What's the video file format for web site broadcasting ?

[AAC]

I need to upload a 10-minutes product demo video to my office's web site for clients to download. The demo video will be recorded by DV tapes (or avi format), what format should I convert it to ?
Should I convert it to .flv format, will it produce better picture quality ?
I also need a reliable and easy to use one for all video formats converting software. There are so many suggestion in this Forum and I'm confused. Not necessary freebie software, as long as it's user friendly.

Many thanks.

[redwudz]

Usually WMV or MPEG-1 formats are the most universal for downloads to personal computers. You can use the freeware TMPGEnc encoder for MPEG-1 or Windows Media Encoder for WMV, also free.

[filmboss80]

Like redwudz said, WMV and MPEG-1 play quite well on most PCs. Windows Movie Maker is probably the easiest program to make WMV files. The only worry I have in your case is the 10-minute length. With any MPEG-1 or WMV file over 3 minutes, the files might get a little big for downloading by end-users, depending on their internet speed. Flv is smaller and downloads quicker, especially for a 10-minute video, but the quality can take a real hit. You may need to experiment with the different options to see what will work best for you. As far as .flv videos, the easiest software converter would likely be WinFF (free).

[AAC]

Sorry, I didn't make it clear.
The "demo video" is not for our clients to download. They watch it on our web site, similiar to youtube style but hope to have better quality.

[edDV]

Sorry, I didn't make it clear.
The "demo video" is not for our clients to download. They watch it on our web site, similiar to youtube style but hope to have better quality.

Download would usually be wmv. If clients watch it from your companies website there should be a webmaster you can speak to. This could be wmv or flash in some form but why guess? Ask the guy that has to load it to the server. 95% chance he/she will make you do it over anyway. Better to hand over your DV tape or file and let them do it.

[filmboss80]

So, you want to stream video, like YouTube. Well, then, we are back to .flv video. You can increase the quality by setting a higher bitrate. You could also increase the resolution, frame rate, etc. Again, Winff is a really easy program to use. You can use "Options" to raise bitrate, etc., until you get acceptable quality. It is freeware, so it will not cost you anything to experiment. But remember, the higher the bitrate, the slower the streaming to end-users. You must balance between internet data speed, file size, and video quality. Flv, WMV, and MPEG-1 all have their strengths and weaknesses. Base your choice on what best suits your goals.

Note: edDV has a good suggestion. There are experts in creating high quality Flash video files for web streaming. You may just want to settle on that, if your budget permits.

[AAC]

Thanks all for your suggestions. You guys are right, I should leave the DV tapes or avi file to the web master.

After all, what would be the most user friendly all-in-one video converting software (converting video to/from different common formats) ? I'm using Nero 8.0 but it's a DVD burning software.

[Midzuki]

AAC wrote:

I'm using Nero 8.0 but it's a DVD burning software.

Not even that.

[Soopafresh]

After all, what would be the most user friendly all-in-one video converting software (converting video to/from different common formats) ?

I like WinFF , but most folks would say Super

Check out http://www.vimeo.com/931736 for an example of very high quality flash encodes.