short videos advice

question about which format to use for short videos

[BeaJones]

I have a client that wants to put short videos (1 minute max) on her web site (real estate).

She sends me .avi files from her camera. I am looking for the best format to convert the files into. I am worried about size of the file (for bandwidth) and I want a format that can be easily viewed by the majority of the people - as many platforms as possible.

My first thought was .mpeg and I've downloaded some .avi to .mpeg encoders (free or almost free). But, then I downloaded some of the video editors and their .mpeg outputs (in the trial programs) don't compress very well. And, now I'm getting confused with too many choices.

Does anyone have comments and/or suggestions? Both on format and possibly a beginner video editor program.

TIA - Bea

[travelin cat]

we have found the best format is flash. Very high % of browers have flash compatibility.

You will find that youtube and myspace use flash as their defaults.

We make the initial video flash and offer quicktime and windows media as alternate links, I believe we cover 99.999% of everyone online with this.

[BeaJones]

OK, I'll start researching Flash. It annoys me when I run into a Flash item and have to download the new version, but maybe I can make an file for an older version of Flash.

I could do what else you suggested - offer different options. I'm not assuming a lot of Internet/browser knowledge for the people looking at a real estate site though since they could be using the computer at their local library.

Thnaks for the ideas - Bea