We shoot our videos using miniDV tape, then "capture" them using Final Cut Studio. Capturing imports the video onto the hard drive. File sizes for uncompressed video are huge! Our 20-minute interviews are too large to fit onto a DVD. That makes it very difficult to transfer files between camera crews and editing crews.

We edit in Final Cut Studio, then "render" (compress) the video using Cleaner software. When I first saw the pulldown menu in Cleaner for video compression settings, I knew I could never edit film. There are dozens of format choices! We render in one: QuickTime MPEG-4, AAC.

Because we render in only one format, we get complaints from people, especially on older computers, that they can't access the video. Now my tech guru says, "Tough. If they want to watch video online, they need to update their gear. No matter what format we render in, those people will not be happy. No one on a 56K modem is going to like online video."

And he's right. Since we switched from offering video in 7 formats to offering it in 1 format, our connection complaints have stayed roughly the same. Either way, we have the same number of dissatisfied users. To maintain 7 choices, we'd have to stay up on the latest software in five different programs. Our customer service problems have remain unchanged, but our production costs have dropped significantly.

On the other hand, my Production Manager thinks we should offer at least one alternative format specifically optimized for Windows computer users on older systems. That would probably cure at least half of the format complaints we get.

And he's right, too. We really should be producing in two formats: one that works on most PCs and iPods as well, and one that works on older Windows PCs. It's a tough call.

Even tougher calls are ahead. We also produce DVDs from our videos, and there's a whole 'nother kettle of fish. There are two formats fighting it out for the future of DVD. I hope someone chimes into this dicussion who knows more about this than me; I'm trying to keep my head low until victory is declared.

Videos on cell phones, as I've learned, is the least organized of all these markets. There are several different format choices (none very good, I'm told), and numerous different delivery systems, the file sizes are huge, what do you when the connection drops??? Even though our videos easily go into iTunes, it will be a long time before we make a version for phones.

Anyone care to add to this discussion?

Tomorrow I'll talk a little more about the file size problem.

STEVE O'KEEFE
V.P. IAOC
President, AuthorViews, Inc.