Encoding

Encoding is the process whereby video and audio content is compressed and in the case of webcasting, formatted for broadcasting over networks. Pre-recorded content can be encoded for 'on-demand' playback, or live events can be encoded for real-time 'live' broadcasts.

Westminster Digital encodes into all formats ranging from Java encoding for HTML.

Live webcast

By capturing and encoding the content on-site as the event happens, Westminster Digital are able to broadcast a live webcast enabling the viewers to see the event on-line as it actually happens. By webcasting live, companies can offer viewers critical, time sensitive information to a larger audience, faster and more cost-effectively than traditional communication methods. Live webcasting is particularly suitable for executive broadcasts, shareholder meetings, analyst briefings and product launches.

There is opportunity for interactive communication during a live webcast via either a live e-mail Q&A session or live telephone Q&A session. For the live e-mail Q&A session, a 'Question Submit' box can be included on the webcast viewer. When a user wishes to ask a question, the question is typed into the box and submitted to the moderator via the internet to a laptop or PC in close proximity to the speaker. The moderator will view the questions on a custom branded web interface. The information will include the question and information about the sender retrieved from the database. For a live telephone Q&A session, a conference call can be set up where only the presenters have access and then listeners/viewers can telephone in on a separate line and ask the moderator a question. The question is then relayed to the presenters to be answered.

On-Demand webcast

Westminster Digital can record the content of the event for uploading onto the website immediately after the event or at a later date. The webcast will be hosted for on-demand access allowing it to be viewed / reviewed by users at their leisure. This is important if there is a worldwide audience with time zone issues. It is useful for any company to build up an on-line library of events, which is not only for those that have not yet seen the event but also for those that have seen the event and would like to go back and see particular areas of interest again. These on-demand events can be protected with either a password system or pay per view. The on-demand console will include an index menu so that users can jump to sections within each presentation.

Formats

The selection of video formats has a major impact on accessibility and cost. There are two standard video formats used in webcasting and a decision has to be made to broadcast in both Real and Windows formats, or one of the two. For the government streaming projects, Westminster Digital has seen that if both Windows and Real formats are made available, there is an approximate 50/50 split between Real and Windows viewing numbers. In addition to these two, we broadcast in Java.

Real

Real is one of the two most popular plug-ins. Users can download Real Media Player free of charge in order to view videos encoded in Real. The major benefit of using Real is that videos encoded in this format can be viewed by both PC and Mac users.

Windows

Windows is the second of the two most popular plug-ins. Windows Media Player is included within any current purchase of a Windows Operating System. Therefore Windows Media Player is installed as a default on most PCs. It can also be downloaded free of charge.

Java

Java had the ability to penetrate firewalls. Therefore videos encoded in Java can be accessed by users who work on firewall protected networks. In addition to this, users on government and other public networks who because of various security-related issues cannot download plug-ins, will still be able to view Java encoded videos.