Telestream Speeds Video Encoding

Telestream announced that DnA Creative Services, a leading video production company in Louisiana has selected Episode® Encoder for Windows to address the company’s advanced encoding and content repurposing needs. DnA uses Episode Encoder for various applications such as convert video to MPEG for DVD, using QuickTime and Windows Media for emailing and uploading projects to clients, and Flash for embedding videos on client web sites. Episode Encoder makes it easy to import virtually any file format and encode media to Web, DVD, or mobile including portable device formats.

As a full-service media company that provides location filming, audio recording, and complete postproduction services, DnA needed a practical means of delivering TV commercials digitally to area television stations. Over the years, DnA has used several software encoders, including Sorenson Squeeze, but turned to Telestream’s Episode Encoder for Windows due to its flexibility to quickly encode a multitude of formats including high-quality broadcast formats.

One of DnA’s ongoing projects is a semi-annual modeling and talent competition. During the weeklong event, DnA does on-location editing and uses the Episode iPhone setting to quickly encode videos before showing them to event producers on the iPhone handset. With this flexibility, the producer can instantly provide approvals and comments before broadcasting on the large projection screen over the main stage, thus mitigating any additional costs for re-shoots. In addition to flexibility, DnA chose the Episode Encoder because it has the fastest encoding speeds available in a desktop video encoder, and its fine-tuning compression capabilities generate the highest-quality media files.

“Episode Encoder's impact is much greater than the dollar value we charge for encoding video. With Episode, we are totally comfortable that the encoded video will be the highest quality and the process will be very quick and simple as opposed to the worry and work-around we would have had to go through with other encoding solutions,” said David Cardwell, Owner of DnA Creative Services.

DnA also credits using Episode to encode DVD-compliant video files, which cuts the company’s time to produce a master DVD in half. Even more significant, videos on the resulting DVDs look noticeably better and in the long run the company expects to see this directly impact its bottom line.

“The Episode line continues to deliver an unprecedented customer encoding experience, and we are delighted to have customer success stories of this nature,” said Barbara DeHart, VP of Marketing at Telestream. “The innovative work DnA Creative Services is doing as the result of Episode truly changes the way the company does business. The quick encoding speeds actually allow companies such as DnA to focus on its core competencies and in this instance, I would say, the product has not only out-performed the competition, but helps deliver peace of mind.”

Recording Videos With Wirecast on the Mac

If you're Recording videos with Wirecast on a Mac the formats that you can save to are QuickTime .mov, Flash .f4v and MPEG-4 .m4v. The Record to Disk option is great way to archive your content to disk. You can save the files for archiving or later playback from a Streaming Server.

QuickTime 7.6.4 Not Compatible with Wirecast for Windows

The new version of QuickTime, v7.6.4, is not compatible with Wirecast for Windows. Telestream is working on resolving the issue but until it is fixed, you should not update to the new QuickTime.

1-Day Sorenson Squeeze Training

Class Summary: This Sorenson Squeeze training is designed to give you a better understanding of Sorenson Squeeze and help you with future encoding projects. Sorenson Squeeze is one of the best kept secrets and this class will help you unlock its many benefits. In addition to learning about the Sorenson Squeeze 6 interface, students will learn about the different video input options, how to compression to various formats, how to compress content for video ipods/video podcasts, how to adjust compression settings and the process for encoding a DVD inside the Sorenson Squeeze application. Our Sorenson Squeeze 6 Training class is available In-class, On-site or On-line. This class is great for Videographers, IT professionals, Video Editors, Producers and other Media Professionals. Contact us at 407.477.5837 or E-mail us at info@freemancompression.com for more details about this training class.

In this training students will also learn:

• How to encode to QuickTime, Real Media (PC only), Flash, Windows Media and H.264
• How to encode Real-time and Downloadable streaming videos
• The process for encoding numerous videos using Watch Folders
• How to FTP files to a Streaming Server or a Web Server inside Squeeze
• How to upload encoded videos to a Sorenson 360 account
• The process for capturing video within Sorenson Squeeze 6
  
• How to set-up filters for encoding projects
• How to encode linked Flash .FLV and .SWF files and stand-alone .FLV files

Featured Software for Class



Class Overview

1. Interface Overview

Your instructor will show you the different features of the interface to get you familiar with the Sorenson Squeeze 6. This part of the class will cover Video Input, Filters, Format & Compression Setting, Batch Tree, Details, Sorenson 360, Publishing, and Preview Windows.

