Password protect my uploaded videos

[Maurice123]

I have searched the forum for answers which may or may not be here but I can't find anything I understand.

When I produce a video, let's say a wedding video for example, I would like to offer it to selected viewers (e.g. wedding guests) together with a password for them to access the video so that only those with the password can view.

Can someone point the way to any EASY ways of achieving this, (I really am a tyro in this sort of thing), preferably at no cost or minimal cost and the sort of length I could expect to upload, highlights for example rather than the whole event.

I already have a short reel on MySpace so if that site can be used I do have some experience of using it but any suggestions and help will be appreciated.

[Supreme2k]

put it in a zip file and password protect it.

Unless it is some big production, it's not really worth the hassle. You could simply put it on a specific web address (http://www.mysite.com/videos/personal/wedding40298) and send the exclusive link to the parties involved.

[Maurice123]

Thanks Supreme, for the response but it is still not clear, possibly because I am just too dumb to follow the advice through to its logical conclusion.

You suggest zip the file and then password protect it....but then what do I do with it? It sounds like I then have to send it to all the recipients. What I want them to do is log in to a protected file and stream it down.

Your other suggestion brackets a web address. That can't be a real one so do you mean that is an example? and does that mean I have to create e new web address?

I have seen wedding and commercial photographers do this so that the recipients can see the proofs with the object of taking orders. They put all the proofs on a secure site so only the intended can see them. That's what I want to do.

[Supreme2k]

That's kind of what I suggested, but without having to protect it (in a real sense). I assumed that you already had a web site for hosting the content. If so, you simply create a folder a couple of levels deep, then give that specific address to your clients or friends (as in the example that I gave).

Also, depending on what's available, you can do it through scripting, as shown here.

Your question (and another one recently asked) isn't so much about streaming, but more about web hosting and security. You would probably yield better results with a Google search (password protect a web site, for example).


Also, if this is for your business, and you feel that you are "too dumb" to accomplish it, you really should be hiring a professional to put the protections in place. Seeking help on message boards is not a great way to run your business.

[Seeker47]

When I produce a video, let's say a wedding video for example, I would like to offer it to selected viewers (e.g. wedding guests) together with a password for them to access the video so that only those with the password can view.

Can someone point the way to any EASY ways of achieving this, (I really am a tyro in this sort of thing), preferably at no cost or minimal cost and the sort of length I could expect to upload, highlights for example rather than the whole event.

I already have a short reel on MySpace so if that site can be used I do have some experience of using it but any suggestions and help will be appreciated.

Since the file-hosting service Rapidshare supports password protected files, my assumption would be that some of the others such as MegaUpload do so as well. But you can check on that. The limitations are that their free services are slow access, with some size caps as well. I think RS supports about a 100 Meg per-file size, with a cap of around 4 or 5 Gig total per user per day. This also holds true for their paid accounts, but the file xfer speed goes up to good broadband speeds, instead of a leisurely stroll. MegaUpload allows 200M file sizes, but I don't know about their per-day limit. I also don't know how large your wedding videos run, and their format may or may not matter here, except re the ability of the recipients to play them easily. What you could do -- for example -- is put however many of them up on RS as is necessary. They could be RAR or Zip archives, or .WMVs or .AVIs, depending on whether they are standalones or pieces of something larger. RAR archives might have some edge, in terms of re-assembly back into one larger file upon the de-archiving. These can require passwords, which you can make available only to those you want to have access, informing them of this by email.

Another possible way of doing this would be if your business happens to have its own server that is on 24/7. It can be done by FTP software. This can synchronize a dedicated directory (folder) on your server with anyone's PC that connects with yours, subject to an optional password, allowing them to d/l from it. I think there must be some free FTP server and FTP client software out there. The latter idea takes a bit more computer familiarity. Neither option is what I'd call dog-simple, but it's not especially difficult either.

Or what Supreme2K said, if you already have a website.

[Maurice123]

Thanks guys,

I might well finish up getting someone to do this for me in the end however I will struggle on with all your suggestions because I really like to know how it all slots together rather than just blindly hand it over to someone else.

I do have my own web site but I am not sure what "going down two levels means" and I don't have my own server. Not really necessary.

I will keep checking in here for a while longer.

[foochuck]

Use Vimeo.com!

[Soopafresh]

Use Vimeo.com!

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