Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Streaming Video for Dummies

Georgia Tech: Today technology has become a key element in any communication medium. Video streaming on the internet is one such technology that is prevalent in every means of advertising. Finding videos in almost any website, from educational to recreational sources is quite common. There are many powerful advantages to using video streaming but this technology can also be used in a way that defeats its purpose. Attributes of an effective video include high quality production values, such as clear images or clear sound, natural and fluid performances from the actors, successful communication of its message, and purposeful rather than distracting sponsored advertisements before a video.

An effective video should have a clear image quality, even in its full screen mode. The video should not be pixilated, with appropriate contrast settings as well as a tolerable combination and usage of colors. In addition to the visual aspects of its production value, the video’s sound qualities should be audible and in synchronization with the images, without abrupt noises that could potentially affect the clarity of the dialogue. For example, in the GE Locomotive commercial (Link 4) video on YouTube, the colors are cool and soothing to the viewer’s eyes which make the video more visually appealing.