Purpose: This article describes how to create Windows
Media Type files (avi) for use in streaming
to the Internet.
You can, with the
proper tools create streaming media files for the purpose of streaming
media content to the Internet.
In this article
I will give you a step by step procedure for how to get the tools
you need and then how to use them.
I have put considerable
research into the topic as this is a very important and desirable
feature that people want to
add to their websites.
It is my belief that the Internet is evolving beyond the static
text and graphic pages that are common
today. It will be in the very near future the place
for people to go to view lectures content and all sorts of videos
and
streaming content.
We at Cambrosia are leading the way in providing user friendly and
affordable ways to make the
average person
get their message out to the world. You do not have to be a programmer
to accomplish this task.
You just have to
be able to follow the step by step instructions provided in this
article.
The first thing
that you have to do is actually make your video using a video camera
or video capture device. This article
assumes that you
now how to use and create videos with your video camera. After you
have created your video the trick
then is to transfer
the video from your camera to the computer. There are a few various
scenarios for this procedure.
- You have an analog video not made with a video
camera and your video is on 8mm film. If this is the case you
can have
your film transferred
to Tape, CD or DVD. Generally
speaking this cant be done very well at home as you need expensive
equipment to convert
the film to video. You could project the video on to a screen and
video tape it using a video camera to
record the images
and sound. While this is
a bit crude if you are on a tight budget it could be made to work.
If
you do not have the time or patience to do this then consider using
a service for this part of the process. There are usually
businesses in most small towns that provide film to video conversion. If your town
is very small and does not have this service
then you
will have to ship the film to a company that will do this for you.
See
below for examples of companies listed on the Internet
that perform
this service.
50% Off of DVD Copies
Conversions
from all tapes, films & slides. Guaranteed quality! USA
http://www.drdvdmd.com/index.html?HalfOffGooglead1
$14.95 2 hrs on DVD from
VHS,
VHS-C, 8mm, MiniDV, Betamax
Lot's of free customizable features
http://www.reeldigitalmemories.com/index.htm
VHS Video Duplication
Helpful
service. Very low prices! Easy
to order / Call (800) 426-6551
http://www.ahlmedia.com
These
videos will still have to be converted from their presnt
video format to a streaming format. The first step after you have
made a video of some event a birthday party, Christmas day or a
sporting event you will now need to upload that video into your
computer using a video capture card or device.
There
are many video capture devices available today. If you just want
to do home movies then I suggest one of the following vendors.
This
is the under $100 group the quality is surprisingly good for the
price and they are good for most at home applications.
The following list of Video Capture card
reviews is provided by the Videoguys Website
and the links provided below will take you to their site if you
wish to purchase any of these products or if you need more information about
a particular product.
Cheap
cards (under $100) with limited bundles and low-end NLE software
All of the DV/FireWire cards on the market
deliver the identical video quality and all of them have the identical
video specs - 720x480 image size, 29.97 frames per second, and a
data rate of 3.6 megs per second. With all of these cards, you need a gig of
storage for each 4.5 minutes of DV video. So video
quality is not an issue. While the cards in this category
will get the job done, you'll do much better if you step up to one
that comes bundled with better software.
ADS PyroDV $69.95
· NLE App: Ulead Video Editor
· Hardware: OHCI FireWire
· DVD Authoring:
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time:
· Special:
The ADS Pyro is OHCI fireWire card. It is
super easy to install and it works great. That's why we recommend
for use with our Avid XPress DV systems!!
PyroDV ships with Ulead's
Video Studio, a very nice, user friendly NLE program that while
limited, does get the job done. One of the big advantages of going
with the Pyro is that it works with so
many NLE apps including Premiere 6, Media Studio Pro 6.5, Vegas
Video 3 and Xpress DV. This means that
when you outgrow the limited Video Studio software, you can upgrade
to just about any NLE application on the market today!
Pinnacle Studio AV/DV 9 $95.00
· NLE App: Studio 9
· Hardware: PCI card with DV &
Analog
· DVD Authoring: Integrated
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: Real-Time preview in
window on VGA monitor
· Special: SmartMovie and automatic image
enhancement
This software is by far
and away the easiest to use and most feature rich tool for getting
started in desk top video editing. The interface is clean and easy
to navigate. You organize all your media; video, sounds, and graphics
using a 'photo album' interface. Each type of media gets it's
own 'chapter' that you access by clicking on a tab. Then each 'page'
opens up with thumbnails representing each file. You just click
on a thumbnail to preview and trim your clips, then drag it into
the editor.
