Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Here is a listing of some frequently asked questions regarding media encoding and streaming services. If you need further information, please contact us.

What is streaming?

Media streaming is the ability to play audio or video directly over the Internet without downloading the entire file before play begins. Downloadable video requires the user to wait until a large file is downloaded before playing that video. Most people will not wait for long and usually large file to be downloaded in order for them to view the relatively short video. For a high quality 30 second clip, users may wait for up to an hour - often making the difference as to whether the video is watched at all. All audio or video clips that are replayed on the Internet require conversion and compression using a special digital format for transmission and playback. This process is called digital encoding. Streaming video, using digital encoding, allows the user to begin watching the video immediately when they click on the hyper link.

What are the benefits of streaming multimedia on the Internet?

Multimedia places your website on the cutting edge of Internet technology. This investment in Internet technology improves your company's public image. Sites with multimedia content have a significantly higher viewing rate compared to "static" non-multimedia sites. This translates into more presentations to your potential customers which translates into more sales. Multimedia streaming allows a more personal and effective representation of your services and products .

Do I need my own equipment?

Only if you want to perform the encoding function yourself. Otherwise, you can deliver your original content to us in any audio, video or Digital video format available today (VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, 8mm, Hi-8, 3/4", LaserDisk, DVD, DAT, DVC Pro,mini DVC, BetaCam, etc.) and we will apply industry standard technology and our extensive knowledge to encode state-of-the-art streaming video.

What do I need to do to get streaming multimedia on my site?

Visit our HelpDesk page for more information.

In what form may I send my media to WebTVPro?

For video media, we accept conventional analog VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, 8mm, Hi-8, 3/4", BetaSP, as well as, DVCPro and DVCAM mini tapes. We can accept files in the form of AVI (*.avi), Quicktime (*.mov), RealVideo 5.0 or G2(*.rm,*.smi, *.ra - already encoded). We can accept visual aid material in virtually any format: Jpeg (*.jpg), Pcx (*.pcx), Windows Metafile (*.wmf), Bitmap (*.bmp),Macintosh *.tiff, and over 20 other formats and convert them to RealVideo 5.0 and/or G2.

Can I serve my own Audio and Video files myself?

Yes, you can, however, you need the appropriate hardware, software, and Internet connection to do this. Unless your site is on or close to the Internet backbone as ours is, you may be disappointed in the bandwidth connection that your customers may experience. Also, what may look like a good connection to you may be a poor connection to someone in another part of the country or around the world.

Can I stream live broadcasts?

We can provide consulting and hosting capabilities. See Live Broadcast tutorial. Please contact us to further information.

Can you edit my videos?

We can edit a video into segments, truncate a video, or insert sponsor spots. Please contact us to further discuss your needs.

Why can't my in-house computer resources team do this for me?

They probably could do an adequate job if given the time, training and leading-edge technology required to encode audio and video for the net. Most in-house computer resource teams, however, have equally pressing duties that have nothing to do with encoding. Just as you wouldn't buy video dubbing equipment or a photo film processor to do jobs in-house, it makes little economic sense to do your own encoding when you can have it done faster, cheaper and better with an outside digital service bureau.

Do you support other video and audio platforms?

Yes, we can encode, host and stream RealAudio, RealVideo, Netshow and Vivo. Other options may become available in the future.

What are WebTVPro's scheduling and billing arrangements?

Our normal turnaround time is 5 working days for orders up to 100 minutes of media encoding. For larger orders, please contact us to discuss your particular needs. Your initial bill includes all setup fees plus hosting fees for the first three months of service, unless you stipulated either the 6-month or the 12-month prepayment discount options. For those cases, six and twelve months prepayment for hosting is included with the initial billing.

Where can I get the proper player to view my videos?

From the receptive web site of the format. RealPlayer G2 from www.real.com, Netshow from www.micrsoft.com.

What is required for others to see my videos on the Internet?

An HTML 4.0 compliant web browser like Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer, and RealVideo G2 plug-in with an Internet connection of at least 20,000 bps. (28.8K modems will work). In order to assure backward compatability, we also will stream to HTML 3.2 compatable browsers via RealVideo 5.0 or Microsoft Media Player 6.