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Who do I contact to
learn more about Streaming Media?
Multimedia Services
will assist you in preparing media for streaming on the web. Contact
David Gorski x2468 or gorski@cdnet.cod.edu
What is Windows Media?
Windows Media
is the Microsoft format for streaming audio and video files. If your
computer was installed by the IT staff, you may already have the Windows
Media Player installed. If you do not have it or wish to upgrade to
a later version, visit the Microsoft
Download Center. Or, to have the Help Desk install Windows Media
Player for you, call ext. 4357.
I have QuickTime files.
Can these be converted to Windows Media?
Yes, in most
cases QuickTime files can be converted into Windows Media Files. If
you are creating in QuickTime we ask that you send us the files unflattened
and uncompressed.
Can I stream audio?
Audio files stream
very well on campus and on the Web, audio may be the best choice for
some projects, call us for details.
What is streaming
media?
Streaming media
is any media file with motion or audio, processed and compressed for
delivery on the internet. Streaming media can be a full motion video
clip with audio to a PowerPoint presentation with page builds and, or
narration.
How does it work?
We use an encoder
program to size, process and compress the file into several files, one
of which will be chosen by your player depending on your connection
speed. The file is then placed on the campus media server. When a user
requests a file, the server automatically determines the best speed
for delivery, breaks the file into packets of information, then sends
the packets to the requesting desktop.
What are the standards?
The College of
DuPage has standardized on the Windows Media Format. The free players
for Windows and Apple operating systems are available here at the Microsoft
Download Center.
How do you make something
in a particular streaming format?
Two tutorials
for Windows Media Streaming are available on the Microsoft site.
Additionally,
you are encouraged to contact Multimedia Services as you prepare your
media for streaming. Contact David Gorski x2468 or gorski@cdnet.cod.edu
How do you add it
to your Web site?
When Multimedia
Services processes your media for streaming we will place the file on
the streaming server and send you a hyperlink to that file. If you maintain
your own site you can embed the link in the proper page. If someone
else maintains the site for you, we will send the link to them.
What content can be
used for streaming?
Almost any quality
video material can be compressed for streaming; however, it is important
to remember a couple of issues.
- The quality
of the stream will be less than the quality of the original media.
- Close-up,
low motion video works best as a stream. For example, video of a tightly
framed lecture, with a stationary speaker in front of plain background
is a better choice for streaming than a basketball game shot from
the sidelines, due to the motion and the distance from the subject.
If I want video produced,
who can do that for me?
Call Multimedia
Services, we can help guide you through the process or even manage the
process for you.
Can I use still images
with a sound track?
Still images
work very well as a streaming media file. One of the easiest way to
incorporate still images and sound is to use Microsoft PowerPoint. You
can create an auto run program that incorporates your photos, titles,
comments and narration. For some ideas, see How
to Create a Streaming PowerPoint Presentation on Dr.
Allan Freedline's PowerPoint Streaming website.
What about copyrighted
material?
You must own
the copyright or obtain written permission for the electronic distribution
rights to any media you wish to stream. The laws governing electronic
distribution are different than the laws covering classroom use. These
links can provide additional details.
The
Copyright Website
An
Introduction to Copyright, Fair Use and Intellectual Property
Multimedia
Authoring (look for "Legal" under Categories)
Can I use video I
shot with my camcorder?
Most video can
be processed for streaming, but there are some considerations if
you plan to shoot video for streaming.
- Watch the
motion. Because of the way compression works in streaming, the less
motion the better.
- Watch the
framing. Simply, the closer, the better. Remember many of your users
will view your media material on a tiny screen. Keep this in mind
as you shoot your material.
What about quality?
Quality is even
more important than it might be in a classroom setting. This is due
to the compression of the image for streaming. The viewers may be viewing
your material on their home computers with a 56k modem. At that connection
speed,
the presentation could end up as a mere 2 inch by 1.5 inch display
on the user's desktop
Where can I learn
more about streaming?
Try these links.
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