Video Hosting?

[Jeff77]

I've built small web pages before, but I'm new to the idea of purchasing shared space on a host server, and the many options have me confused.

In searching through various hosting companies, I've noticed that many of them specifically state that they offer "Real Audio and Video Streaming," which I assume means they support the Real format. Does this mean they don't support other formats, like Quicktime and Windows Media? And if they don't mention video at all, is it not supported?

I plan to build a small website that will be used as a design portfolio of sorts, and (as I'm a video editor, among other things) it will by necessity need to include some small video clips, preferably in Quicktime. I don't know a lot about web development, though - I had assumed that disk space was disk space, and that as long as the video was encoded properly and the person on the other end had the appropriate viewing plug-in, everything would be fine. What else do I need to know before I go about purchasing web space for this?

 

[ANMMark]

Welcome to HD.

It's always best to read a host's acceptable use policy, as some of this is outlined there. In addition, never feel that your questions are stupid. The only stupid question is the one that is unasked, and you've started properly, by coming to HD

If you're unsure as to what a host supports, the best thing to do is find some hosts that interest you, and create a small questionaire.

Send these questions to each of the hosts.

This will 1. Get your questions answered. 2. Allow you to test their staff response time. and 3. Help eliminate any confusion you have, regarding their packages.

Anyway, I hope this helps.

Again, welcome to HD, and enjoy your stay

 

[Alli]

I just uploaded a .mov file to my account at Powweb and it played fine in the browser. With a .rm file it gave the option of opening or saving (I guess opening is the same as streaming). I didn't try embedding the .mov in a page but I'm sure it can be done.

 

[TJR Networks]

I've noticed that many of them specifically state that they offer "Real Audio and Video Streaming," which I assume means they support the Real format. Does this mean they don't support other formats, like Quicktime and Windows Media?

To stream a video, special streaming software must be installed on a server. For example, to stream QuickTime files, QuickTime Streaming Server must be installed.

If I understand what you want to do correctly, you don't really need streaming features. Just upload the QuickTime files to your server like you would any other file. Then you have two options, the first is to link to the file, the second is to integrate the video into a webpage using an <object> tag. Just make sure you have selected 'Fast Start' when you export the videos or the visitor will have to download the whole thing before they can watch it.