MP4 web streaming (fast start) options

[BLboy]

Hi,

I use multiple programs to convert various video files to MP4 for online streaming.

The trouble I have is locating this option in each program for the fast start (ie, placing the indexing at start of video).

The programs I use are
AviDemux 2.5
VideoCharge Studio
AnyVideoConverter
Xvid4PSP 5
Xvid4PSP 6 (beta)
I am keen to try Super soon, but haven't had the need yet. EDIT: Have tried Super and it's terrible (GUI moves on it's own, crop tool is poor and cant queue tasks).

After reading some forums, I understand ths can be called either 'progressive' or 'fast start'. I have seen the 'progressive' option but I never see a 'fast start' option (though I am familiar with MP4FastStart).

My question is, under what names does this option go by?

Thanks!

[BLboy]

Additionally, how can I tell if a video has the fast start added to it without uploading it to a server and testing the stream in a player? Does Mediainfo provide this info? If so, does it let me know how far into the video the fast start is set. Of course it's no good having a fast start at the end of the clip when it needs to play after only 1 or 2% of download. Thanks!

[BLboy]

I have compared 2 free tools that add the 'progressive' or 'fast start' to MP4s.

QTIndexSwapper (v2.3.1) is excellent and will not try to modify your file if the fast start is correct.

MP4FastStart (v1.0.0) is unreliable, giving mixed results and can even destroy your MP4 to a 1KB file (back 'em up before using this program!)

[bat999]

I guess nobody knows or cares?

Well, if it's qt-faststart you're thinking of.
We have the option to use it with ffmpeg and Ubuntu. There's a reference to it here in paragraph 5 :- http://ubuntu-ky.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=786095&highlight=Upgrading+FFmpeg+x264
But personally I've never had a need to use it, so I can't comment.

[DB83]

I guess you do not know how to use a search engine......

http://www.any-video-converter.com/how-to-enable-mp4-streaming.php

BTW my version of avc does not show the option either but then it is a) an older version or b) the free version

[BLboy]

Thanks for the replies.

Well, if it's qt-faststart you're thinking of.
We have the option to use it with ffmpeg and Ubuntu. There's a reference to it here in paragraph 5 :- http://ubuntu-ky.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=786095&highlight=Upgrading+<a class...Fmpeg</a>+x264
But personally I've never had a need to use it, so I can't comment.

Didn't know about QT-FastStart http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Video/QTFastStart.shtml (windows version) Thanks!

I guess you do not know how to use a search engine......

I tend to get mixed results with my googling. Sometimes I get a hole-in-one, and sometimes I completely stuff up the putt and lose the tournament

http://www.any-video-converter.com/how-to-enable-mp4-streaming.php

BTW my version of avc does not show the option either but then it is a) an older version or b) the free version

The good news is that the free version of AnyVideoConverter DOES have the fast start option. It was off by default, which would explain some mysteries. Very helpful tip, thank you!