Once the project is complete it is time to think about distribution. This can come in many forms from theaters, broadcast television, Internet, closed circuit television, VHS, DVD, CD, web card, etc.

The growing popularity of distribution over the Internet has spurred a myriad of advances in technology, especially in the compression of video. Streaming media over the Internet has only been around since the mid-1990’s. Considering that broadcast video has been around since the late 1920’s and film since the 1890’s, streaming media is just a baby.

The way streaming media works is the video is sent to your computer from a server. As soon as the first packets of information get to your computer, the video starts playing, even though the computer has not received all the information yet. Your computer continues to download the rest of the video while you are watching the beginning of the video. This cuts the waiting time so you don’t have to download the entire video before you can watch it.

The other method is to create a download file that does just that. The video downloads onto your hard drive and you cannot watch it until it is finished downloading. The obvious drawback is the long wait.

No matter which method you select, several steps are required in order to get your video to stream or download over the Internet. The first is to digitize your video: bring it into a computer. There are several ways of doing this, all using hardware that ‘captures’ your video. This hardware ranges in price, and determines a great deal of the quality in your streaming video. Once you have digitized your video, it then has to be compressed. The reason it has to be compressed is due to the current status of our Internet; large files take tremendous amounts of time and storage to send through the Internet pipes. Full frame uncompressed video will eventually be capable on the Internet, however today it is impractical. Compressing involves reducing the image size of the video, and minimizing file information. The audio files and video files are compressed under separate codes. This can be done using a collection of hardware and software techniques. These techniques again ranging in price and truly require the expertise of a knowledgeable engineer.

The compressed video is then uploaded to a server or many servers distributed throughout the net, depending on your intended viewership. These servers are designed specifically to distribute streaming media over the Internet. The thing to consider is how many servers do you need and how much bandwidth is necessary in order to provide a bug-free viewing experience for your audience. When choosing a hosting service you will need to provide them with a number of ‘hits’ you intend to receive when your video is launched, so the host can prepare enough bandwidth and servers to accommodate your audience. This is important because many video launches are impeded by large numbers of viewers, causing slow to no video playback. Understanding your audience demographics helps you to know their line speed (28.8 to cable modem) so your compression fits their needs.

Internet distribution does not have to be the end of your piece, you can archive your spot, and use it for future projects, or duplicate on DVD, VHS, etc. for sales or marketing.

Remember, video is a powerful tool. The ability to reach inside a client, entertain an audience or motivate employees is enhanced through video. Contact a production company to see what they can do for you. It may be the step your company needs to go the extra mile.

Intro | Pre-Production | Production | Postproduction | Distribution

Good luck and happy streaming!
Tyler Allison, 1/2/01
GreenFlicks, http://www.greenflicks.com

Need Help?

Remember, Norhtstar Internet, Inc. account development managers are here to help you with any of these items.