Streaming Media - What exactly is it anyway? 

A brief description of streaming video and how it works.

Streaming media is multimedia such as audio or video (which is probably the most recognizable) that is continuously received by, and normally displayed to, the end-user while it is being delivered by the provider.
In other words, unlike a video that you download first to your hard drive on your computer and THEN open to view on your screen, You can usually start viewing or listening to your content as it is being delivered.
(ie it is "streamed" to you from a server on the web).
Hence the term "streaming media".
Live streaming media takes this one step further and allows the viewer to see content the moment it is created and is the online equivalent of live via satellite TV transmission.

For a more comprehensive "in depth" look at streaming media visit the links section located after the next few articles.

I personally have developed an interest in streaming media because of my background in music and more recently in film (and how I could promote what I do on the web in a tangible way, rather than just text).

For me, streaming media has been a brilliant way to share my message in a creative form that gets noticed.

A video of the author of this lens! 

Helloworld featured on prime time TV in Australia 

This is a recent feature run in a well respected current affairs programme here in Australia.

Streaming media examples. 

Helloworld overview of the many features.

A comparison between HelloWorld and YouTube. 

Almost everyone online is familiar with YouTube and
has probably used it at one time or another so what makes Helloworld different to YouTube or anyone else for that matter?

Both allow you to post video online but that is
where the similarity ends.
HelloWorld is an additional suite of features:

*Reply to any email directly with video straight from your inbox (you won't believe how easy it is).

*Broadcast live shows and archive them - (even have pay per view).

*Upload and store all your stuff (video, pictures, music) and have it password protected so you can decide who views your content and when.

*Easily add video to a website or even integrate a whole page.

*Effortlessly covert your videos to any format you want so it can be viewed on any device.

*No adverts or links to other people's content.

*Make free pc to pc phonecalls and cheap pc to mobile or landline telephone calls.

*Live video chat with up to 3 other people at a time (and it's private).

*Video conferencing (at a fraction of the cost of a regular service).

*Video blog

And more.

So while YouTube is a great way to advertise yourself and have some fun it cannot do everything.
the old saying is always true - "You get what you pay for".

News Flash...
Just recently there was a story featured on a current affairs programme on the issue of cyber bullying through Youtube.
A boy had posted a family video which was captured by another Youtube user who then altered the content and added obscene material before reposting it.
Just goes to show that free does not mean safe.

Videomail - Breaking the online communication barrier. 

How streaming video technology makes life easier for people with a disability.

New Frontier in Web Conferencing: Consumers Can Broadcast Live on the Internet 

What does rocker Joe Walsh have in common with housewife Jennifer Kall?

They both use new,consumer-friendly webcasting tools to stream live broadcasts to their fans.
While Joe Walsh has a much bigger fan base,consisting of thousands of dedicated Eagles fans worldwide, Kall's fan base is also very dedicated.
She is able to broadcast live video of her daughters to all of her friends and family who live thousands of miles away by using helloWorld's live web conferencing tool, helloLive.

Kall says it's a wonderful way to let her family watch her children grow up. "I recently streamed
my daughter's seventh birthday party to everyone who could not make it," Kall said. "What a special treat it was for them to feel as if they were part of the party."

And her case is not all that unique. The trend toward the consumer-driven video communication market is growing quickly.

Brian Donovan is another example. He broadcasts cost-effective streaming video presentations for his clients in his Internet Cafe.

"As a small-business owner, I know how important it is to compete for attention. The ability to webcast my presentations has really gotten me noticed." Donovan said.

There is one common factor between these three very different people. They all use helloWorld's live broadcasting tool, helloLive. helloLive is allowing everyone from the consumer to the small business owner to the famous Rock'n'Roll star to easily broadcast streaming video to hundreds of people.
As the most advanced and least expensive webcasting products on the market,helloWorld is quickly building a presence in the consumer marketplace.

"If you have a job that requires a lot of face-to-face communication and you can't afford the thousands of dollars per web conference from the 'other guys' you're in luck," Donovan said.
"helloWorld offers a better service for pennies on the dollar. I couldn't believe it when I saw it."

"Best of all, helloLive lets me record a broadcast and it immediately archives it to be viewed any time," Kall said.

In addition to helloLive, helloWorld's monthly subscriptions also include helloMail, a video email tool and helloIM, a video instant messaging tool.

Helloworld in the political arena. 

Us Presidential Candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama both using HelloWorld.

Presidential Candidates Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama use helloworld in a powerful way - giving voters the opportunity to receive video footage directly to their email inbox.

Effectively this "levels the playing field" and gives the underdog in the political arena (or otherwise) the true power of free speech that is completely independent of commercial media (and at an absolute fraction of the cost required to run a television campaign on a commercial station).
You can view their examples online at www.myvmailpage.com/markspivey

Detroit City Council Streams Live and On-Demand City News Online. 

Municipality Streams Live Meetings Directly to Constituency.

Franchises Discovering Benefits of helloWorld. 

Franchises are discovering the many cost and time-saving benefits of helloWorld's Studio, as well as the opportunity to share in revenues in today's tight economic times.

Eleven Practical Reasons Why Streaming Video is a Vital Marketing Tool for your Website 

Below are 11 practical reasons why streaming video should be considered as a vital marketing tool to add to a business website.

1. Limited Screen Space.

Computer screens have increased in size over the years but webmasters still have to deal with the problem getting all a client's information presented above the bottom of the screen.It's difficult enough to get prospects or customers to read anything without them having to scroll lengthy pages of text.
Placing a prominent link to video content greatly reduces the amount of reading and web space needed (A lot can be said in a minute of video, 100 words or more).

2. Computer Screen Readability.

Computer monitors have never particularly easy on the eyes.Screen LCDs are brighter and display more contrast than CRT (which is great for graphics but again not ideal for reading). So instead of giving your potential clients eyestrain and a headache, deliver the information using video, a much more user-friendly experience.

3. Scanning habits of visitors.

A large number of net users (around 70 percent) tend to scan and skim over material, rather than actually read it.Having a well presented streaming video that loads and begins playing quickly is a powerful way to encapsulate the main points of your business and transmit them in a memorable way.

4. Retention.

Studies have shown that only a small amount of read text (around 10 percent) is easily recalled by a reader.Audio is slightly better (20 percent), whereas Video, being both visual and audible has the highest ranking in memory retention studies (around 50 percent or higher).
(If this is combined with actual interactive activity - ie doing, the result rises to around 80 percent).Also consider the following facts:55% of a message meaning is derived from facial expression38% of a message meaning is derived from gestures, body language, etc.
(Source: Dr. Mehrabians, Study of Communication.)
From the above we can see it simply makes sense to add video to a business site.

5. Consistency of Message Delivery.

Because text is skimmed your overall message may not come across in a consistent way from one visitor to the next.When clients are left on their own to browse you really don't know how much of your message they are getting.
By presenting information in video, you deliver a consistent, error-free message without anything left out. The human voice, music and visual cues breaks through the concentration barrier and leaves a lasting impression of who you are and why your visitors should be customers.
If content is King - presentation is Queen.

Eleven Practical Reasons Why Streaming Video is a Vital Marketing Tool for your Website. 

(Part 2).

6.The Phenomenon of Multitasking.

Time is vital in business and so most of us try and cram as much into the day as possible - doing several things at once (multitasking).Most of us are answering the phone, reading documents, creating reports etc etc. People want it short, and to the point (and we want to be able to grab their attention while they are doing other things!) If TV advertisers can effectively promote their products in thirty-second commercials during dinner, imagine what you can deliver in the same amount of professionally created video online.

7. Branding - Creating a Personality.

Successful businesses all have an image and personality and there is no better way to transmit that personality to your prospective clients than with video. Companies spend thousands of dollars on logos, slogans, printed material and website design.Using video is a powerful tool that effectively "glues" all these elements together.You see it, hear it and interact with it, creating a memory and a feel associated with that business.
TV commercials have given Fast food chains, Banks and consumer electronics a corporate image.Online video can do exactly the same (at a tiny fraction of the cost of TV airtime 24hrs a day 7 days a week, worldwide).

