<?xml version="1.0"?>
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	<id>https://litwiki.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=Litwiki</id>
	<title>LitWiki - User contributions [en]</title>
	<link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://litwiki.org/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=Litwiki"/>
	<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Litwiki"/>
	<updated>2026-05-03T18:51:37Z</updated>
	<subtitle>User contributions</subtitle>
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	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14141</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14141"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:14:37Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Use the Wiki Markup Language */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;, it is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;(reference info here)&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Look at the source code for this page to find the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Reference Lists====&lt;br /&gt;
Reference lists usually appear at the bottom of the wiki page. The wiki will automatically add whatever is inside the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; to the reference list.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MediaWiki Reference List=====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
=====Wikipedia Reference List=====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14140</id>
		<title>Talk:How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14140"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:13:09Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;What is a &amp;quot;gure&amp;quot;? First paragraph, second to last sentence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To what do the odd references at the bottom cite?&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14139</id>
		<title>Talk:How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=Talk:How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14139"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:12:42Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Created page with &amp;quot;What is a &amp;quot;gure&amp;quot;? First paragraph, last sentence.  To what do the odd references at the bottom cite?&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;What is a &amp;quot;gure&amp;quot;? First paragraph, last sentence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
To what do the odd references at the bottom cite?&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14138</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14138"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:05:41Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Referencing */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;(reference info here)&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Look at the source code for this page to find the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Reference Lists====&lt;br /&gt;
Reference lists usually appear at the bottom of the wiki page. The wiki will automatically add whatever is inside the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; to the reference list.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MediaWiki Reference List=====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
=====Wikipedia Reference List=====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14137</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14137"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:05:00Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Referencing */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;(reference info here)&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Look at the source code for this page to find the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reference lists usually appear at the bottom of the wiki page. The wiki will automatically add whatever is inside the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; to the reference list.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14136</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14136"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:04:01Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Cite your sources */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;(reference info here)&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Looking at the source code for this page, the above reference uses the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reference lists usually appear at the bottom of the wiki page. The wiki will automatically add whatever is inside the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; to the reference list.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14135</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14135"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:01:04Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Cite your sources */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;(reference info here)&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this reference number in the [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Looking at the source code for this page, the above reference uses the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reference lists usually appear at the bottom of the wiki page. The wiki will automatically add whatever is inside the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; to the reference list.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14134</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14134"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T02:00:33Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Referencing */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;k(reference info here)&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this reference number in the [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Looking at the source code for this page, the above reference uses the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Reference lists usually appear at the bottom of the wiki page. The wiki will automatically add whatever is inside the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; to the reference list.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia Reference List====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14133</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14133"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:57:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Referencing */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
Wikipedia and MediaWiki both use the &amp;amp;lt;ref&amp;amp;gt; &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;lt;/ref&amp;amp;gt; tag set for referencing.  For instance, this reference number in the [#] at the end of this sentence references this page.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Looking at the source code for this page, the above reference uses the following code: &lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14132</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14132"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:53:04Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Use the Wiki Markup Language */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki markup differs from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14131</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14131"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:52:03Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &#039;&#039;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&#039;&#039;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchical uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki. When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes [http://en.wikipedia.org/ Wikipedia] credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &#039;&#039;&#039;Constructing Text.&#039;&#039;&#039; &#039;&#039;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&#039;&#039;. n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Markup Language==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from HTML or CSS. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate markup, be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14130</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14130"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:42:17Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt; Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchal uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes wikipedia credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;(Bruckman, Forte, 33)&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Mark(ups)==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply&lt;br /&gt;
use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from html or css. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate mark(ups), be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &amp;quot;Constructing Text.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. &amp;lt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf&amp;gt; n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14129</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14129"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:40:24Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;(Barton, Cummings, 4).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchal uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes wikipedia credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;(Bruckman, Forte, 33)&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Mark(ups)==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply&lt;br /&gt;
use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from html or css. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate mark(ups), be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse. For example, this site uses MediaWiki.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1. Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &amp;quot;Constructing Text.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. &amp;lt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf&amp;gt; n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14128</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14128"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:37:36Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;(Barton, Cummings, 4).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchal uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes wikipedia credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;(Bruckman, Forte, 33)&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Mark(ups)==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply&lt;br /&gt;
use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from html or css. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate mark(ups), be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;amp;lt;references /&amp;amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using this tag:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; &amp;lt;pre&amp;gt;{{reflist}}&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1. Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &amp;quot;Constructing Text.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. &amp;lt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf&amp;gt; n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14127</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14127"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:29:29Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Undo revision 14126 by Litwiki (talk)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;(Barton, Cummings, 4).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchal uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes wikipedia credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;(Bruckman, Forte, 33)&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Mark(ups)==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply&lt;br /&gt;
use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from html or css. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate mark(ups), be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt; to include one. Preface it by including a section header for References, Links, Citations, etc. See the source for this page for an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using the {{reflist}} tag.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1. Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &amp;quot;Constructing Text.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. &amp;lt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf&amp;gt; n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14126</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14126"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:27:44Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;(Barton, Cummings, 4).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchal uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes wikipedia credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;(Bruckman, Forte, 33)&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Mark(ups)==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply&lt;br /&gt;
