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This section contains a wealth of knowledge regarding streaming media and encoding.
Use the search box to find the answer to your question.
What are the best parameters for my encoding software?
Stream UK recommends encoding using the following parameters: |
| Connection speed |
Frame rate |
Bitrate |
Frame size |
| Modem |
6 fps |
34 Kbps |
192 x 144 |
| Low broadband |
12.5 fps |
200 Kbps |
320 x 240 |
| High broadband |
25 fps |
450 Kbps |
400 x 300 |
| LAN or Superfast |
25 fps |
1.5 Mbps |
800 x 600 |
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Which files can I upload to the system
The system will accept Windows Media, Real and QuickTime video and audio files. Flash will be available from late 2006. |
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My Quicktime files do not stream
Quicktime files are the most prone to problems, the most common of which is that the files have not been hinted for streaming at the encoding stage.
The hint tracks tell the server exactly how to package the media data for the network. To hint a movie you must purchase QuickTime Pro. After you have QuickTime Pro follow these steps to hint your movie:
Open the movie in QuickTime Player.
If the movie is not self-contained, choose Save As and save it as a self-contained movie-otherwise, the hinted movie will contain references to the media tracks in the original movie, which would also have to be on the server.
Choose Export from the File menu. Name the movie using the .mov suffix.
Simplest hinting method: If the movie is already compressed and the data rate is set, choose Movie to QuickTime Movie from the Export pop-up menu. Choose Default Settings from the Use popup; these usually work fine. Hit OK and you're done. |
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Which codecs do you currently recommend?
The table below shows our current recommendations. There is a trade-off between the quality of the codec, which increases with time, and its adoption by the general public. By the last quarter of 2006 we'd expect to be recommending Flash 8 (the On2 codec). It should also be noted that these recommendations are at a very general level, specific applications may differ. |
| Format |
Video codec |
Audio codec |
| Windows Media |
Windows Media 9 |
Windows Media Audio 9.1 |
| Real Media |
Real Video 10 |
Real Audio 10 |
| QuickTime |
H.264 |
ACC |
| Flash |
On2 VP6 (Flash 8) |
MP3 |
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I have not been able to upload my file using the upload tool
The built-in file transfer should cope with most things, but there may be a local connection problem which a more sophisticated ftp tool can solve. You can use your favorite ftp tool and upload to cms.streamline.net using the same username and password as your login. |
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What happens when I reach my limit?
Don’t worry – we won’t cut you off. We’ll send you an email offering you the chance to upgrade your account to a more suitable level. |
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Where can I get more information on using the links that your system returns
An excellent Windows Media support area is available here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/knowledgecenter/default.aspx
A less good Real Media support area is here:
http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/index.html
A professional and through support section for QuickTime is available here:
http://www.apple.com/support/quicktime/ |
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What's a solution, what's a service? |
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A solution is a complicated service.
Basically solutions have been developed for previous clients and then made generic.
If one of our existing solutions fits your purpose then you benefit from the development without having to pay for it (or at least not all of it...)
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Customer Spotlight
The British Council uses Stream UK for worldwide distribution of its content from over 140 offices.
See www.britishcouncil.org
Service Spotlight
Stream UK hosted and delivered the Al Gore webcast for The Guardian Newspaper from the Hay Festival 2006.
The service was provisioned for up to 35,000 users.
'Thanks for your work on the webcast - it certainly looked good from my perspective' - Dean Smith, Systems Architect, The Guardian.
Awards Won
Stream UK gained Microsoft Accreditation in 2001, at that time we were one of three companies across Europe.
Since then others have come along, but Stream UK has continued to develop its solution.
Click here for Microsoft Windows DRM Partners.
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