8. Cost Effectiveness and ease of use.

Many business people make the assumption that multimedia solutions like video are expensive - but that is no longer the case.Recent developments have made streaming video tools accessible to even small budget companies with the flexibility not available in flash presentations which can be extremely labour intensive and cannot be viewed without the correct player.
It is possible to create, adjust and present your video message with minimal equipment and low overheads and obtain a professional result.Further developments have made video viewable without the need of downloading and installing additional software (which by the way, is a guaranteed way to lose visitors).

Eleven Practical Reasons Why Streaming Video is a Vital Marketing Tool for your Website. 

(Part 3).

9. Trust and association.

Video gives the visitor a picture of who you are.TV commercials that feature a celebrity or (even just the man or woman who runs the store) create trust - that is one reason why they sell.Buyers like to associate a name with a face and video does this better than any other medium available.To be able to see something "real" in a virtual world helps to solidify the viewer's perception (hopefully positive) of you and your product or service.

10. It's a well known medium that is still unique enough to attract attention and has the advantage of virtually unlimited creativity.

While text, plain pictures (and even flash to a degree) have become commonplace and "ho hum" in the net, online video still attracts significant attention (who can resist opening a link "Watch Video"?)There is still a fascination with this media which works in the advertiser's favor.

11. And finally... You can effectively demonstrate your product.

Ever try to describe to a customer how your product works, how easy it is to use, special features, etc with just text or over the phone? - it can often be very difficult.
Nothing beats a customer seeing a product or service they are interested in going through it's paces.
Video is the only medium that gives the prospective customer a real life illustration of the what, how and why operations of your goods and services before they even set foot in your store or consider a purchase.
When a customer understands a product and how it will benefit them by seeing it in action, they are more inclined to keep this as a visual diary for the appropriate time when they are ready to buy.

Building your own online TV studio on a budget. 

This is my adventure in TV studio creation on a budget.

Being on an absolutely tight budget I created my own virtual TV studio with a few basics.
At the heart of my system was a second hand 1.6 Ghz Celeron computer with 700Mb of RAM with Windows XP.
My video capture devices consisted of a Logitech Quick Cam Messenger and a Minolta Dimage G400 digital camera (a gift from a friend) which takes reasonable video with sound on a 256 Mb memory card.
I borrowed a desk lamp for lighting.

(For video editing I use a freeware program which runs on my G4 Mac machine which I use for my music studio and video editing, and then download my completed files onto a portable hard drive and transfer them to my PC).

There are some good free and low cost video editors out there for Windows (I just prefer using my system because it is what I already had on hand).

The only other things I use are a secondhand tripod, a broadband connection and of course a Helloworld account which costs just under ten Dollars US a month.

My boss approached me the other day and said he was amazed that I could get such good results for so little. (The company was actually paying $500 AUD a month for a video conferencing service- thats just conferencing and nothing else) suffice to say he asked me for a Helloworld trial just recently.

So in reality all you really need as far as hardware and consumables is concerned is a recent computer, a webcam, internet connection and a Helloworld account.

That's basically it.

My studio ended up costing me less than $320 Australian dollars.
Most people would already have a computer running XP or similar so the cost would be a lot less.

I'm planning to upgrade to a proper camcorder soon which will improve things, but for the web this setup works very well.

When I upload my video files to my studio where they are converted into the formats I want there is some compression involved but the results are still very good - in fact the best I have seen with a fast download at a decent size (and I can see the footage I have uploaded regardless of the internet connection speed I have).

Helloworld's system automatically detects what kind of internet connection I have (dialup or ADSL for example) and adjusts file size accordingly.

Not only that, it also determines what type of player you have installed (ie Windows media, Flash player or Quicktime for example) and selects the right format to match.