2. Video Input Options

For this training module you will learn how to use the different video input options. Learn how to input stand-alone videos, use watch folders and capture video all within the Squeeze application. You can input several stand-alone videos for batch encoding or encode a large amount of videos for hands-free encoding. Capturing videos from a video camera or video deck with Sorenson Squeeze 6 is one of the application's greatest benefits. Learn how this is done in this portion of the class.

3. Encoding Downloadable Streaming Videos

You will encode videos for downloadable streaming in formats such as: QuickTime, H.264, Windows Media, Real Media and Flash. This part of the class will teach you how to get the quality you desire for your downloadable streaming videos by teaching you how to adjust the various Format & Compression Settings for your desired format in Sorenson Squeeze 6. Learn how to take a compression preset and customize it for better quality.

4. Encoding Real-time Streaming Videos

Learn how to encode hinted QuickTime and H.264 videos for a Streaming Server. You will also learn how to encode Real Media, Windows Media, and Flash videos for real-time streaming. This portion of the class will inform you on different tools to use when compressing your videos for Streaming Servers.

5. Compression for Video iPods, Video Podcasts and Audio Podcasts

Students will learn how to compress video content for Video iPods, Video Podcast and Audio Podcasts using Sorenson Squeeze 6. Participants will learn how to adjust their compression settings to get high quality results. The instructor will also show you how to get encoded videos onto the Video iPod and how to display them onto your TV. This class will teach you which codec to use for compressing your videos for Video iPods, Video Podcasts and Audio Podcasts with Sorenson Squeeze.

6. Format and Compression Settings

This training module will cover the details of adjusting the different presets under the Format and Compression Settings. Learn how to set parameters such as: Data rate, Sample Size, Sample Rate, Encoding Method, Frame Size, Frame Rate and Key Frame Every. This portion of the class will help demystify many of the compression settings in Squeeze.

7. Working with Filters

You will learn how to adjust your filters for your compression projects. Learn when to use Deinterlace, Noise Reduction, Normalize Audio, Hue, Brightness, Contrast, and Cropping filters. You will learn how to apply filters to your videos as well as specifying a default filter for all compression jobs.

8. Using Publishing Filters

Students will learn how to utilize the various Publishing Filters such as Copy Output to Local and Copy Output to FTP. You'll enjoy this portion of the class as you learn how to simplify the web authoring process by automatically sending your files to their delivery destination. Using the Publishing Filters will greatly improve your compression workflow.

9. Encoding and Authoring a DVD inside Squeeze 6

This portion of the class will show you how to encode and author a DVD directly inside the Sorenson Squeeze application. Instead of using a DVD authoring tool to make your one-off DVDs you'll learn how to use Sorenson Squeeze, saving your a tremendous amount of time.

10. Encoding Linked Flash .FLV and .SWF files

Students will work through the process of creating linked Flash .FLV and .SWF files for displaying videos inside the .SWF media players that come inside of Sorenson Squeeze. You'll learn how to select your player and adjust video playback. The instructor will also show you how to author your Flash Linked .SWF amd .FLV files on-line and as well as how to force users to a website after the video finishes playing.

Making Video Adjustments Encoding with MPEG Streamclip

Making video adjustments encoding with MPEG Streamclip is a huge benefit if you need to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation or volume. The is an invaluable benefit if you have audio that was recorded low during the video recording process and you need to increase the volume. Imagine being able to fix the audio on 50 to 100 video clips while converting to QuickTime, Windows Media or iPod video. Well, that's what MPEG Streamclip can do.

Using the Batch List you can include all of your desired videos to convert and apply your desired video adustments to all output video clips.

Selecting Codecs and Quality Settings Exporting QuickTime Videos

Choosing Your QuickTime Video Codec

Here are some tips for selecting codecs and quality settings exporting QuickTime Videos.



If you need to export your videos out of Final Cut Pro, MPEG Streamclip, QuickTime Pro, on any QuickTime based application then here are a few codecs that you can choose from. Using DV/DVCPro, DVCPro50 and Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 codecs can work out well for you. Here are some scenarios when you would use each of the codecs.