The coolest new feature
in Studio 9 is SmartMovie.This new technology
will automatically edit your video to the beat of the soundtrack
you select. The other cool new feature is automatic image enhancement
technology. Studio 9 can automatically color correct your footage
to compensate for poor lighting, stabilize it to remove camera shake
and clean up snow and noise from older video tapes.
Low
cost analog solutions for NLE & DVD
If all you really want to do is create VCD or DVD disks, these cards
are a good solution to consider. While the editing is weak, they
will let you create VCD, SVCD and DVDs. Best of all, they are USB,
which means no hardware to install!
· Canopus Let's Edit $99.95
· NLE App: Let's Edit
· Hardware: none
· DVD Authoring: Ulead DVD Factory
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time:
· Special: Tons of FX, hardware
available for analog & DV
Canopus has long been the
industry leader for rock solid video editing sdolutions
loaded with powerful features. Let's Edit makes the
it affordable for everyone!
· Plextor ConvertX PX-M402U
$149.95
· NLE App: WinDVD Creator
· Hardware: USB 2 MPEG encoder
· DVD Authoring: WinDVD Creator
· Compression: MPEG 1, 2, 4 &
DivX
· Real-Time:
· Special: Real-Time MPEG4 &
DivX encoding!
Not only is this a very
good quality MPEG1 & 2 encoder, the MPEG-4 encoding seperates
it from all the other competitive products. The MPEG-4 files created
with the ConvertX PX-M402U play perfectly on Windows Media Player 9.
By encoding into MEPG-4 or DivX you can
get up to 10 hours of video on a single DVD! Or share your MPEG-4/DivX
files with friends and family over the internet!!
ADS USB Instant DVD 2.0 $169.95
· NLE App: Video Studio
· Hardware: USB 2 MPEG encoder
· DVD Authoring: My DVD
· Compression: MPEG 1&2
· Real-Time: VGA Previews
· Special: The included Video
Studio Software will edit your MPEG2 files
If you are looking for
the easiest way to get video from your VCR or camcorder onto a CD-ROM
or DVD, this is it. The breakout box hooks up to your computer via
a USB jack, so this solution will work great with desktops and laptops.
With USB2 connection the video quality is surprisingly good. We've
had great success burning VCDs and DVDs with this very cool little gadget!!
Pinnacle MovieBox
USB 9 $188.00
· NLE App: Studio 9
· Hardware: USB 2 MPEG encoder
· DVD Authoring: Integrated in Studio
· Compression: MPEG 1&2
· Real-Time: VGA Previews
· Special: Capture and Edit MPEG2,
then export to DVD from the timeline
The sexy and sleek Porche designed hardware delivers very good video quality
via USB2. The included Studio 9 software is VERY easy to use.
If you are looking for
the easiest way to get video from your camcorder onto a CD-ROM or
DVD, this is it. The breakout box hooks up to your computer via
a USB jack, so this solution will work great with desktops and laptops.
With USB2 connection the video quality is surprisingly good. We've
had great success burning VCDs and DVDs with this very cool little gadget!!
ADS USB Instant DVD+DV 2.0 $269.95
· NLE App: Video Studio
· Hardware: USB 2 MPEG encoder
w/ DV input
· DVD Authoring: My DVD
· Compression: MPEG 1&2
· Real-Time: VGA Previews
· Special: DV input on the external
USB encoder hardware gives you device control for capture of DV
cams.
If you are looking for
the easiest way to get video from your DV camcorder onto a CD-ROM
or DVD, this is it. The breakout box hooks up to your computer via
a USB jack, so this solution will work great with desktops and laptops.
With it's added FireWire port you can get
device control for capturing video from your DV source. With USB2
connection the video quality is surprisingly good. We've had great
success burning VCDs and DVDs with this
very cool little gadget!!
Advanced NLE
software for DV editing on a budget
If you are getting started in desk top video and looking for the
best solution on a limited budget, this is the category for you.
All the cards in this category come with software and hardware that
will allow you to fully edit your video and add a wide range of
titles, cool transitions and special effects.
