What Video Format Do You Use For Paysite Member Videos?
 

For content ripped from dvd's, what format and bitrate do you use for your videos?
I was thinking of windows media 11 WMV format with 1.5MBPS bitrate... Would this be considered to low?

MPEG4 / H.264 is the way of the future (and mostly the now)... You may lose mac users if you stick with WMV... Honestly I would probably offer at least two options for people...

Do people need a special codec or player for this?
What are the minimum software requirements to play these files?

Isn't MP4 for ipods and handheld devices?

you need teh new quicktime player that isnt free if your not a mac owner for MP4, h.264 is quicktimes HD format.

I use flv, wmv and mp4 for my members and offer both streaming or download.

I used to always use DviX for all my pay sites.

Now I do FLV, and DviX leaving them the option for watch or download.

:2 cents:

P.S. and no, I was not flooded at any time with codec complaints over the years. Whether pay sites or clip stores contrary to the 'myths' and lore spread on boards.

2000kbps, 720x480, .mp4/h.264, stream using FMS on your server and deliver on a flash player, then offer a lesser version in .mp4 and .wmv for download. :thumbsup

wrong...

720P (everything)

1280x720

VLC seems to play it just fine.

Yup VLC plays MP4 just perfect

well either way you need a player to play it that doesnt come on most comps. i have had a few complaints about mp4.

I often use WMV for windows users and MP4 or M4V so iPod and iPhone users can have them. I have to use a mac and windows computer to make sure everything is A-OK, but it is worth the hassle. WMV files will play on Quicktime assuming they have the right codec, but it takes a bit longer to load, so having the MP4 option I think is wise.