When you're finished with your video project many times you have to delivery content in a web based format, on DVD, on Mobile Devices or some other type of delivery. Having a video file that be stored or used in a compression application is important. Using the DV/DVCPro codec to export a video will allow you to keep your file size down. When space for storing all of your videos is an issue the DV/DVCPro codec is a good option.

Now if you want to double the quality of your video output for storage and encoding later in your favorite compression application, using DVCPro50 is a excellent choice. You can use DVCPro50 when you still have limited storage but can handle the ability to store a little larger file. You can double your quality if you edit your project using the DV/DVCPro codec then output using the DVCPro50 codec. DVCPro50 is twice the file size and quality of DV/DVCPro.

If file size is no issue then you can use the Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 codec which will produce a very large file but you'll end up with excellent quality. Remember if you are going to later encode your content you want to make sure you have a high quality video file and using the Uncompressed 8-bit 4:2:2 Codec will give you far superior quality then that of DVCPro50.

Setting Your Quality Setting



If you're producing an output file using a QuickTime Codec for storage or for compression later then usually there's not a really good reason not to use the highest Quality setting of Best. With the Best Quality setting your video will take longer to export. However, having the higher quality video file that is produced is worth the wait. If you want your video to finish exporting quicker and are willing to take a quality hit then you can choose the High Quality setting.

Video Streaming and Compression Training (2 Days)

Class Summary: This Video Streaming and Compression Training will help you with the overwhelming task of getting familiar with streaming and compression. Your instructor will guide you through the process of adding streaming video to your website. Our training will give you a better understanding of streaming video, compression, real-time streaming, downloadable streaming and live streaming. You will learn important concepts and techniques for compressing your videos. Participants will be educated on how to convert videos to Windows Media, QuickTime, Real Media, Flash video, and H.264. Students will become familiar with the various applications for compressing video for the web and streaming server delivery. This class is a great introduction for video professionals, IT Professionals, multimedia developers, web designers, government producers and educational professionals that need to start adding video and audio content on-line. During Day 1 of the Video Streaming and Compression Training focuses on video compression and preparing content in various formats and flavors for delivery. During Day 2 students will get a better understanding of the web authoring process for streaming video. Students will learn first-hand how to use Dreamweaver to set-up FTP to their web server and streaming server for uploading video and audio files. Secondly, participants will learn how to author QuickTime, Windows Media, Flash and H.264 downloadable streaming videos. Our Video Streaming and Compression Training class is available On-site or On-line. Contact us for more details.

In this training students will learn:

• How to encode Downloadable streaming videos
• How to encode Real-time streaming videos
• Best Practices for Compression and Streaming
• How to encode to QuickTime, Windows Media, H.264 and Flash video formats
• What the best CODECS are for their streaming formats
• How to author QuickTime, Windows Media, H.264 and Flash downloadable streaming videos
• How to author Flash videos using Linked .SWF and .FLV files
• How to author Flash .FLV files using Dreamweaver .SWF players
• Benefits of 1-Pass CBR, 1-Pass VBR, 2-pass CBR and 2-Pass VBR compression
• Knowledge of Deinterlacing, Key Frame Every, Frames Per Second, Cropping and other items
• Knowledge of QuickTime codecs
• How to encode videos using Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite and Episode Pro
• How to analyze log files using Sawmill Professional
• Webcasting for the iPhone (HOT TOPIC)

Featured Software for the class:

• Sorenson Squeeze 6
  
• Episode Encoder Pro
  
• Wirecast
• Dreamweaver
• Sawmill Professional

Day 1 Overview - Compression and Encoding

1. Streaming and Compression Overview

Do you need a web server or streaming server to host your video content on-line? Are you putting downloadable streaming videos or real-time streaming videos on your website? Find out what will work best for your streaming needs. Learn the benefits of providing downloadable streaming or real-time streaming videos on your website. See how different streaming and compression tools can assist you in getting your streaming content on-line. Also learn various Best Practices for Streaming and Compression

The most important element of the video compression process is working with CODECs. Learn what CODECs are and which CODECs should be used when compressing to Windows Media, QuickTime, Flash and H.264. This class will help you understand how to choose the right Video and Audio CODECS for your projects. This class will also cover the differences between MPEG-4 Part 2 and MPEG-4 Part 10 (AVC/H.264).

