Web Video Preferences

He has: 688 posts

Joined: Feb 2001

I'm wondering what you guys prefer or recommend for video on the web. (In the incredibly off-chance that one of you previously looked at my profile, you'll notice that's my business) I've always gone with Quicktime because in my opinion it is the best quality. But everybody can't view a Quicktime movie. Windows (most of the world) does not come with it preinstalled. Just about everyone can easily play AVI and MPEG and then there's always RealPlayer (as much as I don't like them).

I'm looking to included 30sec spots, not live streaming shows. In fact I've got a few on my site right now within 'Gallery' (http://www.mikesussman.com/gallery/Televison). Should I make a switch for compatibility's sake? Or since the quality of my work is important (not having ecessive artifacting), Should I stick with what I've been doing

Megan's picture

She has: 11,421 posts

Joined: Jun 1999

Why not offer more than one option?

Suzanne's picture

She has: 5,507 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

Quicktime players will play avi and mpeg? http://www.apple.com/quicktime/products/qt/specifications.html

Jimmy Changa's picture

They have: 220 posts

Joined: Mar 2003

I prefer windows media player...justr 'cause I dont want to DL yet another program. *shrugs*

Suzanne's picture

She has: 5,507 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

I really really really don't like WMP -- I didn't on a pc, I don't on a mac. It's marginally better than Real Player, peh. ads and control and blech!*

Also, WMP installation crashed my iBook and HARD, corrupting a few things along the way.

And even with all that, lol, it's better than Real Player!

DaveyBoy's picture

They have: 453 posts

Joined: Feb 2003

RealOne player is actually very good, definitely better than WMP for streaming purposes. The old Real Player wasn't up to par, but of course that is what most people are going to have.

I notice on most sites that they have an option for high/low bandwidth and also which player to use - real or media player.

I agree with megan, offering people a choice is a good idea.

They have: 15 posts

Joined: Feb 2003

Quicktime.

You are doing this professionaly, and most people you are targeting will have it installed.

WMP would be my far second choice. It works well (esp. v9) and is widely available, but quality needs work.

Real. Real is spamwear, it used to be spywear ...wonder if it still is. Never trust them.

A tip. Where you say 'you need to have the quicktime player installed' on the previous page, include a link and a small comment such as, 'it's free and won't take long' to persuade visitors to install it.

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