use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from html or css. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate mark(ups), be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;==References==&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt; to include one. See the source for this page as an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using the {{reflist}} tag.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
1. Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &amp;quot;Constructing Text.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. &amp;lt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf&amp;gt; n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14125</id>
		<title>How do I write on a wiki?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_do_I_write_on_a_wiki%3F&amp;diff=14125"/>
		<updated>2013-11-27T01:24:47Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;In order to write on a wiki you must first decide what features you want for your wiki, or for writing &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Your_first_article your first article]&#039;&#039;&#039; for a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
 Writing a wiki requires research. &lt;br /&gt;
Make the information on your wiki clear so visitors can easily view and contribute to it. &lt;br /&gt;
When working on a wiki there are a &#039;&#039;[http://wikiineducation.com/ few things to consider]&#039;&#039;&#039; as well as guidelines that should be followed. &lt;br /&gt;
One tip that should always be remembered is to keep it short. &lt;br /&gt;
Writers should also use active voice, and avoid passive voice except in subjects they aren&#039;t familiar with.&lt;br /&gt;
To better engage your vocabulary in your post, try using strong verbs. Always remember to cite your sources, and give credit to where you got your information. &lt;br /&gt;
A writer can also link readers to other, more detailed, supporting information with hyper-linking. This type of link sends readers directly to your supporting pages. &lt;br /&gt;
Make your post interesting by using lists, bold headings, and block quotes. &#039;&#039;&#039;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_%22Ignore_all_rules%22_means#Use_common_sense Use common sense]&#039;&#039;&#039; when composing your entry. &amp;quot;Thus Wikipedia is not only a reference source, but it is the acknowledged site on the Web for claiming an interpretation of knowledge, as well as a place for controlling public image on an important gure. Both of these functions are substantial and substantially beyond the scope of a traditional encyclopedia&amp;quot;(Barton, Cummings, 4).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Getting Started==&lt;br /&gt;
Know the components of research: Make notes on the things you would like to cover on a wiki. &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/How_do_I_go_about_doing_a_research_paper%3F Research]&#039;&#039;&#039;: &lt;br /&gt;
Keep in mind that research is just that: Re-Search. You must do both, together again and again to impact your scholarship with surrounding sources you find on any subject.&lt;br /&gt;
 Find (at least) three sources that agree with where you are going.  Outline the points you would like to make, and step forward with your research. &lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Make sure your resources are from credible sources&#039;&#039;&#039;. These will include &#039;&#039;&#039;books&#039;&#039;&#039;, &#039;&#039;&#039;articles&#039;&#039;&#039; or &#039;&#039;&#039;encyclopedia(s)&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Outline ==&lt;br /&gt;
When finding the main points you would like to make from your research, create an outline. An &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Outlines outline]&#039;&#039;&#039;: is comprised of hierarchal uniform information, from most important to least. An outline produces the points, in a type of order to create organization.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Creating the Unbiased Voice==&lt;br /&gt;
When contributing, make sure before presenting information on a wiki to carefully separate your opinion from the subject. &lt;br /&gt;
Wiki&#039;s are different to academic research papers, blogs and podcasts in the respect that a wiki is never finished. Get straight to the factual points you wish to make, and jot them down. &lt;br /&gt;
Make sense of the points as best you can from your resources, and take out any hint of awkward &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/index.php/What_is_“wordiness”%3F wordiness]&#039;&#039;&#039;. &lt;br /&gt;
What makes wikipedia credible is that the unbiased voice is crucial. Having an unbiased voice invites others to correct wiki-work and be able to contribute in the same fashion that you have.&lt;br /&gt;
Maintaining a wiki is a collaborative effort. &amp;quot;Publications on wikis in education range from descriptive efforts to characterize wiki learning activities and cultures, prescriptive efforts to establish guidelines for implementing wiki learning activities, and a few design reports that document technological innovations to support classroom use.&amp;quot;(Bruckman, Forte, 33)&lt;br /&gt;
An unbiased viewpoint promotes a reliable viewpoint that invites criticism, which is essential in contributing to a wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Use the Wiki Mark(ups)==&lt;br /&gt;
To not come off as a novice, be sure to use the appropriate format when delivering information. Simply&lt;br /&gt;
use the correct headlines, &#039;&#039;&#039;bold&#039;&#039;&#039; when necessary, and link to as many sources as possible to nail in your point more effectively.&lt;br /&gt;
It is always a good idea to have a wiki &#039;&#039;&#039;[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Cheatsheet cheatsheat]&#039;&#039;&#039;when necessary.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;However&#039;&#039;&#039;! It is absolutely necessary to understand how wiki mark(ups) are different from html or css. &lt;br /&gt;
This will benefit the likelihood of future posts to wiki.&lt;br /&gt;
Careful: When using appropriate mark(ups), be sure to make your wiki article navigable with enough contents to browse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Proofread==&lt;br /&gt;
Double-check what you have written, use a spell checker, and try reading your work back to yourself to see for clarification.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Cite your sources==&lt;br /&gt;
Learn how to cite your sources online.&lt;br /&gt;
Contributions are hardly worth reading if credit isn&#039;t given where it is due. All information comes from somewhere, inspired or leaked from a beginning source. &lt;br /&gt;
===Referencing===&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaWiki====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the page. If one doesn&#039;t exist, use &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;==References==&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt; to include one. See the source for this page as an example. &lt;br /&gt;
====Wikipedia====&lt;br /&gt;
Ensure there is a References section on the Wikipedia page.  If not, create one using the {{reflist}} tag.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Referencing_for_beginners&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
1. Matthew Barton, Robert Cummings. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. University of Michigan. Jan. 2009. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
2. Ward Cunningham, Bo Leuf. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;The Wiki Way: Quick Collaboration on the Web&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. Addison-Wesley Professional. April. 2001. Print.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
3. Andrea Forte and Amy Bruckman. &amp;quot;Constructing Text.&amp;quot; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Wiki as a Toolkit for (Collaborative?) Learning&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;. &amp;lt;http://www.andreaforte.net/ForteBruckmanConstructingText.pdf&amp;gt; n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
4. Judd, T., Kennedy, G. &amp;amp; Cropper, S. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Using wikis for collaborative learning: Assessing collaboration through contribution. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; &amp;lt;http://www.ascilite.org.au/ajet/ajet26/judd.html&amp;gt; Web. 9 Nov. 2013.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14122</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14122"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:19:20Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Video Editing */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|right|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14121</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14121"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:18:25Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Video Editing */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|right|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14120</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14120"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:15:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Preparing Video for Distribution */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|right|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14119</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14119"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:14:57Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Size */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|right|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14118</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14118"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:14:27Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Preparing Video for Distribution */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|left|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14117</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14117"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:13:46Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Preparing Video for Distribution */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|left|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14116</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14116"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:13:06Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Size */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|left|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14115</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14115"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:12:34Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Preparing Video for Distribution */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|left|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14114</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14114"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:12:09Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Preparing Video for Distribution */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png|right|thumb|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14113</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14113"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:10:51Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Avidstudio.jpg|right|thumb|Avid Studio promo showing NLE interface]]&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X].  Each of these, except for Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X, are known as &#039;non-linear editors&#039;, or NLEs. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
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&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Avidstudio.jpg&amp;diff=14112</id>
		<title>File:Avidstudio.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Avidstudio.jpg&amp;diff=14112"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T08:08:07Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: AVID Studio promo image showing Non-Linear Editor GUI&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;AVID Studio promo image showing Non-Linear Editor GUI&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14111</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14111"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T07:20:41Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Uses for Vodcasts */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
The uses for vodcasts are nearly as varied as the people who make them. Some are for entertainment, others are for education, news, instructions, and more. The list is extensive, but it boils down to one thing: communication through video, usually with an audio component. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14110</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14110"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T07:18:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Uses for Vodcasts */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Recorded Video====&lt;br /&gt;
This is the most common form of vodcasting. This is the style that is seen on sites such as YouTube and Vimeo, and is the output from many camcorders, cellphones, and tablets.  Videos may be vodcast without further editing as raw footage, or may undergo editing using software such as non-linear editors, or NLEs.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/comparing-video-editing-methods.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14109</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14109"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:56:43Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Recording */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14108</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14108"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:56:05Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast or vidcast, simply put, is a broadcast using video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Uses for Vodcasts==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14107</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14107"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:51:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Recording */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==What is a Vodcast or Vidcast?==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14106</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14106"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:50:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Recording */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Hardware===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14105</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14105"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:49:44Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Software */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14104</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14104"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:47:26Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Camcorders */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.aiptek.com.tw/c0_1.php?bid=2&amp;amp;cid=6&amp;amp;pid=19 AIPTEK PocketDV 8800] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14103</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14103"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:42:48Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Camcorders */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg|right|thumb|Camcorder]]&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-9 Kodak PlaySport] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg&amp;diff=14102</id>
		<title>File:Aiptek-camcorder 500X500.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Aiptek-camcorder_500X500.jpg&amp;diff=14102"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:42:11Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Aiptek Camcorder
Credit: Aiptek&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Aiptek Camcorder&lt;br /&gt;
Credit: Aiptek&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14101</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14101"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:35:42Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-9 Kodak PlaySport] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg|right|thumb|Webcam]]Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg&amp;diff=14100</id>
		<title>File:Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Logitech_Quickcam_Pro_4000.jpg&amp;diff=14100"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:33:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 webcam (without &amp;quot;privacy cover&amp;quot;)
Credit: Dave Pape http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Davepape&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 webcam (without &amp;quot;privacy cover&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
Credit: Dave Pape http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Davepape&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png&amp;diff=14099</id>
		<title>File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest store gallery.png</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png&amp;diff=14099"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:26:37Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Headset with microphone
Source: http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-kraken-pro
Credit: Razer&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;Headset with microphone&lt;br /&gt;
Source: http://www.razerzone.com/store/razer-kraken-pro&lt;br /&gt;
Credit: Razer&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14098</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14098"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:26:05Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
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==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
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==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
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==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
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===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-9 Kodak PlaySport] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest_store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
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Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
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Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
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=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
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Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
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==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
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The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
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====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
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====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
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Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
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=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
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=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
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=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
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=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
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=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
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==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14097</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14097"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:23:41Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Microphones */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-9 Kodak PlaySport] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:razer-kraken-pro-1-800x800-green-store-latest__store_gallery.png|left|thumb|Headset]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.  Other specifications that may matter are SPL, or Sound Pressure Level and THD, or Total Harmonic Distortion.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14096</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14096"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:16:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-9 Kodak PlaySport] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:SennMicrophone.jpg&amp;diff=14095</id>
		<title>File:SennMicrophone.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=File:SennMicrophone.jpg&amp;diff=14095"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:11:14Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: A Sennheiser Microphone - It is a unidirectional (cartoid) microphone
Credit: ChrisEngelsma http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SennMicrophone.jpg&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A Sennheiser Microphone - It is a unidirectional (cartoid) microphone&lt;br /&gt;
Credit: ChrisEngelsma http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SennMicrophone.jpg&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14094</id>
		<title>What is a vodcast?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=What_is_a_vodcast%3F&amp;diff=14094"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T06:04:08Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Microphones */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;A vodcast, simply put, is a podcast with video content or video files created with the intent of sharing and downloading the video file to other computers or mobile devices. As technology continues to improve and become cheaper, this media format increases in popularity and availability.  The legacy term &amp;quot;vidcast&amp;quot; has the same meaning. Vodcasts are useful for a variety of reasons, such as giving lectures, presentations or even essays.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Etymology==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcast is a portmanteau of Video iPod Broadcast, and extends from the portmanteau Podcast using the same roots. Vidcast, previously, was also a portmanteau of Video Broadcast.  However, the success of the podcast format lent itself to the video format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Vodcast Structure==&lt;br /&gt;
Just like other videos and films, the typical linear structure is as follows: &lt;br /&gt;
* Titles&lt;br /&gt;
* Intro&lt;br /&gt;
* Topic(s)&lt;br /&gt;
** Topic Supports&lt;br /&gt;
* Summary / Recap&lt;br /&gt;
* Conclusion&lt;br /&gt;
* Outro&lt;br /&gt;
* Credits / End Titles&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Recording==&lt;br /&gt;
A vodcast can be recorded in many different ways. Regardless of the method used, however, various types of equipment and software are typically needed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Equipment===&lt;br /&gt;
At the least, some method of video and audio capture is required to produce a vodcast. This could be done using a handheld video recorder or a webcam and microphone. The decision of which to use is important as they will both have different software options available to them.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Camcorders====&lt;br /&gt;
Camcorders are handheld electronic devices that specialize in recording video. As one of the more expensive pieces of equipment, the camcorders do provide some of the highest potential quality for video capture, as well as audio capture with internal microphones or attachments. Camcorders can be bought for a little under US$200 and up into the thousands of dollars. Camcorders often also require batteries, memory cards (or disks), as well as more optional pieces of equipment like tripods that can add additional costs. It should be noted that one of the advantages of a camcorder is their ease of use in many different environments where computers with webcams may be more cumbersome or impractical. Transfer of data between the camcorder and computer may be a bit more cumbersome than a webcam, but there are a few different ways to go about doing it: via firewire port and cable, through an analog video capture card, or by USB.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.arcsoft.com/topics/camcorder/connect-camcorder-to-computer.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in camcorders can find a range of devices like the [http://www.amazon.com/Sony-HDR-CX190-Definition-Handycam-Camcorder/dp/B006K551HQ/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-3 Sony HDR CX190] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySport-Waterproof-Pocket-Camera/dp/B004FLL5BI/ref=sr_1_9?s=photo&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384438248&amp;amp;sr=1-9 Kodak PlaySport] which vary in size, shape and features -- such as being waterproof.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcams====&lt;br /&gt;
Webcams are video capture devices that are used in conjunction with a computer (internally or externally).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/using-webcam&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; The cheapest video capture option of the two presented here, webcams can be purchased for under US$20. Many webcams offer high-definition recording (720p+) and have built-in microphones to record audio. These days many laptops will come with integrated webcams, allowing the owner to start vodcasting or doing video calls nearly immediately. While being very affordable, they do have the disadvantages of not being as versatile in their potential recording environments or not being quite as high quality as camcorders.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webcam-review.toptenreviews.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
======Examples======&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in using a webcam can find a wide variety of products in an equally wide range of prices, like the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000585-HD-Webcam-C310/dp/B003LVZO8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439418&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Webcam 310] or the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Widescreen-Calling-Recording/dp/B006JH8T3S/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384439796&amp;amp;sr=1-3&amp;amp;keywords=webcam Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920]. The feature list tends to be a bit smaller than that of camcorders, but video quality can differ greatly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Microphones====&lt;br /&gt;
While many webcams do have integrated microphones, you may wish to purchase a separate microphone in order to increase the quality of the audio being recorded. Microphones tend to come in two different form factors: headsets and stand alone. Microphones are grouped into how they pick up sound. The most common are unidirectional.  Unidirectional picks up sound from one or more small, focused areas whereas the uncommon omnidirectional picks up sound from nearly every direction.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/apr08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/may08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.performing-musician.com/pm/jun08/articles/technotes.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/91/SennMicrophone.jpg|left|thumb|Unidirectional microphone]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Microphone sensitivity, or gain, is measured in dB, or decibels.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.learningaboutelectronics.com/Articles/What-is-the-sensitivity-rating-of-a-microphone&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.dpamicrophones.com/en/Mic-University/Technology-Guide/How-to-read-microphone-specifications.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Headsets=====&lt;br /&gt;
This type of microphone is usually attached to a pair of headphones and worn on the users head, allowing the microphone to be fixed a short distance from the speaker&#039;s mouth. The price of headsets varies greatly, though they are often very affordable. The audio quality, like the price, also varies greatly with the more expensive headsets providing clearer audio. Also of note are the two types of connectors used by headsets to connect to computers: USB and 3.5mm. There is typically not much difference between these two, unless a separate sound card is being used. However, the USB versions do require drivers which may not be available for the operating system on which it is used.  The mini-jack 3.5mm will work on every operating system as well as most tablets and smartphones with a line-in or microphone port.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those looking for headsets will likely spend a decent bit of time sorting through the options available. A headset like the [http://www.amazon.com/Plantronics-Audio-478-Stereo-Headset/dp/B005VAORH6/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443137&amp;amp;sr=1-4&amp;amp;keywords=headset Plantronics Audio 478] is on the cheaper end and uses a USB connection, while the [http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G230-Stereo-Gaming-Headset/dp/B00BFOEY4I/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443583&amp;amp;sr=1-5&amp;amp;keywords=headset Logitech G230] uses 3.5mm and is a bit more expensive. Different headsets also include different features, like in-line sound controls, noise cancelling, and folding or removable mics, among others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Stand Alone Microphones=====&lt;br /&gt;
These microphones are, as the heading implies, by themselves and tend to focus on having higher audio quality. These are the microphones that people who tend to do a lot of podcasting, vodcasting, or other recording-based activity will favor. While there is  a wide range of prices and qualities available, they do tend to be a bit higher in both than headsets, though lacking the built-in speakers and wear-ability of the headsets. Microphones also have various means of connecting to a computer or other audio equipment, but, for the purposes of general vodcasting, a USB connection will most likely be used. One feature to look out for when purchasing a microphone is a cardioid polar pattern which, basically, just means that the microphone picks up noise coming from the front and not from the sides or back (or not as much).&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mediacollege.com/audio/microphones/directional-characteristics.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; This helps create a cleaner audio sample, especially if the recording environment is a bit noisy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Those interested in a stand alone microphone will find a variety of shapes and sizes, qualities and prices to choose from. For a more traditional and affordable approach, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR2100-USB-Cardioid-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B004QJOZS4/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443863&amp;amp;sr=1-1&amp;amp;keywords=atr-2100 Audio-Technica ATR2100] that uses USB or XLR connections.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/wired_mics/b8dd84773f83092c/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; And for something a bit different, and a bit more expensive, there is the [http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Microphones-Snowball-Microphone-Aluminum/dp/B002OO333Q/ref=sr_1_24?s=electronics&amp;amp;ie=UTF8&amp;amp;qid=1384443826&amp;amp;sr=1-24&amp;amp;keywords=microphone Blue Microphones Snowball] that is also USB based.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://bluemic.com/snowball/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of the example microphones do come with their own stands and USB cables, though it is important to note that this may not always be the case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Collaborative Video==&lt;br /&gt;
Vodcasting does not have to be a solo experience. Using such services as [http://www.skype.com/en/ Skype] or [https://plus.google.com/ Google+ Hangouts]&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; a group can create a vodcast together remotely, over the internet. In the case of Google+ Hangouts&#039;, the Hangout can be recorded automatically without the need for further editing or software. Skype, on the other hand, does require a separate program like [http://www.evaer.com/ Evaer] to record the video and audio of the Skype call, which can then be edited in a different program.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.evaer.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Google+ Hangouts====&lt;br /&gt;
The video chat service from Google, Google+ Hangouts, offers a unique suite of features and apps that help facilitate and enhance the vodcast experience, especially when in a group. The service allows the operator of the Hangout to select individual video feeds, livestream the Hangout via Hangouts On Air, open a Q&amp;amp;A that allows watchers to submit questions that the operator can choose to have the group answer or not, and immediate upload of the Hangout to YouTube after the broadcast has ended.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/onair.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Hangouts also offer features to the individual users of the Hangout, like the Lower Third bar that acts as a nameplate to help easily identify the participants.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/index.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Software==&lt;br /&gt;
Software is needed for the capturing, editing, transcoding or converting, and playback of the video and audio.  The five primary operating systems, Windows; OSX; Linux; Android; and iOS, each have a number of open-source and proprietary softwares for each of these operations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The capture, or recording, software determines the initial format of the video. Using a webcam often has its own software to save the video in a predetermined format and size to the local harddrive, and usually has the ability to upload the video to a service provider such as YouTube or create a stand-alone video for uploading to a web server or even on physical media such as DVD or CD.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Webcam Recording Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Most webcams come with their own software on CDs that is installed alongside the drivers. But there are other options available. For Windows users there is [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview Windows Movie Maker] that allows the capture of webcam footage and some general editing -- all for free. Windows users can also use [http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/ Debut Video Capture Software] from NCH Software for free, provided the video is used non-commercially. Lastly, Mac users can capture webcam footage using [http://www.apple.com/quicktime/ Apple&#039;s QuickTime Player].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.nchsoftware.com/capture/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.apple.com/quicktime/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Screencast / Desktop Recording====&lt;br /&gt;
=====CamStudio=====&lt;br /&gt;
CamStudio is an open-source software for recording a desktop screencast.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://camstudio.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Resulting videos are saved in AVI format, and CamStudio offers export to a stand-alone SWF Flash file.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Game Capture====&lt;br /&gt;
A popular form of vodcast these days involves the capture of video game footage with the player&#039;s audio. There are two main pieces of software that specialize in this form of capture: [http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html Dxtory] and [http://www.fraps.com/ Fraps].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://exkode.com/dxtory-features-en.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.fraps.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Both of these programs capture footage in a lossless format and at varying frame rates. It is recommended that a separate hard disk be used in conjunction with the software, as the recording can be very resource intensive and the file outputs are typically quite large.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Streaming====&lt;br /&gt;
A form of vodcasting that is gaining in popularity. Streaming is done live, as opposed to being recorded, and works much like live television programs. Users stream their video to certain web-based video platforms, like [http://www.justin.tv/ Justin.tv] or [http://www.twitch.tv/ Twitch] where viewers can watch it live and interact with the streamer via text-based comments.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.justin.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.twitch.tv/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; Two popular pieces of software that are designed for streaming are [http://obsproject.com/index Open Broadcaster Software] and [https://www.xsplit.com/ XSplit]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Video Editing====&lt;br /&gt;
With the exception of the Google+ Hangouts, most video will require some editing before it can be published. To aid in this endeavor are a variety of programs that can fully edit a video, like [http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiope Sony&#039;s Movie Studio], [http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere-elements.html Adobe Premier Elements], or [http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/ Apple&#039;s Final Cut Pro X]. If you feel your video does not need the full editing treatment and you just wish to compress it down for uploading, there are free programs around to help with that, like [http://handbrake.fr/ Handbrake] that can convert and compress a video so it will be accepted by the various internet video publishing platforms, like YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Codecs====&lt;br /&gt;
Codec is a portmanteau word created from encode-decode. A codec encodes and decodes data to a particular type or format.  In multimedia, codecs are responsible for software being able to create, play, and transcode video and audio.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/codecs-frequently-asked-questions#codecs-frequently-asked-questions=windows-7&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
There are numerous codecs available. For example, the screen recording software CamStudio offers an open-source lossless codec.  Each of the formats listed on this page have corresponding codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Transcoding / Converter Software====&lt;br /&gt;
Transcoding, or Converting, is taking a file of one format and creating a duplicate file in another format.  The terms are, for all practical purposes, interchangeable.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Many converters, including some famous and infamous commercial software, are front-ends for FFMPEG.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FFMPEG=====&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is a multi-functional tool.  It is used for capturing, recording, processing, transcoding and converting, and editing, and is the backbone to dozens of multimedia applications, from recording, to transcoding, to editing.  The software in which FFMPEG is found ranges from free to hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/projects.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
FFMPEG is open-source and can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.ffmpeg.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Handbrake=====&lt;br /&gt;
HandBrake is a free, open-source project and software that transcodes / converts video files from one format to another. It is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://handbrake.fr/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Miro Video Converter=====&lt;br /&gt;
Miro Video Converter is a free, open-source video converter software available for Windows and Mac operating systems. It is known as a &#039;front-end&#039; for FFMPEG.  In other words, it is a graphical user interface designed to create commands which are given to FFMPEG which does the actual conversion work.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mirovideoconverter.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264 Software=====&lt;br /&gt;
x264 codec and software for H.264&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videolan.org/developers/x264.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Formats==&lt;br /&gt;
Different platforms handle various formats differently through the use of codecs. Most players handle most types of formats; a few handle all known formats or can import codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Samples=====&lt;br /&gt;
Techslides.com has a small set of [http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/ sample videos in some of the different formats].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://techslides.com/sample-webm-ogg-and-mp4-video-files-for-html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Open Source===&lt;br /&gt;
The following softwares and libraries are open-source, and most are free.&lt;br /&gt;
=====OGV=====&lt;br /&gt;
OGV is the open-source Ogg video container format maintained by the XIPH.ORG group.  It features a high-quality playback with a small file size.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://wiki.xiph.org/MIME_Types_and_File_Extensions&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Theora=====&lt;br /&gt;
An open-source video compression format created by the Xiph.Org Foundation.  It can handle nearly any size video, from very small to High Definition.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.theora.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====WebM / MKV / MKV3D=====&lt;br /&gt;
Matroska forms the basis for the High Definition open-source formats of MKV, MKV3D, and the HTML5 standard format WebM.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.matroska.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webmproject.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/#media_formats&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Proprietary===&lt;br /&gt;
=====3GP / 3G2=====&lt;br /&gt;
The primary format of cellphone videos. They often are low quality, low resolution, and low frame-rate.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.3gpp.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====AVI=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio Video Interleave: A multimedia container created by Microsoft for use with their Video for Windows software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dd318187%28v=vs.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  This is considered a &amp;quot;raw&amp;quot; format, and provides the largest file size. This is NOT suitable for network-based video. It IS suitable as an archive format and editing format.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
A competitive codec to MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.divx.com/‎&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
NOTE: Not to be confused with the DIVX disc player system, from which it originally got its name.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIVX&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====FLV / SWF / Flash=====&lt;br /&gt;
The well-known Flash video formats. The FLV is the actual video file, while the SWF is a player &#039;wrapped&#039; around, or &#039;containing&#039; a FLV video.  Adobe, the current owner of the Flash platform, has acknowledged that Flash is deprecated and will be superseded by HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://blogs.adobe.com/conversations/2011/11/flash-focus.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.mikechambers.com/blog/2011/11/11/clarifications-on-flash-player-for-mobile-browsers-the-flash-platform-and-the-future-of-flash/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====H.264=====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. It is the current MPEG standard for High Definition video. See MP4.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MOV=====&lt;br /&gt;
MOV files are the default format of the Apple QuickTime software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://whatis.techtarget.com/fileformat/MOV-Movie-QuickTime-for-Microsoft-Windows&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  MOV files may be encoded with either H.264 or MPEG-4 codecs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP2=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-2 is the video format most commonly associated with DVDs, and has been superseded by MPEG-4.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg-2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MPEG-1 Audio Layer / MPEG-2 Audio Layer / MPEG-3 Audio Layer=====&lt;br /&gt;
Audio compression formats.  Of the three, the MP3 is the most common and well-known.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mp2&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG stands for Moving Picture Experts Group and is the group responsible for setting motion picture industry standards.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====MP4/DivX=====&lt;br /&gt;
MPEG-4 is the most recent MPEG video standard, encompassing newer HD standards.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/divx_new&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MP4 AVC====&lt;br /&gt;
Also known as H.264. This is the most common format used for  High Definition video.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.afterdawn.com/glossary/term.cfm/mpeg_4_part_10&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WMV====&lt;br /&gt;
WMV is a Windows Media: Video format from Microsoft, and is the primary file format for Windows Media Player. Somewhat widely, but not universally, supported. Not recommended for use for large audiences with unknown platforms.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff819508%28v=VS.85%29.aspx&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Preparing Video for Distribution==&lt;br /&gt;
===Size===&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:500px-Dr._Kerns_Powers%2C_SMPTE_derivation_of_16-9_aspect_ratio.svg.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio.svg|Dr. Kerns Powers, SMPTE derivation of 16-9 aspect ratio]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Aspect Ratio is an important criterion to consider.  There are two primary ratios, 4:3 and 16:9.  The current standard is 16:9, or &#039;widescreen&#039;.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://documentation.apple.com/en/dvdstudiopro/usermanual/chapter_4_section_4.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  There are other less-used ratios, primarily used in film.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.red.com/learn/red-101/video-aspect-ratios&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The larger the video, the more bandwidth (internet speed) needed for downloading and streaming the video, and the longer it takes to upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
====HD / Widescreen====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 16:9=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Modern Television&lt;br /&gt;
The current standard for television and High Definition video created by consumer-grade cameras and software.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.projectorcentral.com/build_home_theater_screen_aspect_ratio.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://pacoup.com/2011/06/12/list-of-true-169-resolutions/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 384x216&lt;br /&gt;
* 512x288&lt;br /&gt;
* 640x360&lt;br /&gt;
* 768x432&lt;br /&gt;
* 1024x576&lt;br /&gt;
* 1280x720&lt;br /&gt;
* 1920x1080&lt;br /&gt;
* 2560x1440&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Standard Definition====&lt;br /&gt;
=====Aspect Ratio 4:3=====&lt;br /&gt;
* Legacy Television&lt;br /&gt;
This is the size, or ratio, of 20th century televisions.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://filmmakeriq.com/lessons/the-changing-shape-of-cinema-the-history-of-aspect-ratio/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  The aspect ratio of 4:3 is slightly rectangular but much more box-shaped than widescreen formats.  Many older camcorders and webcams output to the 4:3 ratio.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Popular sizes:&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://jufa.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/good-standard-43-and-169-video-sizes-for-flv-compression/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* 320×240&lt;br /&gt;
* 480×320&lt;br /&gt;
* 512×384&lt;br /&gt;
* 640×480&lt;br /&gt;
* 720×480&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Publishing==&lt;br /&gt;
There are many ways to publish a vodcast, including services such as YouTube and Vimeo. Other options include using your own web hosting and video player such as JWPlayer.&lt;br /&gt;
===Internet===&lt;br /&gt;
One of the first steps in publishing a video is getting it onto the internet. If running a server and doing self-hosting is not your thing, there are several different websites that will host your videos for free, or by having advertising run alongside them. Two popular examples of this type of website are YouTube and Vimeo.&lt;br /&gt;
====YouTube====&lt;br /&gt;
Perhaps one of the best known video-sharing websites, [http://www.youtube.com/ YouTube] is currently owned by Google and allows users to upload their videos to the site for free. Users that verify their accounts or are eligible for YouTube Partnerships&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;https://www.youtube.com/yt/creators/creator-benefits.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; can gain access to additional features, such as custom thumbnails.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.youtube.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Vimeo====&lt;br /&gt;
[https://vimeo.com/ Vimeo] is another popular video-sharing service, with a bit more focus towards filmmakers. One of the primary differences between Vimeo and YouTube is that Vimeo has a more stringent list of unacceptable content. Vimeo also offers a paid-for service called Vimeo Plus&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/plus&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that enables the user to have more control over their videos and allows more HD uploads. And, for the serious, professional filmmakers, there is Vimeo PRO&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://vimeo.com/pro&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; that adds even more features and a yearly cost of US$200.&lt;br /&gt;
===Self Publishing===&lt;br /&gt;
====FlowPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
FlowPlayer is a free, customizable, feature-rich player with support for HTML5 or Flash, depending on version.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; FlowPlayer also offers brandable player licenses for a fee.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://flowplayer.org/download/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====HTML5====&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 includes standards for audio&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/audio&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; and video&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.w3.org/wiki/HTML/Elements/video&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; support, as well as in-browser video conferencing - strikingly similar to Skype - called [http://www.webrtc.org/ WebRTC].&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.webrtc.org/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
HTML5 is poised to replace Flash as the standard, literally, for audio and video presentation.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.zdnet.com/blog/networking/flash-is-dead-long-live-html5/1633&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; 85% of all browsers and devices currently in use already support HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/html5/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=====Video Player Comparison Table=====&lt;br /&gt;
The folks at [http://praegnanz.de/ praegnanz.de] made a great [http://praegnanz.de/html5video/ HTML5 video player comparison table] which includes demonstrations of each listed player.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://praegnanz.de/html5video/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====JWPlayer====&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer was one of the first, and currently one of the most popular, video players designed for use in private websites.  It is among the first to adopt the HTML5 standard.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.longtailvideo.com/support/jw-player/28832/about-jw-player&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
JWPlayer is no longer free for commercial use, nor does it have a straight licensing fee.  Now it is a &#039;rental&#039; on a yearly basis.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.jwplayer.com/pricing/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====MediaElement.js====&lt;br /&gt;
MediaElement.js is a free player with support for H.264/MP4 AVC, WebM, FLV, MP3, WMV, and YouTube.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://mediaelementjs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt; It also is the core support for audio and video in WordPress.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====VIDEO.JS====&lt;br /&gt;
VIDEO.JS is a free, open-source, skinnable, and customizable player that supports HTML5.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.videojs.com/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====WordPress====&lt;br /&gt;
Starting with version 3.6 WordPress offers built-in audio and video support using MediaElement.js.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://make.wordpress.org/core/2013/04/08/audio-video-support-in-core/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
==Links==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Composition FAQ]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category : Composition]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14090</id>
		<title>How and when do I use images?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14090"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T05:16:52Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Good design and what it looks like was supposed to be a subheading under &amp;quot;When to use images&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==How to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
Using images is a critical part of digital media.  Despite their importance, they remain elusive to use for many. How varies between platforms; HTML and WordPress are among the most common so you&#039;ll find below how to use images for each. Click on the images for graphical examples of some steps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===HTML===&lt;br /&gt;
HTML uses the &amp;lt;img&amp;gt; tag for marking up a document to include an image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://dev.w3.org/html5/markup/img.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Images are included through the use of the image&#039;s URL.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Usage Examples&#039;&#039;&#039;:&lt;br /&gt;
*Minimal Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*Typical Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”(# [pixels] or #%)” height=”(# [pixels] or #%)” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”348” height=”50%” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ALT means &#039;&#039;alternative text&#039;&#039;.  If an image becomes unavailable, the text tells the viewer what the image would have been.  For vision impaired users, the alt text is used by the screen reader software to describe the image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webdesign.about.com/od/beginningtutorials/a/aa122004.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: It is not recommended to use the width and height attributes.  If the image is smaller than the coded dimensions, the image will be enlarged, possibly deformed.  If the image is significantly larger then the full-sized image will be downloaded.  A common mistake is to take a very large image and use the width and height attributes to make it appear smaller.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://sixrevisions.com/web-development/decrease-webpage-load-times/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===WordPress===&lt;br /&gt;
Images can be added through uploading or inserted from a URL, or directly added by manually adding an image via HTML inside the source editor text box.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Images&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Inserting_Images_into_Posts_and_Pages&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Uploading====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Multiple File Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Multiple Files&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
To upload several files at once.&lt;br /&gt;
*On the left side of the control panel, click Media.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Under Media click Add New.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Drag &amp;amp; Drop one or more images from your computer to inside the dashed box, or click the “Select Files” button in the center of the dashed box.  &#039;&#039;&#039;Note&#039;&#039;&#039;: “Maximum upload file size” below the dashed box.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-new-media.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Browser Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Browser Uploader&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
If the multi-file uploader is unavailable or isn&#039;t working: &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Note the “Maximum upload file size”.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the browser uploader link under the dashed box. &lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Browse... button&lt;br /&gt;
*Select your file from your computer&lt;br /&gt;
*Click Upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Insert_from_URL_-_WordPress.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Insert from URL]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
You may add images while you are creating a new post using the preceding methods or you may &#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the “Add Media” button above the left top of the text box.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Insert from URL link on the left.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Type or paste the image&#039;s URL into the top box.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Enter a caption under the image and enter the &amp;quot;Alt. Text&amp;quot;.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Choose your alignment&lt;br /&gt;
*Choose what happens when the image is clicked: Go to the original image, go to a custom URL (paste the custom URL into the box), or nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lastly, click the “Insert into Post” button at bottom right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Good design and what it looks like===&lt;br /&gt;
It is important to deliberately choose images that help to emphasize your writing. Choosing between photographs, illustrations, horizontal images and vertical images are all very important decisions. More important, however, is what the subject and tone of your image is.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Image Orientation&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
There are two main orientations of photos, horizontally aligned and vertically aligned, and there is a time and place for each type.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Horizontal images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_2.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is wider than it is tall&lt;br /&gt;
*The photo has horizontal movement (this will &amp;quot;amplify the sense of movement&amp;quot; and causes the viewer to scan left to right)&lt;br /&gt;
*To convey a sense of space (the image will seem larger because human vision is horizontally oriented)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Vertical Images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_3.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is taller than it is wide&lt;br /&gt;
*To drive a viewer&#039;s eyes up and down or when there is vertical movement.&lt;br /&gt;
*To focus attention and make a greater impact (since the viewer is not distracted by peripheral items, the feeling is more compact)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Illustrations vs Photographs&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Illustrations and photographs have two very different feels. It is important to consider your subject matter when deciding on the type of picture you are going to use.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Illustrations are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to create a sense of imagination&lt;br /&gt;
*trying to &amp;quot;shake-up&amp;quot; a viewer (since illustrations are a deviation from the norm)&lt;br /&gt;
*conveying a concept or abstract idea&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Photographs are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to depict something literally&lt;br /&gt;
*selling a product&lt;br /&gt;
*creating a sense of reality or professionalism&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Tone and subjects of images&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Images can cause intense emotions very easily. It is important that you use images that emphasize the tone of your message. E.g., when writing about a happy occasion don&#039;t have sad people in your photographs or use &amp;quot;dark purple&amp;quot; tinted images&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Think long and carefully before you make a decision or have someone give you their impressions of a photo before using it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14088</id>
		<title>How and when do I use images?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14088"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T05:15:30Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: Undo revision 14087 by Litwiki (talk)&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==How to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
Using images is a critical part of digital media.  Despite their importance, they remain elusive to use for many. How varies between platforms; HTML and WordPress are among the most common so you&#039;ll find below how to use images for each. Click on the images for graphical examples of some steps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===HTML===&lt;br /&gt;
HTML uses the &amp;lt;img&amp;gt; tag for marking up a document to include an image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://dev.w3.org/html5/markup/img.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Images are included through the use of the image&#039;s URL.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Usage Examples&#039;&#039;&#039;:&lt;br /&gt;
*Minimal Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*Typical Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”(# [pixels] or #%)” height=”(# [pixels] or #%)” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”348” height=”50%” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ALT means &#039;&#039;alternative text&#039;&#039;.  If an image becomes unavailable, the text tells the viewer what the image would have been.  For vision impaired users, the alt text is used by the screen reader software to describe the image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webdesign.about.com/od/beginningtutorials/a/aa122004.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: It is not recommended to use the width and height attributes.  If the image is smaller than the coded dimensions, the image will be enlarged, possibly deformed.  If the image is significantly larger then the full-sized image will be downloaded.  A common mistake is to take a very large image and use the width and height attributes to make it appear smaller.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://sixrevisions.com/web-development/decrease-webpage-load-times/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===WordPress===&lt;br /&gt;
Images can be added through uploading or inserted from a URL, or directly added by manually adding an image via HTML inside the source editor text box.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Images&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Inserting_Images_into_Posts_and_Pages&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Uploading====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Multiple File Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Multiple Files&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
To upload several files at once.&lt;br /&gt;
*On the left side of the control panel, click Media.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Under Media click Add New.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Drag &amp;amp; Drop one or more images from your computer to inside the dashed box, or click the “Select Files” button in the center of the dashed box.  &#039;&#039;&#039;Note&#039;&#039;&#039;: “Maximum upload file size” below the dashed box.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-new-media.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Browser Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Browser Uploader&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
If the multi-file uploader is unavailable or isn&#039;t working: &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Note the “Maximum upload file size”.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the browser uploader link under the dashed box. &lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Browse... button&lt;br /&gt;
*Select your file from your computer&lt;br /&gt;
*Click Upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Insert_from_URL_-_WordPress.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Insert from URL]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
You may add images while you are creating a new post using the preceding methods or you may &#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the “Add Media” button above the left top of the text box.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Insert from URL link on the left.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Type or paste the image&#039;s URL into the top box.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Enter a caption under the image and enter the &amp;quot;Alt. Text&amp;quot;.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Choose your alignment&lt;br /&gt;
*Choose what happens when the image is clicked: Go to the original image, go to a custom URL (paste the custom URL into the box), or nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lastly, click the “Insert into Post” button at bottom right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Good design and what it looks like==&lt;br /&gt;
It is important to deliberately choose images that help to emphasize your writing. Choosing between photographs, illustrations, horizontal images and vertical images are all very important decisions. More important, however, is what the subject and tone of your image is.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Image Orientation&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
There are two main orientations of photos, horizontally aligned and vertically aligned, and there is a time and place for each type.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Horizontal images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_2.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is wider than it is tall&lt;br /&gt;
*The photo has horizontal movement (this will &amp;quot;amplify the sense of movement&amp;quot; and causes the viewer to scan left to right)&lt;br /&gt;
*To convey a sense of space (the image will seem larger because human vision is horizontally oriented)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Vertical Images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_3.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is taller than it is wide&lt;br /&gt;
*To drive a viewer&#039;s eyes up and down or when there is vertical movement.&lt;br /&gt;
*To focus attention and make a greater impact (since the viewer is not distracted by peripheral items, the feeling is more compact)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Illustrations vs Photographs&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Illustrations and photographs have two very different feels. It is important to consider your subject matter when deciding on the type of picture you are going to use.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Illustrations are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to create a sense of imagination&lt;br /&gt;
*trying to &amp;quot;shake-up&amp;quot; a viewer (since illustrations are a deviation from the norm)&lt;br /&gt;
*conveying a concept or abstract idea&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Photographs are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to depict something literally&lt;br /&gt;
*selling a product&lt;br /&gt;
*creating a sense of reality or professionalism&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Tone and subjects of images&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Images can cause intense emotions very easily. It is important that you use images that emphasize the tone of your message. E.g., when writing about a happy occasion don&#039;t have sad people in your photographs or use &amp;quot;dark purple&amp;quot; tinted images&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Think long and carefully before you make a decision or have someone give you their impressions of a photo before using it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14087</id>
		<title>How and when do I use images?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14087"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T05:13:57Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* When to use images */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==How to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
Using images is a critical part of digital media.  Despite their importance, they remain elusive to use for many. How varies between platforms; HTML and WordPress are among the most common so you&#039;ll find below how to use images for each. Click on the images for graphical examples of some steps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===HTML===&lt;br /&gt;
HTML uses the &amp;lt;img&amp;gt; tag for marking up a document to include an image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://dev.w3.org/html5/markup/img.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Images are included through the use of the image&#039;s URL.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Usage Examples&#039;&#039;&#039;:&lt;br /&gt;
*Minimal Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*Typical Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”(# [pixels] or #%)” height=”(# [pixels] or #%)” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”348” height=”50%” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ALT means &#039;&#039;alternative text&#039;&#039;.  If an image becomes unavailable, the text tells the viewer what the image would have been.  For vision impaired users, the alt text is used by the screen reader software to describe the image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webdesign.about.com/od/beginningtutorials/a/aa122004.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: It is not recommended to use the width and height attributes.  If the image is smaller than the coded dimensions, the image will be enlarged, possibly deformed.  If the image is significantly larger then the full-sized image will be downloaded.  A common mistake is to take a very large image and use the width and height attributes to make it appear smaller.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://sixrevisions.com/web-development/decrease-webpage-load-times/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===WordPress===&lt;br /&gt;
Images can be added through uploading or inserted from a URL, or directly added by manually adding an image via HTML inside the source editor text box.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Images&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Inserting_Images_into_Posts_and_Pages&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Uploading====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Multiple File Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Multiple Files&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
To upload several files at once.&lt;br /&gt;
*On the left side of the control panel, click Media.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Under Media click Add New.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Drag &amp;amp; Drop one or more images from your computer to inside the dashed box, or click the “Select Files” button in the center of the dashed box.  &#039;&#039;&#039;Note&#039;&#039;&#039;: “Maximum upload file size” below the dashed box.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-new-media.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Browser Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Browser Uploader&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
If the multi-file uploader is unavailable or isn&#039;t working: &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Note the “Maximum upload file size”.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the browser uploader link under the dashed box. &lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Browse... button&lt;br /&gt;
*Select your file from your computer&lt;br /&gt;
*Click Upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Insert_from_URL_-_WordPress.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Insert from URL]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
You may add images while you are creating a new post using the preceding methods or you may &#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the “Add Media” button above the left top of the text box.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Insert from URL link on the left.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Type or paste the image&#039;s URL into the top box.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Enter a caption under the image and enter the &amp;quot;Alt. Text&amp;quot;.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Choose your alignment&lt;br /&gt;
