Digitalizing

I put quite a bit of video content on my sites, and the way I digitalize into *.MPEG (4) format is with my Dazzle Digital Video Creator ($200 worth of equipment). I plug it into my Sony camcorder (not FireWire) and also into my computer. And when I digitalize it into a streaming format, the quality goes way, way down. (I put it on the web in *.RM, *.RAM, *.RA formats.)
I go for quality, as many people do, and a friend said to me to upgrade my video card and RAM in order to mantain the quality. On the other hand, my teacher says that that has nothing to do with it, and I should just buy a FireWire camcorder (and compatible computer) - but those things can cost over $600!

Does anyone got a solution on how I can stream my video content clear and crisp, and also download fast on the client-sides.
(I really like how they got it fast and clear on Apple.com)

well, i would have to go with the firewire, its most likly going to greatly improve your quality, but don't buy stuff from my words... ask some one that does it...

[RSaucier]

If you're having to down-sample for web delivery, stick with the Dazzle. Capture at 352x240, non-interlaced. Aim for as high a bit-rate as your CPU can handle (5-7Mbps is good 'nuff for web delivery before compression).

I've got a 384K bit-rate Windows Media file of a horse race on one of my sites that looks pretty decent. I'd post the URL but I think my bandwidth for the month would get a little close...the file's just about or a little over 6MB for 2m33s.

No clue if this helped or not.

Robert

Interesting subject.
I do a lot of streaming video. Have some pretty fair equipment (Pinnacle DV500 capture card). The card will capture both firewire and analog. Was disatisfied with quality after compression for the web. Bought an expensive firewire camera. Canon GL-1, thinking this would solve problem. The improvement in quality of the regular video is phenomenal. Improvement in quality of the compressed video may be improved but marginally if at all.

I went to compression using windows media format, wvm, because Real Player pops up too many ads. Microsoft does too but it's, IMHO, not as annoying. Quality seems to be slightly better, file size is slightly smaller. Latest upgrade to my software, Adobe Premiere, came with a program called cleaner EZ. It improves slightly but takes hours to render. Was going to try their full version but it's big bucks.

The comment about capturing at smaller size is interesting. Have not tried that.

If anyone is interested the web site is www.clcwhitefish.org. Audio/Video link.

Thanks everyone.

Hosemeyer, I'll try to save up for a FireWire cam, but I don't know.

RSaucier, I tried all the options on the Dazzle MovieStar program - nothing helps.

mtchuck, I checked out your site. It's good, but the streaming video you got on there is the quality I'm trying to stay away from. That kind of quality I already get with the methods I use, and I don't really think it's good enough.

I like the quality they got on stingerindustries. The file is real-video-solution-better.rpm.
That is the quality I'm trying so hard to get. Will it help if i get Adobe Premiere. But isn't that just a video-editing software? They don't even suppy the hardware for actually digitalizing into analog video format, do they?

Well, saying all that, I don't know if I should tell you the whole story. I've gone through hell playing with media content and web sites. You all use Windows Media, I know, but I use REAL and heard it's better. Another reason I do not use streaming video with WMP is that the player is screwy. Everytime I try to lauch a simple clip, it says:
Windows Media Player Error
Unable to access this media, you may not be connected to the network.
And plus, the Media Guide tab doesn't even work.
I tried contacting Microsoft Support, but you know how they are. Every minute of talk they'll charge you. Whew!

Oh well, you all don't have to reply. I'm already so close to giving up with video content.

[rancher]

Take a look here Creative Cow Tons of good info.

Hey, mtchuck, I have the exact set-up (DV500, GL-1,Premiere) but got tired of their forums, lack of driver support, lack of upgrade intelligence, etc. For what I do it was easier to get a different card than beating my head against the wall.

Rancher

Please don't give up. I'm still trying.

I've decided to get a new computer, and purchase the best graphics/video card out there.

I'll tell you my progress in about a week. I'm collecting money for the Sony Vaio MX desktop.

[genealle]

A good place to browse around is http://videoguys.com

They have a lot of info and really good prices. I too want a different video card, but need to up the old Celeron 433 system prior to that. There are seemingly millions of Usenet groups out there that pertain to video, some even down to specific cards.

Good luck and hang on to your wallet.
Gene