flash player that plays the file as it downloads to your machine. This what YouTube does, and why (for example) you can't go further forward in the video than the end of the grey download bar - because it's not been downloaded yet.

Streaming video is exactly the same apart from the fact that you can skip ahead to parts of the video (assuming it's not live). That, basically, is the only difference from the user's point of view.

If the comparison is between streaming and "file downloading" then the (for example) the statement "Downloading means users do not have to be connected or download each time" is true only if the video data itself is made available as a file to download. This is a pretty risky thing to do, since there is no guarantee that the user has the right codecs, understands the concept of a separate video player, etc. to play it once they have it. Hence the popularity of using progressive download with (usually) a Flash player in the page.

Or have I mis-understood something?

Jonathan

-----Original Message-----
From: sigia-l-bounces at asis.org [mailto:sigia-l-bounces at asis.org] On Behalf Of Tom Donehower
Sent: 15 January 2008 20:44
To: sigia l
Subject: [Sigia-l] Online Video Learnings Summary

SUMMARY OF RESPONSES: RE: ONLINE VIDEO LEARNING

Below is a summary of responses re: online video learnings. Thanks to all who responded. Your input was very helpful.

-Tom

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RECOMMENDED LINK FOR GENERAL REFERENCE OF VIDEO SITES Here's a great link for other video examples:
http://mashable.com/2007/06/27/video-toolbox/

Thanks,
Jenni

===

STREAMING VS. DOWNLOADING AND FORMATS
Just a comment about streaming vs downloading There may be cases where either is preferred.
Streaming is nice for immediate access--click the link and video starts.
Downloading is nice for uninterrupted view of video--no delays during video because of internet speed. Downloading is nice for keeping video. Streaming may be better for owner protecting copyright though there are technologies to copy whatever can be viewed. Downloading may allow viewing of higher definition (because internet speed doesn't allow streaming at that definition). Downloading can be folded in to other use of internet (browse in one window, download in another window).
Have a nice day
John Paul Fullerton

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FUTURE OF FORMATS
> 2.  What factors into the decision for format? I see a lot of sites
> using Flash, but was wondering if anyone could share any insight into
> the pros
and
> cons of the various formats and players available.

To mention just the more strategic ones, excluding P2P-popular codecs, there used to be four 'general purpose' video platforms out there: Win, Real, Flash and QuickTime.
In the future, there'll be two: Windows Media and H.264.
Real is really over and Flash is transitioning from On2 to H.264.
For web deployment, perhaps the biggest difference between the two camps is
DRM: Windows Media has it, neither Apple nor Adobe has really come up with a comprehensive DRM layer on top of H.264. Yet.
If the destination of your videos does/will include iPods, iPhones, YouTube, AppleTV, Flash/Flex/AIR devices, Macs or you want to enhance the videos with scriptable interactivity (and you don't think Microsoft Silverlight will really be cross-platform), you'll be using H.264.
Ziya
Nullius in Verba

===
PROS AND CONS OF FLASH STREAMING AND DOWNLOADING
> 1. What do you wish you had known or done prior to implementing online
> video?
I haven't implemented online video instruction, but have done cdrom/lan deployment using captivate - kind of a hybrid screencasting / powerpoint learning system. Captivate uses swf (flash movies) as one of it's deployment mediums.

> 2.  What factors into the decision for format? I see a lot of sites
> using Flash, but was wondering if anyone could share any insight into
> the pros
and
> cons of the various formats and players available.

PROS
- Flash has almost 100% deployment on desktop systems, and alternatively can be deployed in a standalone player / application.
- Works consistently cross platform, and video can be embedded  as part of a richer user experience.
- Can be integrated into a larger learning system and communicate with back end technology.
CONS
- Can be hard to use depending on how the ui is designed.

> 3. What are the advantages/disadvantages of streaming video vs.
> downloading?

- Movies start earlier with streaming but can be problematic to save.
- Downloading means users do not have to be connected or download each time.
- Movies are a single linear experience vs. a richer possibly non linear experience with flash.

> 4. Examples of great user experiences with online video beyond YouTube.

Youtube really raised the bar for viewing video online, and pretty much lead the pack. I think there is not a significant competitor offering vastly different experience - except maybe in the non-video aspects of the product offering.
--
kind regards,
Terrence Wood

===
Once or twice per year I have the pleasure of teaching Information Architecture Theory at Ryerson University. The course requires a group project focusing on re-working the IA for an existing site, more accurately, a main section of a site. Should note that this course is part of a Knowledge Management and Database stream within the Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management. Students are overwhelmingly tech and business oriented.
Over the years, I've noticed improving student work in IA. They clearly demonstrate the ability to abstract and analyze the online world they grew up in. Most interesting is their ability to apply video to their projects and presentations. One from the past term was exceptionally well done.
This particular group of students looked at RAMSS, the student self-service system operated by the University. Their video illustrates user difficulties with the current system. This 2.5 min. clip was part of an excellent analysis and presentation that won the overwhelming support of their peers as well as an A.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE4356ecIX0
Enjoy and share.
A. Simon Mielniczuk, Solutions Architect, Toronto Instructor, Ryerson University
------------
IA Summit 2008: "Experiencing Information"
April 10-14, 2008, Miami, Florida

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