2. Overview of Streaming Media Formats

In this portion of the class we will go over the streaming formats and talk about the good and bad of each. We'll cover QuickTime, Windows Media, MPEG-4/H.264, Flash Video and Real Media. Not only will you learn about each format's advantages and disadvantages but you will learn first-hand which CODECS to use for you media projects.

3. Hands-on Compression with Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite

Students will learn basic and advanced tips for encoding their videos with Sorenson Squeeze 6. Students will learn advanced tips for compressing H.264, Windows Media and Flash videos using Sorenson Squeeze 6. Students will also learn how to capture video, create watch folders, trim videos, customize format compression settings, and customize filter settings. In this training section, class participants will also learn how to automate the process for uploading videos to the Streaming Server. Deinterlacing video and adjusting audio levels during encoding with Squeeze will also be covered in this training module.

4. Hands-on Compression with Episode Encoder Pro with Flash 8 Encoding

Students will work hands-on with Episode Pro to compress videos to QuickTime, Video iPods and Video Podcasts in this portion of the class. Students will learn tips for getting optimal quality with Episode for encoding to other popular streaming formats such as Windows Media, Real Media and Flash. Students will learn about the features of Episode Pro such as: Profile Adjustments, Deinterlacing Options, Cropping, Filters, Bumpers and Trailers.

6. Hands-on Compression for the Video iPods, Video Podcasts and Audio Podcasts

Students will learn how to compress video content for the Video iPod, Video Podcasts and Audio Podcasts using Sorenson Squeeze 6 and Episode Encoder Pro. Participants will also learn how to adjust their compression settings to get high quality result by selecting the following: Frame Size, Datarate, Video CODEC, Audio CODEC and other settings.

7. Encoding Downloadable Streaming Videos

You will encode videos for downloadable streaming in formats such as: QuickTime, H.264, Windows Media, Real Media and Flash Video. You will use tools such as Sorenson Squeeze 5 Compression Suite and Episode Pro 5 to compress videos in class. This class will teach you how to get the quality you desire for your streaming videos by teaching you how to adjust the various compression settings. Learn how to take a compression preset and customize it for better quality.

8. Encoding Real-time Streaming Videos

This part of the class covers encoding real-time streaming files for Windows Media, Flash and Real Media files. Get familiar with hinted QuickTime and H.264 real-time streaming files in this training module. Learn how to take a compression preset and customize it for better quality.

Day 2 Overview - Authoring Streaming Video

1. Authoring Streaming Videos with Dreamweaver

This portion of the class provides a hands-on walk through on how to author streaming videos with Dreamweaver. You'll learn how to set-up FTP to your web server and streaming server. In addition, you will learn the necessary EMBED and OBJECT tags you need to make your streaming web pages work.

2. Authoring Downloadable Streaming Videos

Students will compress to QuickTime, H.264 and Windows Media downloadable streaming videos using encoding presets. After encoding, students will embed videos in a web page and will author them for a downloadable streaming using the proper EMBED and OBJECT tags.

3. Authoring Real-Time Streaming Videos

Students will compress to QuickTime, H.264 and Windows Media real-time streaming videos using encoding presets. After encoding students will embed their real-time streaming videos in a web page using the proper EMBED and OBJECT tags

4. Authoring Flash Downloadable Streaming Videos

Class participants will learn how author web pages for Flash downloadable streaming videos. Students will learn how to author already encoded Flash .FLV files using Dreamweaver .SWF players and how to author Flash Linked .SWF and .FLV files.

5. Authoring Flash Real-time Streaming Videos

Class participants will be educated on the process for authoring Flash real-time streaming videos for use with a Flash Streaming Server. Learn the proper parameters to input such as: RTMP, Server Name, Application Name, Instance Name and Stream Name.

6. Live Streaming Overview

This training module walks students through the Live Streaming set-up process and how it works. You'll learn how the Live Encoder works with the Streaming Server and about software and hardware live encoding tools.

7. Overview of MPEG-4 and H.264 Licensing

In this portion of the class the instructor will provide details as it relates to MPEG-4 and H.264 Licensing. You'll learn what you need to do to make sure you're covered by the MPEG-4 and H.264 license programs. Some organizations based on how they use MPEG-4 and H.264 have to pay licensing fees to the many patent holders of the MPEG-4 and H.264. Learn what you need to do to be covered by these licensing programs.

