Vanderbilt University: Web Developers Group: Streaming Media
Streaming FAQs
  • What is the difference between streaming video and making video available for progressive download? Which is preferred?
    • The basic differences between streaming video and making it available for progressive downloads is the server used to deliver the content, the time it takes to deliver the content and whether or not a copy of the content stays on the user's machine.
    • When video is streamed, it is delivered from a streaming server media server and is played on the computer using a particular piece of software, such as Windows Media, Real Player or Quicktime. This all occurs rapidly (depending on the speed of the Internet connection and the user's processor). The file remains on the server and is not transferred to the viewer's computer. Events can be streamed live and / or can be archived for later viewing. The url for files hosted on media server may begin with rtsp:// or mms://.
    • If a file is made available for progressive download, a copy of the file is transferred to the user's computer. The viewer may in some cases begin to start viewing it when the download begins, but will not be able to fast forward or see the whole video until the download is complete. Files for progressive downloads use a regular Web server with a url beginning with http://. Because video files are generally large, this can take a long time. The benefit of a progressive download for video is the quality can be higher; the benefit of progressive downloads for audio is the content can be saved to an individuals iPod or other mp3 player and listened to at their leisure.
    • Vanderbilt University prefers streaming for video, particularly longer videos, as it is much faster than progressive download and the concern about the alteration or misuse of Vanderbilt videos is greatly reduced as the content remains on the Vanderbilt media server.
    • More information:
      Web Server vs. Streaming Server and
      Streaming vs. Downloading Video: Understanding The Differences
  • How do I get an account to post files on the media server?
  • What media file formats are best supported by the media server?
    • Real, Windows Media, Quicktime and mp3 are all supported for streaming.
  • Do I need to make different versions of my video file available?
    • That depends on your target audience, but in general, we suggest making at least both Real and Windows Media formats available. Keep in mind, however, that the more formats are offered for streaming, the better chance the recipient has of receiving a quality stream.
  • What speed of internet connection will users need to easily view streaming video from the Vanderbilt Web site?
    • A DSL, cable or LAN connection is generally necessary to view videos online.
  • How should I encode my files, and what data transfer rate should I use?
    • For Real encoding, use Real Producer, for Windows use Windows Media encoder. There are free versions of both pieces of software available on the vendors' respective Web sites.
    • Macs that edit video with iMovie and Final Cut can export their edited files to Quicktime using Quicktime, Quicktime Pro or Compressor (included with Final Cut Pro).
    • For more sophisticated control of streaming media creation, the pay version of Real Producer offers more control and options. Stand alone encoding tools like Sorenson Squeeze, AutoDesk's Cleaner, and PopWire's Compression Master offer the ability to compress in most formats streaming formats with a large amount of parameter control for optimal quality and allow the creation of unattended rendering batch jobs.
    • ITS also offers an affordable license for the program Premiere Elements.
    • Windows Media Encoder
    • RealProducer
    • Popwire Compression Master 3.2
    • Sorenson Squeeze
    • Autodesk Products
    • The bitrate depends on the type of connection your target audience has - dialup, cable/DSL or LAN. Typically, streaming media do not work effectively over the narrow bandwidth available for dialup, but if that audience must be supported, 30kbps is a reliable setting. However, in most cases, dialup will not be supported. For cable/DSL, a target bitrate of 100kbps should be serviceable and for LAN connections, 384kbps should be accessible by almost all users.
  • I'm having trouble streaming Quicktime files. Suggestions?
    • To stream a QuickTime movie the Vanderbilt Helix media server, the movie must contain hint tracks. Hint tracks contain information required to stream the media properly.
    • You can use the Pro version of QuickTime Player on most Mac OS-based and Windows-based computers to convert an existing movie to a hinted QuickTime movie. To upgrade to QuickTime Pro, visit Apple Quicktime download site.
    • To add a hint track with QuickTime Player (Pro version):
      1. Open the movie in QuickTime Player.
      2. On the File menu, click Export.
      3. Type a new filename.
      4. Select Movie to Hinted Movie from the Export list.
      5. Click Options.
      6. Select the Optimize hints for Server check box.
      7. Click OK.
      8. Click Save to export the file.
      9. Place the new QuickTime file in a Helix Server Content directory. The file will stream successfully from the Helix Server when accessed with the QuickTime Player.
  • How do I acquire video?
    • Starting out with high quality source material is key to creating quality streaming files. MiniDv is an excellent acquisition format and the cameras are both easy to use and offer high performance for the money. Moving material from a DV camera to a computer requires an IEEE1394 (FireWire or iLink) connection. All current Macintosh computers have FireWire, and many PCs ship with FireWire as well. If a PC is not so equipped, a FireWire card can be installed for under $75 dollars. One of the below-mentioned software applications is used with a FireWire source of video to move media from the camera to the computer for editing and streaming encoding.
  • What software do I need to edit video?
    • There is a multitude of editing tools on the market. Popular tools are Final Cut Pro/Final Cut Express, Media 100, Avid Express, Premiere Pro/Premiere Elements, iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. These come in a variety of price ranges starting at free. Avid offers a free version of their Avid Express Video Editor called Avid Free DV. It's available for both Mac and PC. This is a good way to get started editing DV material. It does require a fairly powerful computer to run. Most Macs ship with iMovie. Windows Movie Maker ships with multimedia PCs or is available for download from Microsoft. Members of the Vanderbilt community get significant discounts on Apple software.
    • More information:
      Avid Free DV
      Windows Movie Maker 2.1
  • What software do I need to edit audio?
    • The open source (free) audio editor Audacity does nice job for the price (free) and can handle WAV and MP3 file formats. The MP3 plug-in it uses allows easy metadata and ID data insertion. Most of the video editing tools mentioned above can edit audio and are useful in a pinch.
  • How do I make my video and audio files into podcasts?
  • My department is sponsoring a big event that we would like streamed live from the Vanderbilt Web site. Is this possible? Who do I contact? Is there a fee?
  • How can I get my audio and video files included on Vanderbilt's news site, VUCast?
  • What legal issues / rights do I need to address before I post audio and video on the Web site?
    • You must have written permission from the speaker and / or owner of the content before posting any audio or video online. Keep this permission (an e-mail is fine) in your files.
  • Is there a limit to how many video or audio files I can post on the media server?
    • Not currently.
  • I posted a file on the media server, but it won't stream. Who should I contact for support?
    • Open a trouble ticket with the ITS Help Desk (3-9999) and it will be routed to the appropriate support group.
  • Is there a campus resource that can convert my VHS or DVD recordings into Web-ready files? Is there a fee? What is the turnaround time?
    • The Mac Lab (Wyatt Center 130) and the development area (Wyatt Center 131) next to it have machines equipped to do video editing. All have iMovie and there is a mix of Final Cut Pro in the development area and Final Cut Express in the Wyatt Center 130 Mac Lab. Both areas are open and free-of-charge to the Vanderbilt community on a first-come / first-served basis. Minimal technical support is offered at this facility - users should be prepared to work on their own.

 

For questions about this Web site, please contact Jim Parker.