Has anyone used video on their web site? We are considering creating some videos as a way to get our message across better, and show our knowledge. Ideally I'd like a video on the homepage that plays as soon as someone comes to the page, and then a library of sorts with videos on different topics such as getting top dollar for your home and why not to go FSBO.

Anyway, my question is... has anyone had experience with this? Can anyone show an example? And especially, what service(s) are you using to stream the videos.

I haven't found a lot out there, has anyone had experience with www.onlinevideogenerator.com? It seems quite easy to use, but more than I wanted to pay.

Thanks very much for any suggestions.
Sara.

If your videos are only a few minutes long, you will be able to get them compressed small enough to stream well from a regular web server.

I reccommend using Quicktime Pro

Once you have your video prepared, you can then easily embed it using some simple HTML ( tutorial )

CHRIS

I would strongly suggest NOT putting video on your home age... not everyone will have the bandwidth to download it quickly, and the last thing you'll want to do is turn off potential customers! Make the video page an OPTION for those who actually WANT to see it. No sense in putting up barriers for customers that aren't necessary.

As much as I love QuickTime (it's the best quality wise), you potentially also will lose customers because QT is not universal. It's better than it used to be (thanks to iTunes!), but do you really want a customer to have to go download a HUGE file in order to see your 3 minute video?

I use Flash (quality is not as good, but it's installed on 98% of all computers). You don't have to stream, you can use progressive streaming from a regular server.

You can see some samples here: http://tinyurl.com/eg4xf

The biggest problem is there is a lot of time involved in editing, voice overs, etc, and lighting is a big problem, although I am just learning how to deal with that and hopefully new tours will see a big improvement.

Video tours really are just coming into their own, due to new compression software and the increased use of broadband... I think it's definitely the wave of the future, although figuring out how to do it quickly and cheaply is currently my biggest obstacle!

For what it is worth, I believe in the information age automation is the answer and I like the video idea. You asked about putting video on your site. Well, this link is great.
http://instantvideogenerator.com/ and if you join their affiliate program, you can earn money for everyone who signs up for their program from your site. I also like the flash idea and I have designed flash video to show horses. For flash, there is a large upfront cost involved. Instant video generator does not have that expense. Good luck.
The Property Patrol
http://www.jamiltdco.com/

What about using YouTube to host your video? They have a fool-proof UI and stream millions of videos per day. Just a thought...

Actually, Flash has a very little upfront charge up front. The program I use cost about $50 to compress a quicktime file to flash.

Am now distributing home tours on Google VIdeo, Yahoo Video, YouTube, Blip.TV, AOL Video and others.

Very interesting what's happening. Press has taken notice.... and have been contacted by 2 newspapers... many downloads... lots of traffic. Not sure what it all means... but it's interesting, that's for sure!

I don't totally agree with the WebGuy:
If you put something like the videogenerator video - with a viewer controlled on/off button - the main page would be a good place for it. But I do HATE it when I go to a page where I have no control! Especially those where you leave the main page, return, leave, return, etc. and every time you return the danged video blares again! I end up leaving the page - never to return!

Just my opinion...
Betty

I have used Youtube. it is very good

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Try Video.Yahoo.com; Video.Google.com; Blip.TV; iFilm.com; Grouper.com, YouTube.com, Veoh.com.... The quality on all is negligible as it's compressed to within an inch of it's life.... but it downloads fast.

After much experimentation I've chosen to go the QuickTime route as they stream instantly and look beautiful. With so many people on iTunes, QT has a pretty large installed base now. I use Flash as a back up as it's more compatible, but the quality just isn't there... yet.

Never tried any of these. Thanx, I will try them

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