What is a good software to use to Post Videos online

[Mekamur]

I have a high definition camera and i use windows media encoder to post the videos. I notice that the quality of the video is downgraded. I need to encode high quality video with compact size and will be able to stream online with no issues (slowing down or stopping while watching). So What is the best format for streaming videos and encoder? I need the format to work for most applications like mac & pc.

Thanks For the help

[Baldrick]

Upload to vimeo or youtube?

[Mekamur]

We currently have our own windows media server, so we upload the files there.

We need format that produces high quality video, small file, and that is compatible with the most operating systems/devices.

We also need an encoder to use.

[cd090580]

high quality video, small file

Not very compatible...

[Mekamur]

Our videos are usually anywhere from 1hr 15min to 3hrs 30 min. So we want try to have smaller file sizes, below 1 GB since these will be streaming media.

Thanks.

[TreeTops]

You want to get 1 gig or below for video size for a 3 hour 30 min video? Good luck Sir. Well maybe you can, but I wouldn't want to watch it.

[Mekamur]

We've done it before using windows media encoder and a windows media server. It actually doesn't look bad at all for our application. But with better technologies out there we'd like to start using a better format (higher quality/smaller filesizes/better compatibility) moving forward.

[sanlyn]

Dream on. But.....it can be done. You'll need some mighty powerful (read that = expensive) software and studio-level expertise in the science of compression (in the pro world those people are properly referred to as compressionists). Using hobbyist gear and software, you'll never get there. Seriously.

[Mekamur]

In order of priority, we need high compatibility format file type, decent video quality, and small file (not really important at all).

What would be the best format for streaming video? And what encoder?