Gone are those annoying messages saying you cannot view a video because you don't have the correct player (which you then have to look for and download).

Recording from the webcam is even simpler - just a few clicks and you're done.

Plans for the future?
I have a number of plans, including using this to promote products on eBay and a tourist site (plus some other projects I'm keeping secret)...

Privacy, safety and flexibility without the need to be an IT expert. 

Why I chose to use Helloworld over other services.

I chose to use Helloworld for several reasons including flexibility.
One of the main issues was I wanted to be able to control who viewed my content and where it was posted.
I didn't necessarily want my material plastered all over the net.
If I had created something just for family or close friends to see I wanted it to stay that way.
I also didn't want adverts and links everywhere.

A friend of mine is going to be celebrating a significant milestone in his life (his 50th birthday) and since many of his friends are located all over the world and cannot actually be there for the occasion we have decided to use my Helloworld studio to compile and store video from the event.
This will make it accessible to the viewers we choose without it being available to the general public.
The other advantage we have is it does away with the need to burn and mail off multiple DVD copies - which will save us both time and money.

Recently Helloworld introduced pay-per-view and private live webcasting.
This means even more flexibility and control over content.
Also an exciting innovation is the ability to embed video and picture galleries in my websites with just a few clicks of a mouse to copy and paste - the html is all done automatically.

Podcasting - What is it? (and what items you need to do one). 

A podcast is simply a recording (usually audio although video players are becoming more and more common) that is uploaded to a server online and converted into a format that can be downloaded and played back on an iPod or similar type of player.

Podcasts are an excellent way promoting your world (whatever it may be) and since podcasts are often shared between users they are effectively a viral form of advertising.

Below are some ideas for podcasts.

* Create an Internet radio show or talk show in which you create content-rich broadcasts for your target market.

* Conduct a teleclass series in which you interview experts who have solutions to problems faced by your target market.

* Promote a printed book, ebook, or CD/DVD series by releasing promotional snippets to a wider audience.
(Great for recording artists, speakers, authors etc).

* Provide short and valuable expert tips to your target market.

So how do I create a Podcast?

Typically to produce a podcast you need the following:

A recording studio and a place on a server somewhere (ie a website) to upload you recording (helloWorld provides a comprehensive service that allows you to do this easily).

Your recording studio needn't be expensive (all you really need is a microphone, a computer with audio inputs and outputs (ie a soundcard and speakers or headphones) and some recording software.
A freeware program such as Audacity will usually do the trick but you may want to spend more on a recording program depending on what you are wanting to achieve.
Some podcasts I have listened to have sounded very professional and have included background music, promotional spots and even an introduction theme song or track (Just like you might hear on an authentic radio show).

Your recording program should be able to convert your finished audio into mp3 format so it is reduced or compressed into a small enough file so it is quick to upload and download but the audio quality is still there.
(Keep this in mind when recording too and choose a quiet place to create your masterpiece).
Most audio recording programs allow you to save your item in Wav, Aiff and mp3 (the former 2 formats produce very large files for CD production) while mp3 is typically much smaller.

Once you have done your work the next step is to upload your podcast to a server where it is stored for easy download.
You then create a link to this on your website or in your email for example and direct your listeners to this (they then

Helpful Hints and Tips for streaming video usage. 

Here are a few suggestions to improve the quality of your streaming media.

1. Lighting.
Make sure you have a good light source ie a soft lamp, open curtains (if it is during the day).
A soft light in front of you will help eliminate harsh shadows and show your facial features.
Overly bright lighting will wash out your picture so avoid squinting into a spotlight.

2. Sound.
Eliminate feedback by using light headphones when video chatting (and turn off your speakers).
This will prevent sound looping back into your microphone from them and causing the ringing or squealing associated with this problem.

3. External distractions.
Choose a location that is quiet (unless you want to deliberately include it).
Remember, the louder the background noise, the more you will have to compensate by either shouting or turning up the volume.
This can distort the sound your recipient will receive.