Call Instructor Derrick Freeman at 407.477.5837 for more information about training classes or email him at derrick217@gmail.com

1-Day Wirecast Live Streaming Training

Class Summary:

Our Wirecast Live Streaming training will get you familiar with Live streaming for Flash, Windows Media and QuickTime. This class will have you up and running with Wirecast quickly. This training is great for non-technical professionals as well as video editors, web developers, producers and other media professionals. Whether you're using a a Wowza Streaming Server, QuickTime Streaming Server or Windows Media Streaming Server this class will benefit you. Our class will also get you familiar with Wirecast live streaming to the Top Content Delivery Networks as well as Ustream and Mogulus . This class is amazing and you'll gain all kinds of ideas for delivering your live streaming events.

Students will learn the following in this training:

• How to set up Live streaming to Wowza Media Server 2 (Flash Streaming Server)
• How to set up Live streaming to QuickTime Streaming Server
• How to set up Live streaming to Windows Media Streaming Server (PC class only)
• How to set up Live streaming to Content Delivery Networks, Ustream and Livestream
• How to Archive Webcasts to a Video File
• How to set-up Publishing Points
• How to set-up Live streaming using RTSP, MMS and RTMP Protocols
• How to perform Live encoding from video files
• How to include PowerPoint, Keynote and .PDF presentations in your Webcasts
• How to include Picture-N-Picture in your Webcasts
• How to create and use Lower Thirds during your Webcasts

Software Featured in the class:

• Wirecast
• Wowza Media Server 2
• QuickTime Streaming Server
• Windows Media Streaming Server

Class Overview

1. Live Streaming to Wowza Media Server Pro

This section of the training will cover the procedure for setting up Flash Live streaming to Wowza Media Server Pro. Students will learn all of the necessary Wirecast configurations to stream live to the streaming server. This portion of the class will show students the items that need to be set-up on the Wowza streaming server for live streaming to work properly.

2. Live Streaming to QuickTime Streaming Server

This training module will cover the procedure for setting up Live streaming to QuickTime Streaming Server. Students will learn all of the necessary Wirecast configurations to stream live to the streaming server. This portion of the class will show students the items that need to be set-up on the QuickTime Streaming Server for live streaming to work properly.

3. Live Streaming to Windows Media Streaming Server

This section of the training will cover the procedure for setting up Windows Media Live streaming to Windows Media Streaming Server. Students will learn all of the necessary Wirecast configurations to stream live to the streaming server. This portion of the class will show students the items that need to be set-up on the Windows Media Streaming Server for live streaming to work properly.

4. Live streaming to Content Delivery Networks, Ustream and Mogulus

Learn how to perform live encoding to your Content Delivery Network. You'll see first hand the available options and settings for use with the Top CDNs and what items need to be placed into Wirecast. This portion of the class will also show you how to set-up live streaming using popular services such as Ustream and Mogulus.

5. Live Streaming with PowerPoint, Keynote or PDF files

This part of the training class is one of the coolest as you learn how to set up Live streaming along with PowerPoint, Keynote or PDFs. One of the most beneficial items to include during your live streaming event is presentation slides and this class will teach you how. You'll learn how to include your slides as Picture-N-Picture or as full screens.

6. Push Live, Pull Live Encoding and Publishing Points

If you've every wondered what the difference between Push and Pull encoding was, this training module is for you. Your instructor will show you how to set up Push encoding and Pull encoding. Overall you'll gain a better understanding of how these live streaming processes work and when to use each. In this section you'll also learn how to set-up your publishing points

7. Live Streaming using RTSP, MMS and RTMP Protocols

This training will show you how to set-up live streaming using RTSP, MMS and RTMP Protocols and when you'll use each. Also you'll learn which streaming format uses RTSP, MMS and RTMP protocols.

8. Live Encoding from Video Files

One benefit of using Wirecast is its ability to allow you to perform live streaming from video files. You can stream from a single video file or from multiple video files. This portion of the class will show you how and which video formats to use Live streaming.

9. Recording Files to Disk and Streaming to Multiple Servers

This portion of the class teaches students how to record Webcasts to disk for archiving or On-demand. The instructor will also show students how to stream Live video to Multiple Streaming Servers.

Call Freeman Compression at 407.477.5837 for more information about this training class or E-mail us at info@freemancompression.com