Web Presentation Guide 5.1
Video
Action
Provide Web video via formats and delivery methods that ensure the widest coverage for the intended audience. Include a link to the download site for the required plug-in and provide video captioning or alternate text transcript for accessibility.
Why
Web video offers a wealth of interactive possibilities not available with other media. As the technology improves, the quality and reliability of Web video is quickly making it a key channel for communication between businesses, agencies, and the public.
What/How
The target audience and nature of the video production will help determine the best technology to use. Consider the following when determining video needs:
- Choose the best delivery method
- The standard download is the simplest method. The clip is retrieved from a standard Web server in the same manner as other files. The user cannot preview the clip and must wait for the download to complete before playing. This method is more suitable for short video clips of 30 seconds or less.
- The streaming method requires a dedicated server and software to dynamically send the video to the viewer. This technology allows the video to play within 10 seconds of requesting the file and is more suited for longer, high quality video.
- The progressive download method involves placing a video file on a standard Web server for users to download and can start playing while the file download completes. This method is more suitable for short video clips of 30 seconds or less.
- Consider the connection speed of your intended audience
- A majority of the general public uses slower, dial-up connections and is less willing to wait for large video files to download (as with a standard or progressive download method). A lower speed, streaming video format will help to ensure proper playback and minimize download time if the intended audience is the general public.
- If the intended audience consists of both dial-up and broadband customers, make different video streams available to meet user needs.
- Provide Accessibility for individuals with disabilities
- Synchronize equivalent alternatives (e.g., captions or auditory descriptions of the visual track) within the presentation when possible.
- Provide an alternative text transcript to accompany the video if it is not feasible to include captions or an auditory track.
- See additional tools and information, such as the Media Access Generator (MAGpie), in the Accessibility section of this guide.
Checklist: Video
| Topic | Complete |
| a. |
Research the various video formats (players, features, requirements, user info). |
|
| b. |
Consult with server administrator(s) on available delivery methods and limitations. |
|
| c. |
Review the Accessibility guidelines. |
|
| d. |
Evaluate the intended audience and user connection speeds (T1, DSL, Modem). |
|
| e. |
Evaluate the video requirements (format, length, quality, production, budget, timeline). |
|
| f. |
Conduct user tests to ensure proper playback and delivery on various connection speeds. |
|
Resources
| QuickTime Player | QuickTime is a multimedia technology
architecture enabling products from Apple and third parties. |
| RealOne Player | In addition to the PC, RealPlayer is
available for the Palm OS 5, and PocketPC for PDAs. |
| Microsoft Media
Player | Windows Media Player offers many choices for the PC, and makes it possible to sync high-quality music,
video, and photos to the latest portable devices |
| Flash
Media Player | Macromedia Flash Player provides support for Microsoft, Netscape, and AOL on various operating
systems. |
| MAGpie Captioning Software | Authoring tool to
make Web videos accessible to persons with disabilities |
| Rich Media Accessibility Resource Center | A growing
collection of resources for developers and users interested in ways to make rich media accessible to people with
disabilities. |
Related guide topics