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Video Files on Web Site Pages - Pros, Cons, and Alternatives

Adding video files to a Web site is certainly possible and can be quite effective in certain applications. But there are downsides that can't be ignored, depending upon the environment in which it will be used, that may affect the decision to do so.

Video Files are Big

A 30 second video that has TV quality images at 30 frames per second (fps) can result in a 10 MB file. The amount of time necessary to download a 10 MB file varies, depending upon the type of Internet connection. T1 and Broadband are faster than DSL, which is faster than ISDN, which is faster than a 56K modem. It would take roughly 35 minutes to download this file on a 56K modem.

FACT: A person with a 56K modem will not stick around to wait for the 10 MB file to download.

56K Modem Visitors Still a Majority

The majority of visitors still access the Internet via a 56K modem, so if your visitors are coming from the general populace of Internet users, then you must optimize your video files to accommodate the limitations of the lowest common denominator, or risk alienating them and losing their business.

To accommodate the 56K Modem visitor, the 10 MB file, mentioned previously, can be optimized to download quickly, but with noticeable degradation as seen in the following demo.

Demo of Video File Optimized for 56K Modem Users

Below is an example of an optimized video file. The 10 MB file was reduced to a 114 KB file so that it will download fast on a 56K modem. Notice that the video is displayed in a small viewing area (190 x 120 pixels) and is of very low quality having only a 15 fps. There is a slight delay as the file is downloaded prior to playing in the viewer but one that is acceptable to most users.

To minimize the wait associated with the download even further, the video file can be modified to support video streaming, which allows visitors to your Web site to watch the movie as it downloads. This may, however, further degrade the quality of the picture somewhat, but the benefit may be of value.

T1 Issues

If your visitors are from a corporate Intranet where everyone has a T1 connection to the Internet, then the speed issues become much less of an issue. What needs to be considered, in this case, is whether your server's bandwidth capabilities can handle the demand.

For example, if your CEO uses video to send a company-wide message and asks that everyone view it by Friday, then without sufficient bandwidth to handle the load, the server could crash.

Ways to Improve Video Experience on Web Pages for All

To accommodate those visitors who do have faster Internet connections, options can be provided to visitors on the Web page to allow them to select higher quality image files to view. For example, separate video files can be created for visitors with DSL vs T1 connectivity. These other versions would be larger in download size, but as a result, would be of higher quality and larger viewing size, since download speed is not an issue.

Alternatives to Using Video on Web Pages

If movement is still desired, still graphic images can be substituted for video in a clever way to simulate panning an area. This provides the same useful information but in a more efficient way that still satisfies the needs of the visitor.

For example, Real Estate agents can show the entire 360° of a room or the exterior of a home by having pictures taken from the desired angles and asking their webmaster to create a virtual tour. This would be useful for many professions such as building contractors and landscapers.

Adding movement to a Web site does not mean that the Web site will be more impressive or effective. If the goal is to have the visitor be impressed with the quality of your company, the services that you provide, and the work that you do, then incorporating the following will make that statement simply, effectively, and quickly:

• Professional graphic design and layout
• Easy-to-scan copy that lets a visitor quickly find the information relevant to their needs
• Compelling copy that stresses benefits to the visitors and causes them to act according to your desired visitor behavior for each page (e.g. register for free newsletter, call for more information, buy product, etc.)
• Effective placement of quality graphics/pictures to illustrate and strengthen points

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