Video Distribution Method (feedback please)

[STAR GAZER]

Hey guys:

We are working on a new method of video distribution at Cowboys Media. I am interested in your thoughts.

We are working on putting together multiple zip files of ISO images. An ISO is a perfect duplication of the original content from a DVD. The image can be burned to a disk without any degradation of the video. Similar to copying an original with your PC. Only the content can be distributed via Cowboys Media. Whenever video is ripped from a DVD and converted to another format such as .avi or .wmv, the image quality is reduced as a result of compression.

What is required to benefit from this approach is that you have the proper software and know how. If you understand how to unzip files with compression software, have a DVD authoring program that burns ISO files, and a DVD drive that can copy multi-layered disks, then you are in business.

The next consideration is downloading large files. Since the files are 6 GB+ in size, the ISO file is zipped into 6+ parts each part being 1 GB in size. So downloading multiple files of this size would require a fast inter-net speed and a reasonable amount of effort.

So my question to you is; "Is this something that would interest you, or are you content with lower grade versions in an .avi format?"

 

[kmrtjr]

I have no prblems with my ISP speeds so I'm going to say bigger files for better Quality.

 

[Rampage]

if you do the big files will you still have the smaller files or are you only gonna have the 6gb files?

 

[STAR GAZER]

if you do the big files will you still have the smaller files or are you only gonna have the 6gb files?

This is an approach we are considering. Were not certain if there will be enough people who will benefit from the method. We would do it in addition to the smaller files since the vast majority of people won't be capable of using the new way.

It's still being considered, but it's not looking like it will be worth the added effort if few can benefit.

 

[Rampage]

This is an approach we are considering. Were not certain if there will be enough people who will benefit from the method. We would do it in addition to the smaller files since the vast majority of people won't be capable of using the new way.

It's still being considered, but it's not looking like it will be worth the added effort if few can benefit.

I would suggest finding a game you know a lot of people would want to download. uploading it in the big file format and based on the amount of downloads decide if you will keep doing it. that's just my suggestion to try and help you out.

 

[Dave the Sicilian]

To say the truth I don't know...It would be nice and great to have High quality video to enjoy the best games but surely it will take a very long time to download them...at least for me

 

[Apefist]

For some games (the Rams game this seasom comes to mind), I'm happy with the shortcuts version. For big games, I want the big files.

but big files mean longer connections with your server, longer dl times, more traffic staying connected to your server for longer periods of time. it could bog down your website.

 

[LatinMind]

if u try and distribute content straight from dvd's. that will get ur site shutdown fast.

 

[djtavo]

I love ur site bro and u have save my life with lots of games i could not watch on tv.

My suggestion will be for u to have videos available within hours of the game (1-2 hrs for example) Dont think im complaining in anyway about your site but something like that will take your site to a whole new level. Just a suggestion.

And again thanks for the vids...

 

[STAR GAZER]

I love ur site bro and u have save my life with lots of games i could not watch on tv.

My suggestion will be for u to have videos available within hours of the game (1-2 hrs for example) Dont think im complaining in anyway about your site but something like that will take your site to a whole new level. Just a suggestion.

And again thanks for the vids...

It can be done, but only in a low quality version. A bit like watching You-Tube. Well, slightly better than that, but you get my meaning.

The HD quality stuff takes time. Hell it takes as much as two hours plus to upload a 1 giga file to the server. Thats just upload time. The conversion time etc. will also take two hours plus. Then there is setting up the game page which takes 30 minutes. And collecting the photos takes about 30 minutes. Then there is editing and converting and uploading the highlights which takes about an hour.

The time it takes to make each weeks media available, is about 7 hours of effort.

 

[WG5516]

It can be done, but only in a low quality version. A bit like watching You-Tube. Well, slightly better than that, but you get my meaning.

The HD quality stuff takes time. Hell it takes as much as two hours plus to upload a 1 giga file to the server. Thats just upload time. The conversion time etc. will also take two hours plus. Then there is setting up the game page which takes 30 minutes. And collecting the photos takes about 30 minutes. Then there is editing and converting and uploading the highlights which takes about an hour.

The time it takes to make each weeks media available, is about 7 hours of effort.

Unbelievable. And I appreciate every minute of your media. Thank You So Much!!!!!

 

[STAR GAZER]

Unbelievable. And I appreciate every minute of your media. Thank You So Much!!!!!

I enjoy doing it. Especially when people like yourself take the time to say thanks.

Happy Holidays!!!

 

[VACowboy]

I much prefer the big files.

And your effort is indeed hugely, HUGELY appreciated, SG.

 

[waynewonder81]

Would you offer both the hi quality and low quality downloads as an option, or strictly the hi quality?

 

[STAR GAZER]

Would you offer both the hi quality and low quality downloads as an option, or strictly the hi quality?

It would have to be one or the other. Since the high quality gets the nod by most, that is what I am doing now. Silver and Blue is doing the .wmv versions each week, and that takes a lot of time as well. It's more work, but thats what people want.

If we could recruit someone with video experience and they would dedicate their time to the cause each week, we could take on more production. But as it is now, we are too busy with what we are already doing.

 

[VACowboy]

I'm having a hard time getting the games to play in OS X v. 10.5.5, regardless of file type. I get this error message: The movie could not be opened. This is not a movie file.

 

[STAR GAZER]

I'm having a hard time getting the games to play in OS X v. 10.5.5, regardless of file type. I get this error message: The movie could not be opened. This is not a movie file.

Did you install the proper video codecs, so the video player can read the file types you are attempting to play?

If not, use the VLC Player I suggest on the Cowboys Media site. It comes bundled with all the codecs you will ever need. Meaning that it will play every video file type known.

 

[VACowboy]

I'll try VLC, but I don't have probs with other mpegs or avis.

 

[VACowboy]

VLC solves the problem. Thanks!

 

[Apefist]

Many mercis and gracias! With a doiche and a danke thrown in for good measure!