Ulead Media Studio Pro 7.0 $299.95
· NLE App: MS Pro 7.0
· Hardware: None
· DVD Authoring: DVD Plug-Ins for MS Pro
· Compression: DV & MPEG2
· Real-Time: VGA & FireWire Preview
· Special: MPEG2 editing
I've been
a big fan of Media Studio Pro since version 2.0. It is a very powerful
NLE program and easy to use. You get a ton of really cool 3D FX
and transitions plus very easy to use 3D motion paths. MS Pro 7
is actually 5 applications in one. You get the video capture interface
& the video editor, plus a very cool CG for titling and a paint
program for manipulating the video. Rounding out the package is
an audio editor. MS Pro 7 is one of the only NLE applications around
that can edit both DV and MPEG2 files. It is loaded with features
and performance. You get real-time MPEG capture, real-time preview
to an external monitor, and real-time output. Plus, with MediaStudio's
DVD authoring module you have an all-in-one DV to DVD solution.
This powerful, flexible video editing solution is all you need to
create content for broadcast, tape, the Internet, CD and DVD.
Sony Vegas 4 $499.95
· NLE App: Vegas 4
· Hardware: None
· DVD Authoring:
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA & FireWire
Preview
· Special: Outstanding audio tools and professional
feature set
Vegas 4.0
is an excellent choice for video editing, audio production, compositing,
titling and advanced encoding on the PC platform. With its sleek,
intuitive interface and powerful video and audio production tools,
Vegas provides a complete and integrated solution for digital video,
audio recording, editing and mixing, and streaming content creation.
ADS Pyro
Professional
$499.95
· NLE App: Premiere Pro
· Hardware: Pyro OHCI FireWire
· DVD Authoring: Encore DVD
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA & FireWire
Preview
· Special: Full Premiere Pro & DVD Encore
over $1000 value!!
The
lowest cost DV card shipping with the full version of Adobe Premiere
Pro & Encore DVD.
If you are planning on moving up to one of our Real-Time cards in
the future, this is a great choice for you to get started. Add in
our Premiere Pro Getting Started DVD Tutorial and you will be on
your way!!
Ulead Studio Quartet $549.95
· NLE App: MS Pro 7.0
· Hardware: None
· DVD Authoring: DVD Workshop AC3
· Compression: DV & MPEG2
· Real-Time: VGA & FireWire Preview
· Special: MS Pro 7, DVD Workshop, Cool 3D
& PhotoImpact
Take Media
Studio pro 7, add in a very powerful and easy to use DVD Authoring
application (DVD Workshop AC3), a very cool 3D titling & animation
program (Cool 3D) and a super easy to use image editor (Photo Impact)
and you've got one great deal!
Combination Analog & DV solutions
Sure you have a new DV cam with FireWire, but what to do with all
your older analog footage? These cards offer you the best of both
worlds. You'll also find some added real-time features at the higher
end of this category.
Pinnacle MovieBox DV 9 $235.00
· NLE App: Studio 9
· Hardware: FireWire DV/ Analog converter box
· DVD Authoring: Integrated in Studio
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA Previews
· Special: Burn to DVD from the Studio timeline
The sexy and
sleek Porche designed hardware adds analog I/o
to your FireWire equipped computer. The included Studio 8 software
is VERY easy to use.
Pinnacle Studio
Deluxe 9 $188.00
· NLE App: Studio 9
· Hardware: PCI Card for analog & DV I/O
· DVD Authoring: Express
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: Real-Time preview in window on
VGA monitor
· Special: Breakout Box , SmartMovie
For under
$200 you get Studio 9 plus some really fantastic hardware that lets
you use both DV and analog camcorders & VCRs. That's right,
now you can take all your years of video footage, edit it down,
add titles and FX, then output it to videotape or DVD!!! MiniDV,
Hi8, VHS, Digital8, 8mm, S-VHS Studio Deluxe can handle it
all. With the breakout box not only can you capture analog video,
but you can also output your analog or DV footage directly to your
VHS or S-VHS tape deck without having to go through your
DV cam!! Even cooler, you can hook-up your television to the A/V
output and see just how your video will look on a real TV while
you are editing. If you are looking for the best products for getting
started in DV and DVD production, your search is over. Studio Deluxe
is the ideal solution. It is affordable, powerful and super easy
to use.
