Best web format for a 60 Sec small video?

Client wants to repurpose a TV infomercial

[JayCee]

Hi All,
Trying to decide if a streaming server is required to display a digital version of a 60 second TV infomercial.

I'm talking with a potential client about a web rebuild and he mentioned that he is having an infomercial made. I suggested having them also create a digital version for his site.

I'm not experienced in streaming and this is a low budget optional addon to a low budget site.

Questions:
Can we keep the image small and just use HTTP streaming or do we need a streaming server?

Which format is best (i dislike Real Networks scummy marketing practices, but would use them if really better)?

Got some insight from a search here, but not much about the 60 seconds size Vs streaming issues.

Thanks

[hakre]

hi jaycee,

there are some possibilities with streaming and http unbound to real or similar streaming services:

- mpeg, can be streamed by any browser as far as i know and is heavily standarized and useable by many of your visitors then.

- flash. yup, true, you can convert (with a little overhead) movies into an swf and then display them on your site. with that you've got more freedom about making your own player etc. you can see this more and more often theese times.

[HughMungus]

Yes, it's easy. Use Windows Media. That's one of the most-popular formats for what you're talking about. Sticky me if you need any help encoding it or want to see some examples on my site of how this works. Should be pretty straightforward.

[JayCee]

Thanks for the good info!
Much appreciated...