creating streaming video clips for web-based instruction jay cofield, ph.d. the university of...

Creating Streaming Video Creating Streaming Video Clips for Web-based Clips for Web-based

InstructionInstruction

Jay Cofield, Ph.D.

The university of Montevallo

July 9, 2002

Streaming Video Definition

• Video transmitted in a continuous data stream over the Internet to an appropriate Web browser playback program for immediate display.

Four Steps Before You Stream

• Camera

• Capture Computer

• Editing system

• Encoder– Encoding means putting your video or

audio file into a specific format for streaming over the Web.

Streaming Options

• Real (aka RealOne, RealPlayer)– Charged per stream for server software– Basic player is free

• Windows Media– Free server software, no charge per stream– Player is free

• QuickTime– Free server software, no charge per stream – Player is free

Some Example Clips

• Windows Media Clips

• RealPlayer Clips using default settings

• RealPlayer Clips using custom settings

• QuickTime Progressive Download Clips

Reasons to Stream Video

• Streaming video can:– act as a learning reinforcement.– generate a feeling of the instructor’s

presence.

• The small screen size of the clips used in the 2001 study did not seem to negatively impact perceptions of the streaming video clips.

When to Stream Video

• Good: – Augmentation to Web pages– Illustrate points that have some motion in

them or that motion would help

• Bad:– Long form videos– Too much detail in the clips– Gratuitous video clips

Tips for Good Streaming Video

• Two important tradeoffs:

– bandwidth and detail/motion

– audio and video• Audio is very important!

– With limited bandwidth, to have good sounding audio at the end computer audio typically takes up more of the bandwidth than video- ex: 56K modem, 15 K goes to audio, and 30K goes to video (last 5 goes to control)

Tips for Good Streaming Video

• Remember:– What is your target computer?

– Size of streamed video window

– Test your clips on different computers

– Be aware of motion vs. detail choice for every clip

Tips for Good Streaming Video

• Use short clips vs. long ones

• Test the settings in the encoder software– CODEC choices, encoder settings– rationing bandwidth for audio/video

Tips for Good Streaming Video

• Use good TV production techniques– Good lighting on faces

• using at least one light on the subject’s face helps to separate them from the background

– Good microphones• place a microphone close to the subject’s

mouth for best audio

– If you have text, use large, simple fonts

– USE A TRIPOD!USE A TRIPOD!

Tips for Good Streaming Video

• Use good TV production techniques– Closeup shots to see faces

• the rule of thirds is a great way to frame shots• clear faces help keep interest in the clip

– Slow camera motion• fast motion detracts from the clarity of faces,

and may cause the video to skip or freeze

– Simple backgrounds• simple backgrounds lets the encoder

concentrate on the subject.

Rule of Thirds, Lighting

Close up and subtitle example

Example of usable image

Final Reminders

• Remember the tradeoff between audio quality, motion, and detail due to limited bandwidth

• Keep in mind your target audience’s computer and Internet connection

• Use good TV production techniques

• Test different settings to learn the best for your situation