Streaming Slideshow

[mgregg]

I've added a slideshow to my web site, but I'm curious about a few things:

One, if it's a streaming file, can I assume the show will play only as smoothly as the receiving pc can play it? Meaning, if they are on dial-up, or slow DSL, or have a slower processor and little RAM, will the show stall, or not play at all?

Two, what would be the best way for me to test this? Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have a fast cable connection and am running 3ghz processors with 2gb of RAM. I don't have any problems whatsoever, but that doesn't mean others won't. Calling on a friend or family member to test something for me isn't very time efficient each time I modify something.

Any tips?

Here's the slideshow:

Christmas 2004 (http://www.cyber-golfer.com/gallery/Christmas 2004/shows/slide.htm)

Thanks!

Mike

[IanS]

I've added a slideshow to my web site, but I'm curious about a few things:

One, if it's a streaming file, can I assume the show will play only as smoothly as the receiving pc can play it? Meaning, if they are on dial-up, or slow DSL, or have a slower processor and little RAM, will the show stall, or not play at all?

Two, what would be the best way for me to test this? Unfortunately, or fortunately, I have a fast cable connection and am running 3ghz processors with 2gb of RAM. I don't have any problems whatsoever, but that doesn't mean others won't. Calling on a friend or family member to test something for me isn't very time efficient each time I modify something.

Any tips?

Here's the slideshow:

Christmas 2004 (http://www.cyber-golfer.com/gallery/Christmas 2004/shows/slide.htm)

Thanks!

MikeA modem plugged into your computer seems the best idea. In Britain there are a number of ISP's that don't require any commitment or fees, just the cost of the phone call. These are good ways here of testing for speeds on a modem. Maybe the same thing is possible in your area.

FWIW, there was no problem with speed on my trans-atlantic connection, locally at 1Mb.

[damber]

I've never worked with the streaming slide show you have on your site, but I post my personal videos in a streming file format (wmv) on a powweb server. So here is my 20 cents worth.

I find that on a slow internet connection, the video plays awfully. It buffers some, but then starts jolting frame by frame once its exhausted whats in the buffer. I find its better to not presume everyone is on a fast connection and give them a choice as to whether or not they want to download instead of embedding it in the page and forcing them to start downloading it. I tryed embedding my video for a while, but didn't' like this option for people with slow connections. Better they save it to disk then play it back. Otherwise they just get frustrated.

Cheers,

Damien

My powweb hosted site is:

www.emuvideo.com