The typical use of video content used on websites is to provide a demonstration or showcase a product and provide advice in the form of a how to guide. In previous years having video on your website was not an option due to the limitation of bandwidth. Now with the availability and wide spread use of faster internet speeds for consumers the use of video, produced correctly is now a good option to enrich your website visitor experience.
As placing video on your website is becoming increasingly popular, there has been an increase of software available to help you easily create, edit and publish your videos online.
A popular term derived from the evolution of Podcasting is Screencasting. As the name implies, screencasting is the process of creating a video by recording what is displayed on your screen. Screencasting in context can be effective for creating how to video content and instructional guides. Screencasting video content, which most probably makes up around 80% of YouTube content is very easy to create. Software for screencasting tools is available for a range of budgets. Screencasting tools range from Free, opensource to around $700.
Free Screencasting Software: AviScreen: At the time of writing this article AviScreen is free to download and use. AviScreen is a Windows based software tool which should work on Windows 32bit versions, we have not tested the software on Win64bit platforms. As the name would suggest AviScreen captures and records the video into AVI files only. The program does also offer saving screen captures into BMP format.
CamStudio: Another free software, CamStudio is open source software for capturing on-screen content and audio for production of AVI files. CamStudio is only at time of writing compatible with Windows based software. We have not tested this software on Windows 64bit platform.
Commercial Software: Adobe Captivate: Prices at time of writing this article started at around $700. Adobe is most probably the largest company for graphic and multimedia creation tools, used by consumers and businesses all over the world. Adobe Captivate is a relatively new product in the Adobe software range which has slowly built credibility as one of the best commercial screen capturing programs. Unlike the free screencasting tools Captivate provides numerous options and publication formats including the popular and de jure standard for video creation .flv flies.
Currently the benefits of commercial tools for screencasting provides the best features when deciding what tool to use when screencasting. As time goes by and as video based websites become more popular open source projects and free software will no doubt start to bridge the gap between the amounts of features offered in the commercial software. If you are thinking of creating professional screencasts, purchasing software should be consideration.
Web video is here to stay, specifically flash video. There are more than 1 billion users currently worldwide, and less than 1% websites today incorporate streaming video- this is set to explode, and you should want to get involved before it does. Flash video technology has surpassed the current capabilities of QuickTime, Windows Media Player and Real Player. The good news is that there are some extremely powerful yet affordable options in v2f or 'video to flash' software marketplace. It is important to weigh up functionality versus cost when comparing web video software.
V2f (Easy Web Video)
V2F (also known as easy web video) is perhaps the most professional web software currently available, suitable for users of all levels of experience. Users can convert and upload their videos with a few clicks, however the savvier web video producer and internet marketer has many other options at their disposal. The ability to fully customize the html code, apply affiliate links to one's video emails and free video hosting are great features. The web site does not really do the product enough justice. Only issue is sometimes customer support takes a few days to respond to enquiries.
Video Web Wizard
Keith Gilbert has produced a fantastically simple piece of software in Video Web Wizard. The software is definitely geared more towards your internet marketer rather than general web video user. Its extremely user-friendly interface allows simple and quick creation of web video. Whilst it lacks some of the bells and whistles of its competitors, Video Web Wizard is an ideal choice for beginners, and for those that only require basic video on their website.
Webmaster Mediamaker
Webmaster Mediamaker is an often overlooked option in the web video marketplace and I am not sure why. It certainly has the same basic features- flash conversions, fully customizable player appearance etc. A fantastic feature is its ability to prevent your video being directly accessed or 'hotlinked' from sites you don't want. Without doubt Webmaster Mediamaker is the most affordable option, and can be bundled with audio streaming software for extra features. The website does not really represent the product that well either.
Video Pop-In Genius
If you are a serious internet marketer, then Video Pop-In Genius will appeal to you. Its unique 'pop in' appearance appears to bypass pop-up blockers and most certainly immediately attracts the attention of the website visitor. There is a wealth of options in terms of customizing the appearance, style, speed of the 'pop in' player ensuring the greatest flexibility in your web video campaigns. This is not a gimic, and one can easily see 'pop in video' becoming the standard in the future. Not sure whether this will appeal to every user however- as mentioned for for marketing purposes.
Conclusion
Flash based video software is definitely the present and future of web video as it results in a much smaller file while retaining the majority of its quality. This results in an enhanced experience for the viewer, and less glitches and issues viewing video based on internet connection speed. Whilst some would argue that there are free web video players available which are competent enough, there are definitely numerous benefits of considering purchasing web video software.
Both Alex Stacey & Peter Johnson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Alex Stacey has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, SEO Search Engine Optimization and Home. For more information about Web video creation visit .. Alex Stacey's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
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