WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED FROM STREAMING VIDEOS IN THE VISUALAB [091117]

• Streaming with ion will work properly only when it is the only task required of ion. Browsing should be done with another server (apo).

• Streaming with eon will work properly only when streaming flv format.

• Streaming with Adobe Flash Media Server is slightly better than with Real Networks Helix.

• Video compression with Final Cut Pro is not enough for many users. Additional compression with Squeeze is necessary.

• Compression to 1M, 768K, and 512K will usually be sufficient to satisfy a wide range of users.

• Viewing quality varies with the installation (internet connection speed), with optimal sound and video for most users at 768K.

• Squeeze will sometimes fail to compress a video properly. Always check output file size to confirm or deny compression. Correct problem by restarting the computer.

• A user may want to choose the data rate (V, H, M, or L) that best matches his/her internet connection speed.

• Generally, the higher the connection speed, the higher the possible, or acceptable, throughput data rate.


• We capture videos using a Canon HD camcorder.

• We edit videos with Final Cut Pro.

• We convert mov to flv format using Xilisoft.

• We encode (compress) videos using Sorenson's Squeeze 6.

• In ion, we stream media with Adobe Flash Media Server using RTMP (Real Time Messaging Protocol).

• In eon, we stream media with Real Networks Helix Server using progressive download (HTTP).