Canopus Let's Edit RT $299.95
· NLE App: Let's Edit
· Hardware: DV & Analog input, DV output
· DVD Authoring: Ulead DVD Factory
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA Preview
· Special: Tons of FX, hardware available
for analog & DV
Canopus has long been the industry leader
for rock solid video editing sdolutions
loaded with powerful features. Let's Edit makes the
it affordable for everyone! With the included Canopus hardware you can inpout both analog & DV footage.
Canopus Let's Edit RT
Plus $399.95
· NLE App: Let's Edit
· Hardware: OHCI card for Analog & DV I/O
· DVD Authoring: Ulead DVD Factory
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA Preview
· Special: Tons of FX, hardware available
for analog & DV
Canopus has long been the industry leader
for rock solid video editing sdolutions
loaded with powerful features. Let's Edit makes the
it affordable for everyone! With the included Canopus hardware you can input and output
both analog & DV footage.
Canopus ACEDVio Ultra
$549.95
· NLE App: Premeire Pro
· Hardware: OHCI card for Analog & DV I/O
· DVD Authoring: Encore DVD
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA & FireWire Preview
· Special: Premeire Pro w/ analog & DV I/O
Simply
the lowest cost Premeir Pro bundle that
includes hardware for both analog & DV capture and output. The ACEDVio
hardware also supports Vegas, Edition, MS Pro & Xpress
DV
ADS AV Link Professional $549.95
· NLE App: Premiere Pro
· Hardware: Pyro OHCI FireWire
· DVD Authoring: Encore DVD
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA & FireWire
Preview
· Special: Full Premiere Pro & DVD Encore
over $1000 value!!
What a fantastic
bundle for those of you with a FireWire equipeed
computer or laptop! You get teh ADS Pyro
AV Link analog /DV converter box PLUS the full version of Adobe
Premiere Pro & Encore DVD. Add in our Premiere Pro getting started
DVD Tutorial and you will be on your way!!
Matrox RTX.10 Suite $679.95
· NLE App: Premeire Pro
· Hardware: PCI card w/ Breakout Box. Analog
& DV I/O
· DVD Authoring: Encore DVD
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: VGA Preview w/ Real-Time Analog
output
· Special: Real-Time Flex 3D transitions and
filters, Single pass scan & capture, After Effects WYSIWYG output
Once you get
to play with the real-time Flex 3D transitions and FX in the RTX.10,
you will have a hard time controlling yourself from over using them.
They are that cool and so much fun to use, since they do not have
to render! RTX.10 supports DV and analog video. The "Power
of X" gives you real-time color correction w/ auto white balance,
real-time speed control and more.
Professional Real-Time DV NLE solutions
Professional long format video productions require extra features
and stability that can meet the rigors of daily editing. You need
a customizable workspace that you can optimize for the way that
you edit. You need multiple levels of undo and you need total and
complete control over your production.For in depth comparisons of our Real-Time NLE
solutions, check out our RT-5
Real-Time Round Up article!
Pinnacle Liquid
Edition $649.95
· NLE App: Liquid Edition
· Hardware: OHCI FireWire
· DVD Authoring: Integrated
· Compression: DV
· Real-Time: Real-Time VGA previews,
multiple layers of video, tons of real-time 3D filters & FX,
Background rendering
· Special: Background Rendering & Integrated
DVD Authoring
Edition is
an all new NLE software from Pinnacle. Actually it's not all
new. Pinnacle bought the technology from Fast about a year ago.
Over the past year they've been integrating all their other software
titles into it to make it an exceptionally powerful non linear editing
and compositing solution. TitleDeko and Hollywood FX are integrated into the application
and the video qulaity is incredible, even
with extremely complex 3D transition. Even cooler is the integrated
DVD authopring that lets you author and burn your DVD directly
from the timeline!
Liquid Edition
leverages both the CPU and GPU performance of your system. By utilizing
the power of your 3D graphics card Liquid Edition delivers far more
real-time 3D filters and effects than any other real-time DV solution.
Avid Xpress
DV 4 $679.95
· NLE App: Xpress DV
· Hardware: None
· DVD Authoring: Sonic DVDit!
SE
· Compression: