Vividas High-definition Streaming Video Tutorial

In this tutorial, the terms "movie" and "video" are equivalent.

There is no other encoder except for Vividas Encoder to encode Vividas videos. The Vividas encoder is Linux-based. Its installation on a client's computer must be aided by Vividas personnel though Vividas does provide documentation for client self-exploration. Here is the pricing information for encoder leasing.

On-demand Encoding Charges	Software $ per month	Hardware and software
Unlimited Encoding — single encoder
On Demand Encoder Basic Vividas encoder leased to client for standard definition on-demand content	$700 12 month commitment	$1,350/month 12 month commitment
On Demand HD Basic Vividas encoder leased to client for high definition on-demand content	$900 12 month commitment	$1,600/month 12month commitment
Remote set up, training and annual support	$4,500 One time fee	$4500 One time fee

The pricing information was acquired from Vividas and was accurate as of June 2008. It is released with permission from Vividas.

ENCODING AND WEB AUTHORING

1. Importing

Vividas Encoder has a strict requirement for source video. For instance, although its manual states that the encoder can process MOV files, an MOV video with audio encoded with the AAC codec can't be encoded in the Vividas Encoder. Instead, Linear PCM should be used. The interface of the Vividas Encoder is very simple and straightforward. Drag the source video from a desktop folder into the encoder. In order to achieve the best encoding result, always try to encode the original video output in AVI or MOV format with a large file size.

2. Configuring

Step Two is to apply filters, crop, resize or adjust aspect ratio, and so on. For our purpose, we don't need to do any of these things. Simply click Continue to move on to Step Three—the bit rate panel. For HD video, Vividas Encoder can encode an HD video up to 2500Kbps. Encoding multiple bit rates together is possible. Encoding a 4000Kbps video must be handled by Vividas personnel. Step Four is apply DRM if necessary. Step Five is to specify destination for the output file or files (batch processing is possible). In Step Six, after all above steps are done. Press Add to add the video to the processing queue. If no more video is to be added, press Start and the encoder will generate multiple versions of the video files with an extension of viv if multiple bit rates were selected, multiple versions of AVI files of these bit rates (I am not sure what they are for), and multiple production files that will be eventually kept on the encoding computer only. The only useful files are the viv files, the streaming video files. Since the encoder generates another set of AVI files, the encoding time is usually very long compared to other encoders, such as QuickTime and Windows Media encoders.

WEB AUTHORING

Web authoring of Vividas video must be done with the customized SDK (software development kit) provided by Vividas.

IMPLEMENTING TO SERVER

Vividas does not need a separate streaming server. Both the exported Vividas video(s) (viv files) and the SDK files should be FTPed to a Web server. Test out the video. To watch the video in the full-screen mode, click the Full-screen button included on the Web page. To come back to the normal size, press Esc.

Watch a sample video.