Multimedia Seeds: Collection Production: Digital Audio and Video Editing

bird Let's say you're working with an industrial technology teacher or a local scout troup leader. They're thinking about building birdhouses. A local volunteer is going to do a demonstration. If a video were produced of the event, it could be saved and used by others. A videotape or DVD could be made. In addition, video clips could be added to the Microsoft Word directions. They could also be added to a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation. Finally, a web page could be made to share the event with others around the world! This is a great example of local video production and the many ways it can be used.

Read Step by Step Guide to Creating an Audio Podcast at Sean on Family History. Notice the process for both creating the video and sharing it on the Internet.

Using Audio and Video in Microsoft Word

Audio and video files can be added to word processing documents. This is a simple way to share a multimedia document with others. For example, you might put a video clip into a document and ask students to watch the clip, then answer questions. If the clip is on the web, it might be easiest to just link to it.

On a Mac

Pull down the Insert menu and select Movie...
In the Macintosh, the movies will show on the document.

In Windows

Pull down the Insert menu and select Object...

Using Audio and Video in Microsoft PowerPoint

Audio and video files can be added to presentation documents. Audio materials can be recorded directly in PowerPoint. CD audios can also be played in PowerPoint.

KEEP IN MIND - Depending on the version of PowerPoint you're using, you may need to upload the video along with your PowerPoint presentation. In some versions you can choose to save the video inside your PowerPoint. Save the audio/sound files in the same folder as your PowerPoint document BEFORE you insert the audio or video file. After you've uploaded your project, BE SURE to check it on another computer to be sure it works.

On a Mac

Pull down the Insert menu and select Movie...
In the Macintosh, the movies will show on the document.

In Windows

Pull down the Insert menu and select Movies and Sounds...

Using Audios and Video in Web Pages

You can easily add an audio or video clip to a web page. You'll need to enter the code into the web page. Then, be sure to upload the media file along with the web page. Sounds can be saved as .au or .wav files. Movies can be saved as .mov files. The way the audio and video play on the web depends on the HTML you use as well as the web browser of the end user. Check you web page on a number of different computers.

prairie dog Use the following HTML code for a sound.

<a href=”frog.wav”> Play Frog Sound </a>

Use the following HTML code for a movie.

<a href=”toad.mov”> Play Toad Movie </a>

There are a few other things that can be added to your HTML code. You can embed the movie in your document. You can turn the controller on or off using "true" or "false". You can cache it so it will replay faster. Finally, you can play it automatically. These additions can also make your web pages more accessible.

Use the following HTML code for valid, accessible sound.

Use the following HTML code for valid, accessible video.

Downloading versus Streaming

There are two different ways to serve movies on the web: downloads and streaming.

Downloading

This is the easiest option and works on all web servers. It's sometimes called HTTP serving.You simply upload the movie like you would upload an image. Then, you insert the HTML code into your webpage. When users click on the link, the download process begins. When the file is stored on the computer, it can be played without interruption. It can also be saved for later viewing. The newest version of QuickTime allows movies to "Fast Start" as they are downloading. You can set "Fast Start" in your plug-in options. This looks like streaming, but it's not. It's sometimes called progressive download. Compare the options at Preparing Movies for Internet Delivery.

Go to iTunes Movie Trailers to watch and / or download video clips.

Streaming

RTSP serving is true streaming. The movie begins to play as soon as the link is negotiated. However, the file can't be saved to the hard drive. You'll need software on your web server to serve streaming videos. You can use QuickTime Streaming Server software or RealNetwork software.

To learn more about streaming media, read Tracy Wilson's article How Streaming Video and Audio Work at How Stuff Works.

Go to the Apple site for information about QuickTime movies and servers.

Go to RealAudio and Real Video Test Clips and Video Library at FEMA for KIds to view some Real Media clips.

Advanced Applications

Some of the coolest innovations combine media and techniques. For example, you can use Apple QuickTime and Adobe Flash together to develop great interfaces for your videos. Learn more about the technique at Exporting Video and Sound at Adobe Product Support.

There are also some interesting things you can do with the specialized tracks in QuickTime. For example, you can use chapter lists, timecode track, hypertext reference (HREF) tracks, sprite tracks, and karaoke tracks.

Other Resources

Complete Guide to Podcasting at Voices.com
Complete Guide to Video Blogging, The by Leah Betancourt (2009) at Mashable
Streaming Audio Primer from Deliver Your Media
Streaming Media at Wikipedia
Web Video: An Overview from Deliver Your Media

Collection Production: Audio, Video, and Productivity Tools