4 Internet connection.
In short you need a good one.
Dialup is generally too slow - the rule here is the faster the better 256kbs is the absolute slowest, and even then you may have to wait a while as the media loads (you'll need a fast upload speed too if you want to broadcast live - above 128kbs).
Thankfully higher speed internet connections are becoming more and more common which in turn will make streaming content more accessible.

Recent developments - video enabled phonecalls on your pc. 

Welcome to helloPhone! NEW (11/5/07 1:00 PM PDT)

Always ahead of the curve with trends and features, VMdirect is now proud to announce the exciting and innovative helloPhone.
Users now have the ability to make unlimited, video enabled, computer-to-computer calls with any helloWorld customer at no additional cost. helloPhone offers incredible features like being able to see who you're speaking with. helloPhone also includes:

* Unlimited online calls within helloWorld
* Caller ID with name
* Account Management
* Call waiting
* Call transfer
* Call hold
* Do not disturb
* Three-way calling
* Last number redial
* Phone book
* Call history

This is just one more way helloWorld is revolutionizing the way people communicate. Best of all, this is a free feature for all helloWorld customers.
See the video below.

Hellophone 

Introducing free phonecalls from pc to pc.

For more information go to http://www.tinyurl.com/2cs39m

Runtime: 1:36
70 views
0 Comments:

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Free 30 day trials of Helloworld. 

Limited supply - be quick but don't be greedy.

Note:
These are very hard to get hold of so please don't waste them (limit of one per person please) the purpose of the trial for you to do a test drive and utilize the amazing features to connect with friends, promote your business etc.

Ok here's how to activate a free trial:

Copy one of the CD codes listed below:

76F0AF5727

2EFF54824B

21FB6490DE

60EF44F965

7CCAA2A1A6

Next go to:

Helloworld Free Sign Up

Click on the redeem button.

Follow the instructions on the screen (paste in your code where required).

Note:
If one code is taken use another one from the list.

PS There is online support available 24:7 and video tutorials to get you going.

Have fun - and drop me a line at HelloWorld and say "hi" in video.

Streaming Media and where to get helloWorld. 

Examples of Helloworld.

An amazing collection of examples how streaming media is being used today.
From teachers to real estate, families, musicians and entertainers - the list is endless.

Mark's Streaming Media helloWorld "Toolbox" (and where you can go to get one for yourself).

This is my online"Toolbox" (which essentially is where I upload, encode, store and broadcast my material in multiple forms for PC, Mac and iPod).

It can also automatically create the code I need to post my media on the various websites or blogs I have (as well as friends sites).

Everything is done online so I can access it anytime from any computer anywhere in the world.
I can also reply to emails directly with streaming video via a webcam (something no other company can do).

Joining is easy and affordable - just click the "Join Now" link at the top of the page there and follow the instructions.
You can have your own virtual TV studio up and running in just a few minutes.

VMdirect

Meet VMdirect and DigitalFX, run by Craig Ellins and Amy Black, the actual inventors of streaming video.

In 1997, a grainy and small, quarter-inch video caught the attention of Craig Ellins and Amy Black. Streamed over the internet and unencumbered by the use of a movie player, Ellins and Black saw in this the future of web-based technology: streaming video online without file transfers or a complex technical process to inhibit the message.

With the goal of democratizing streaming video in mind, helloNetwork was born. A simple concept but one way ahead of its time: Make streaming video easy and affordable enough for all to use.

Learn why this company has chosen to distribute it's products via referral marketing and how you can get a piece of the financial pie by becoming an affiliate.

Note: There are also some excellent examples of the use of streaming video on this site.

Video editing

From the "How Stuff Works" website.
Information about video editing.

Free Video editing software.

About.com has a section with links to free video editing software.
Many companies also allow you to download free trials so you can try before you purchase.

Real Estate using Streaming Media.

This is an article link demonstrating how companies in the real estate industry are using streaming video to give themselves the edge in online business.

Tutorial on how to use the features of Helloworld

This independently produced tutorial gives an excellent overview of how to use many of the features in the Helloworld studio.

