Video Streams OR Downloadable Videos !?
 

What is better for members area?

Downloadable Videos much better.

Mark

I say both :)
but I think most users REALLY love it when they can download the movies.

We feature both options inside our feeds and I can tell you, users are crazy on the downloads, because the movies are full length!

Cheers!

Anyone know of a proven client/server streaming technology other than Windows and Real and Vivo? I mean one with a solid reputation and popularity?

DIVX has their own streaming technology.

But they host the files on their network.

I don't work in video, so I'm no expert... but doesn't downloadable content mean fewer people let their membership renew? If you can download, then you can sign up every 6 months for a trial and grab everything. I'd think that would at least somewhat counteract the fact that people prefer downloads.

QuickTime Streaming Server, streaming MPG, MP4, or QuickTime, running on Mac OS X... Or Darwin Streaming Server streaming the same on Mac OS, Unix, or Windows...

I would go with both.

To the person above, not having downloadable will make you lose a lot of signups these days. Problem is with Windows Media Player 9. A lot of people are upgrading to this (which sets itself to all the defaults to play video) but they purposely removed htaccess type password sending through their player.

What this means... You can't see any streaming that requires username/password. Most people will get pissed off and cancel their memberships.

But don't worry, there is a fix, sortof. If you have a SSL server, it will pass username and password though. So, members areas should be on a https:// instead of http:// to bow before Microsoft's greatness, and keep the rebills!
ZoiNk

I'll tell ya for 300.00 :winkwink: