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