MI.GOV Video Standard

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MI.GOV Video Standard
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What we know

• There is currently a small amount of video on the
  Michigan.gov portal.
• There is a demand for more interactive content,
  videos and presentations
• Our customers need a standard method for
  preparing and delivering interactive media to
  Michigan.gov.

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What we know

• There are many video file formats (Windows
  Media-WMV, AVI, QuickTime-Movies MOV, Flash
  Video-FLV, MPG)
• There are different media players for the Web on
  different peoples browsers.
• Bandwidth varies across our customer base.
• We need a streaming format that is at the best
  compression and still has quality and a small
  file size.

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Recommendation

• Based on our research, infrastructure and
  immediate needs
• Flash Video format (FLV) has been adopted as the
  primary supported video file type asset for
  Michigan.gov.
• Other file formats are subject to approval on a
  case-by-case basis but users are encouraged to
  convert other file formats into Flash Video(FLV).

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(No Transcript)
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Why eMichigan supports FLV as THE supported
video format

• The FLV file format can compete at similar
  delivery speed and bandwidth without a devoted
  streaming infrastructure.
• Conversion to FLV format will compress between
  3-10 times based on the source video file.
• The Flash Player is readily available and easily
  installed.
• eMichigan has defined a process that can be
  supported in the current infrastructure.

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Video Hosting

• Michigan.gov will host a limited amount of agency
  video files in the content management system
  asset repository.
• The agency owners will be required
• to convert all video to FLV (Flash Video Format),
  
• to use the progressive FLV player located on
  Michigan.gov
• to create content that includes a transcript or
  text equivalent for the video clips
• to follow other recommendations set by the
  eMichigan Web Development Team.
• to consider file size limitations, file length
  and file formats, look and feel, controls and
  functionality and usability.

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Convert all Video to FLV (Flash Video Format)

• There are many resources available to convert
  other video file formats to FLV.
• Require your video provider to supply you with an
  FLV version of your video
• Adobe Flash 8 built in encoder for converting
  .wmv, .mp3, .avi, and other digital video formats
  to FLV.
• Shareware conversion tools, inexpensive
  conversion software available.

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Use the Progressive FLV Player

• Progressive FLV player resides in the Vignette
  asset repository.
• The FLV content type has been developed to use
  this player and designate the linked content as
  the source to play.
• Eliminates the need to code the player object.
• Insures consistency of look and feel across all
  agency videos.
• Simulates streaming and is fairly fast delivery.
  

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FLV Content Type

• Designed to display standardized video files on
  the Michigan.gov sites using the progressive
  Flash Video Player.
• Instructions on how to use this content type is
  in the quick guide. Makes it easy.
• Your FLV clip does not need to reside in
  Michigan.gov as an asset.

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Demo Conversion Tools
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DVD Soft

• Free Video to Flash Converter. Convert video
  files to SWF or FLV to publish video on your web
  site or blog.
• Convert .avi, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .m4v,
  .wmv, .asf, .mov, .qt, .3gp, .3g2,
  .dvr-ms. .flv video files to ready for web
  .flv and .swf files.
• http//www.dvdvideosoft.com/download/FreeVideoToFl
  ashConverter.exe
• Totally Free.

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EasyFLV Converter

• Converts your video files to streaming video FLV
  format.
• Supports a variety of video formats for
  conversion like MPEG, AVI, WMV, MOV, DVD, VCD,
  Mp4 and 3Gp.
• With this software you can brand your video files
  with your company name or any text using the
  watermarking feature.
• Not only that the flv converter comes with a
  built-in flv player to test your flv files after
  conversion.
• http//www.easyflv.com/flv-converter.php
• Order EasyFLV FLV Converter for 29

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Moyea Flash Video MX

• Video conversion to FLV SWF
• Easy parameter settings
• Special video effects
• High Conversion Quality
• Cue Points and ActionScript
• Movie beginning and end
• Customizable player control bars
• 49.95
• http//moyea.com/estore/bundled_package.html

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SoThink Flash Video Encoder

• Converts video into SWF and FLV files in seconds.
• The generated files can be easily inserted into
  HTML page.
• Static images and audio files can also be
  extracted.
• We also provide command-line version of our Video
  Encoder, which can help you convert video to
  Flash video (FLV) without GUI in batch mode
  automatically.
• 45.00
• http//sothink.com/product/flashvideoencoder/downl
  oad.htm