Wikipedia (Streaming media).

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia,
Here is a brief description of Streaming media which goes into more detail.

Audio recording software. 

The Free, Cross-Platform Sound Editor

Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows and GNU/Linux.

The Multimedia Store 

Webcams, Video Cameras and More

Logitech QuickCam Communicate Webcam USB Webcam

Price: $49.95

Don't just type, when you can smile, laugh, and make faces with this Logitech QuickCam Communicate Webcam USB Webcam making it incredibly easy to co... more »

Don't just type, when you can smile, laugh, and make faces with this Logitech QuickCam Communicate Webcam USB Webcam making it incredibly easy to communicate over the Internet with video and audio.

High quality QVGA Sensor captures up to 640x480 resolution
Record great looking videos up to 30 frames per second
Fully compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 ports
Long 6 foot thin USB cable enables perfect positioning of webcam
Works with Yahoo! Messenger, MSN Messenger, and AOL Instant Messenger
Built-in microphone lets you make two-way video calls

System Requirements

Windows XP, ME, 2000, or 98SE
Available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port
Intel Pentium III 700 MHz or equivalent

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Notebook Webcam

Price: $39.99

The USB 2.0 Labtec notebook webcam is the ideal PC camera for keeping in touch with friends and family on the road. The Labtec Notebook Webcam produce... more »

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LOGITECH Labtec WebCam Plus

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Logitech Labtec WebCam Plus - This webcam is an affordable solution to adding Video and still images to your Internet communications. It can capture... more »

Logitech Labtec WebCam Plus - This webcam is an affordable solution to adding Video and still images to your Internet communications. It can capture images and video at up to 30 frames per second, with a Resolution that goes up to 352x288.
Includes: motion detection Software (for monitoring your home over the Internet)
Video Chat
Add video while instant messaging
Take and send still images
Up to 352x288 Resolution
Up to 30 Frames Per Second
Snapshot Button
Connects via USB 2.0
System Requirements:
Windows 98SE, Me, 2000, or XP
Pentium III 500 MHz, or faster
128MB of RAM
200MB of Hard Drive Space
Windows-compatible Sound card with Microphone and speakers

Ambico V-3506 Small Camcorder Bag

Price: $12.95

A rugged design with durable features making this camcorder bag ideal for those on the go! A dedicated space for your camcorder along with many addit... more »

A rugged design with durable features making this camcorder bag ideal for those on the go! A dedicated space for your camcorder along with many additional pockets to keep you organized.

SC-X105L Sports Digital Camcorder

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Audio Player, Video Player, Video Recorder, Photo Viewer, Camcorder - 2" Color LCD - 512MB Flash Memory - 680 Kilopixels Camera

CANON 0802B007AA DVD Camcorder Starter Kit

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Includes camcorder bag, battery, DVD & Mini SD Card

DV PROLINE AG-DVC30 Camcorder

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World's first professional DV camcorder with Infrared recording mode that can record in zero footcandles! SNS = Super Night Shooting (Black & White).... more »

World's first professional DV camcorder with Infrared recording mode that can record in zero footcandles! SNS = Super Night Shooting (Black & White). Newly developed wide-angle, extraordinarily quiet, 16x high speed optical zoom Leica Dicomar lens with low-dispersion glass reducing chromatic aberration & flare with OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer).

DV-5200 6-in-1 Multi-functional Digital Video Camcorder

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Light-weight, multi-functional camcorder that fits in the palm of your hand!

Lenmar LE230

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This Camcorder Tripod and Case bundle is the perfect accesory package for your camcorder.

SONY DCR-DVD805E PAL DVD Handycam® Camcorder

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This camcorder has not been imported, warrantied, or otherwise supported by Sony USA. It uses PAL Video system that is common in Europe. Discs recorde... more »

This camcorder has not been imported, warrantied, or otherwise supported by Sony USA. It uses PAL Video system that is common in Europe. Discs recorded on this camcorder will not play on models compatible with NTSC TV system.