Preparing Audio and Video Media for Web Delivery

1. Media Production

Any audio or video tape can be encoded and made available on the web. However, a professionally recorded audio or video tape will produce a better user experience. So if you have the option, have HSC Biomedical Communications (272-0666) or another professional service record your event. We can accept media using almost any taping format, but prefer tapes in higher quality digital formats like miniDV.

2. Media Encoding

All source audio and video material must be encoded in a streaming media format for web delivery. Encoding compresses the media and reduces the amount of data, so that it can be delivered using the smallest amount of network bandwidth possible. There are many streaming media encoding formats. The Health Sciences Center uses Windows Media Audio and Video as its standard delivery encoding format. All departmental production encoding is now done by HSC Biomedical Communications. You can contact Biomedical Communications for further information about production and encoding rates and to arrange for services at 272-0666.

3. Streaming Media Services

Media Server: After the encoded media files are produced, the files are placed on the HSC’s streaming media server. The streaming media server is a single purpose server that does nothing but stream media files to users, generally from web page links provided on departmental websites. The streaming media server can handle hundreds, if not thousands, of users simultaneously viewing various media files.

Organization of Files: Streaming media files are organized using a media content management system. Updates to the content management system are handled by Biomedical Communications as part of the media encoding process.

Recurring Events: If the departmental streaming media is recurring in nature (e.g. weekly grand rounds), the content management system produces a dynamically generated page that lists all of the departmental media by category. This page lists the presentations by date and includes the title, presenter, date of the presentation, and a link to actually view the presentation. The web group will give you a URL link address that you can include on a page of your website that will access this page.

One Time Events: If the media file is a one time only event, than the web group can give you a URL link address that you can include on your web page that will link to that media file directly.

Web Pages Associated with the Event: It is the department’s responsibility to produce the web page that describes the event to users and provides context to support the media file. This may include a description of the event or media, who the speaker is, and any other information that would be helpful to users.