*Choose what happens when the image is clicked: Go to the original image, go to a custom URL (paste the custom URL into the box), or nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lastly, click the “Insert into Post” button at bottom right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;A picture is worth a thousand words&#039;&#039; is an appropriate cliche when it comes to most situations and images.  Images should be used when it enhances information about the topic or item it accompanies.  They add visual interest and set tones or moods for the page and other places they appear. Images can clarify and validate procedures and conditions&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===When NOT to use images===&lt;br /&gt;
Not every instance or place is appropriate for images, however.  Images should be avoided if they do not add something of value to the user.  Images should not be used as filler, or in lieu of important information.  Images affect size and format of the information being viewed, and can cover information that shouldn&#039;t be covered. This is especially true as more information is viewed on non-standard and small screens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Good design and what it looks like==&lt;br /&gt;
It is important to deliberately choose images that help to emphasize your writing. Choosing between photographs, illustrations, horizontal images and vertical images are all very important decisions. More important, however, is what the subject and tone of your image is.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Image Orientation&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
There are two main orientations of photos, horizontally aligned and vertically aligned, and there is a time and place for each type.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Horizontal images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_2.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is wider than it is tall&lt;br /&gt;
*The photo has horizontal movement (this will &amp;quot;amplify the sense of movement&amp;quot; and causes the viewer to scan left to right)&lt;br /&gt;
*To convey a sense of space (the image will seem larger because human vision is horizontally oriented)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Vertical Images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_3.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is taller than it is wide&lt;br /&gt;
*To drive a viewer&#039;s eyes up and down or when there is vertical movement.&lt;br /&gt;
*To focus attention and make a greater impact (since the viewer is not distracted by peripheral items, the feeling is more compact)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Illustrations vs Photographs&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Illustrations and photographs have two very different feels. It is important to consider your subject matter when deciding on the type of picture you are going to use.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Illustrations are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to create a sense of imagination&lt;br /&gt;
*trying to &amp;quot;shake-up&amp;quot; a viewer (since illustrations are a deviation from the norm)&lt;br /&gt;
*conveying a concept or abstract idea&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Photographs are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to depict something literally&lt;br /&gt;
*selling a product&lt;br /&gt;
*creating a sense of reality or professionalism&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Tone and subjects of images&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Images can cause intense emotions very easily. It is important that you use images that emphasize the tone of your message. E.g., when writing about a happy occasion don&#039;t have sad people in your photographs or use &amp;quot;dark purple&amp;quot; tinted images&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Think long and carefully before you make a decision or have someone give you their impressions of a photo before using it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14086</id>
		<title>How and when do I use images?</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://litwiki.org/index.php?title=How_and_when_do_I_use_images%3F&amp;diff=14086"/>
		<updated>2013-11-22T04:57:51Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;Litwiki: /* Uploading */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;==How to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
Using images is a critical part of digital media.  Despite their importance, they remain elusive to use for many. How varies between platforms; HTML and WordPress are among the most common so you&#039;ll find below how to use images for each. Click on the images for graphical examples of some steps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===HTML===&lt;br /&gt;
HTML uses the &amp;lt;img&amp;gt; tag for marking up a document to include an image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://dev.w3.org/html5/markup/img.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;  Images are included through the use of the image&#039;s URL.&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Usage Examples&#039;&#039;&#039;:&lt;br /&gt;
*Minimal Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*Typical Use Structure: &amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”(# [pixels] or #%)” height=”(# [pixels] or #%)” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*&amp;lt;code&amp;gt;&amp;lt;img src=”http://litmuse.mga.edu/litwiki/images/0/0f/Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png” alt=”Dialog showing multiple file upload option.” align=”middle” width=”348” height=”50%” /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/code&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
ALT means &#039;&#039;alternative text&#039;&#039;.  If an image becomes unavailable, the text tells the viewer what the image would have been.  For vision impaired users, the alt text is used by the screen reader software to describe the image.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://webdesign.about.com/od/beginningtutorials/a/aa122004.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Note: It is not recommended to use the width and height attributes.  If the image is smaller than the coded dimensions, the image will be enlarged, possibly deformed.  If the image is significantly larger then the full-sized image will be downloaded.  A common mistake is to take a very large image and use the width and height attributes to make it appear smaller.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://sixrevisions.com/web-development/decrease-webpage-load-times/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===WordPress===&lt;br /&gt;
Images can be added through uploading or inserted from a URL, or directly added by manually adding an image via HTML inside the source editor text box.&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Images&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://codex.wordpress.org/Inserting_Images_into_Posts_and_Pages&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
====Uploading====&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-multiple-files.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Multiple File Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Multiple Files&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
To upload several files at once.&lt;br /&gt;
*On the left side of the control panel, click Media.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Under Media click Add New.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Drag &amp;amp; Drop one or more images from your computer to inside the dashed box, or click the “Select Files” button in the center of the dashed box.  &#039;&#039;&#039;Note&#039;&#039;&#039;: “Maximum upload file size” below the dashed box.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Wordpress-3.7.1-upload-new-media.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Browser Uploader]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Browser Uploader&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
If the multi-file uploader is unavailable or isn&#039;t working: &lt;br /&gt;
*&#039;&#039;&#039;Note the “Maximum upload file size”.&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the browser uploader link under the dashed box. &lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Browse... button&lt;br /&gt;
*Select your file from your computer&lt;br /&gt;
*Click Upload.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Insert_from_URL_-_WordPress.png|left|thumb|WordPress - Insert from URL]]&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
You may add images while you are creating a new post using the preceding methods or you may &#039;&#039;&#039;Insert from URL&#039;&#039;&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the “Add Media” button above the left top of the text box.&lt;br /&gt;
*Click the Insert from URL link on the left.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Type or paste the image&#039;s URL into the top box.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Enter a caption under the image and enter the &amp;quot;Alt. Text&amp;quot;.  &lt;br /&gt;
*Choose your alignment&lt;br /&gt;
*Choose what happens when the image is clicked: Go to the original image, go to a custom URL (paste the custom URL into the box), or nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
*Lastly, click the “Insert into Post” button at bottom right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==When to use images==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Good design and what it looks like==&lt;br /&gt;
It is important to deliberately choose images that help to emphasize your writing. Choosing between photographs, illustrations, horizontal images and vertical images are all very important decisions. More important, however, is what the subject and tone of your image is.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Image Orientation&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
There are two main orientations of photos, horizontally aligned and vertically aligned, and there is a time and place for each type.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Horizontal images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_2.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is wider than it is tall&lt;br /&gt;
*The photo has horizontal movement (this will &amp;quot;amplify the sense of movement&amp;quot; and causes the viewer to scan left to right)&lt;br /&gt;
*To convey a sense of space (the image will seem larger because human vision is horizontally oriented)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Vertical Images are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://photography.about.com/od/takingpictures/ss/picorientation_3.htm&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*The subject is taller than it is wide&lt;br /&gt;
*To drive a viewer&#039;s eyes up and down or when there is vertical movement.&lt;br /&gt;
*To focus attention and make a greater impact (since the viewer is not distracted by peripheral items, the feeling is more compact)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Illustrations vs Photographs&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Illustrations and photographs have two very different feels. It is important to consider your subject matter when deciding on the type of picture you are going to use.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Illustrations are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to create a sense of imagination&lt;br /&gt;
*trying to &amp;quot;shake-up&amp;quot; a viewer (since illustrations are a deviation from the norm)&lt;br /&gt;
*conveying a concept or abstract idea&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h6&amp;gt;Photographs are best when&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.bigstockphoto.com/blog/photos-vs-illustrations-when-to-use-which-format/&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;:&amp;lt;/h6&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
*you want to depict something literally&lt;br /&gt;
*selling a product&lt;br /&gt;
*creating a sense of reality or professionalism&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Tone and subjects of images&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Images can cause intense emotions very easily. It is important that you use images that emphasize the tone of your message. E.g., when writing about a happy occasion don&#039;t have sad people in your photographs or use &amp;quot;dark purple&amp;quot; tinted images&amp;lt;ref&amp;gt;http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html&amp;lt;/ref&amp;gt;. Think long and carefully before you make a decision or have someone give you their impressions of a photo before using it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==References==&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;references/&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>Litwiki</name></author>
	</entry>
</feed>