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Allok Video to FLV Converter

• Flash Video Encoder to convert any video into SWF
  video and FLV streaming video formats.
• Convert almost all video formats, e.g.DivX, XviD,
  AVI, WMV, MPG, MPEG, MP4, M4V, FLV, 3GP, ASF, RM,
  RMVB, MOV, ASX, MKV, OGM, SVCD, VCD, VOB to FLASH
  Video (SWF, FLV) formats.
• 39.95 US
• http//www.alloksoft.com/flv_converter.htm

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ImTOO FLV Converter v3.1

• ImTOO FLV Converter is a powerful, easy-to-use
  video to SWF/FLV converter.
• It can convert all popular video formats like
  DivX, XviD, WMV, 3GP, MPEG, MP4, M4V, ASF, RM,
  RMVB, MOV, VOB, AVI to FLV video and SWF flash
  video formats.
• Includes a wizard tool.
• 29.00
• http//www.imtoo.com/flv-converter.html

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Exception Process Case-by-Case

• If an agency has a need to bypass any of the
  requirements and limitations, please contact
  eMichigan Web Development for an exception and
  special services.
• Include the business case for the exception, a
  description of the media file, the reason it does
  not work within the established process and the
  names and contact information for the owners of
  the media files.
• This information should be submitted by the
  Agency Site Administrator.
• eMichigan will return recommendations for each
  case.

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Where can I see FLV in action? FLV is extremely
popular as a video format. These sites use Flash
Player and FLV to deliver video.
http//video.about.com/ http//media.howstuffwork
s.com/cdrom2go-com/video/creating-cd-dvd-master-di
-283.htm howstuffworks.com Video 101 You
Tube ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS.
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Questions?
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Podcasting on Michigan.gov

• Podcasting is a free service that allows Internet
  users to pull audio files (typically MP3s) from a
  podcasting Web site to listen to the files on
  their computer or personal digital audio player.

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• The name comes from a combination of the words
  iPod (a personal digital audio player made by
  Apple) and broadcasting. podcast
• Even though the name is derived from the iPod,
  you don't need an iPod to listen to a podcast.
• You can use virtually any MP3 player or your
  computer default media player.

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If you already have an audio file

• If the audio file is not in mp3 format, you will
  need to convert it to that format.(Other file
  formats can also be downloaded to iPod-like
  devices m4a, mp3, mov, mp4, m4v or even PDF
  formats.)

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If you already have an audio file

• Upload the MP3 audio file as an asset to the
  Vignette Content Management Application (CMA).
• Create a link type content to the mp3 asset file.
  
• Vignette will automatically add the podcast icon
  to the link and generate the XML for the feed
  when the asset is displayed in the page.
• The link will play the mp3 file in the default
  media player or can be downloaded to an iPod-like
  device for listening whenever the user decides.

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If you don't have a file.

• To record a podcast
• Plug a USB headset with a microphone into your
  computer.
• Install an MP3 recorder for Windows, Mac or
  Linux.
• Create an audio file by making a recording (you
  can talk, sing or record music) and saving it as
  an MP3 file.
• Then go back to the previous slide to complete
  the process.

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What happens behind the scenes

• Special Vignette code is associated with the
  assets used for podcasts.
• XML is generated for the asset type when linked
  to as an asset.
• If several links are included in one component
  category, the podcast checkbox can be selected
  for the component.
• The component then has a podcast icon. This icon
  displays with the component and links to the XML
  coded page used by the podcast/feed readers.
• The XML (RSS) feed for that component can be
  added to the podcast feed reader used by the
  customer.

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Tools

• Audio Recorder Editor Audacity
  http//audacity.sourceforge.net/
• Media Player itunes http//www.apple.com/itunes/
  or Windows Media Player http//windowsmedia.com/d
  ownload
• MP3 Encoder LAME http//audacity.sourceforge.net
  or itunes http//www.apple.com/itunes/

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Basic Equipment

• A PC Running Windows XP
• 512 MB of RAM
• 2-3 GB of Free Hard Drive Space
• Soundcard
• Microphone Input and Headphone Output on Your
  Computer
• Headphones or Headset
• Optional MP3 Player
• Optional Pop Filter

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MI.GOV Samples

• Governor's Podcast Page http//www.michigan.gov/g
  ov/0,1607,7-168-37483---,00.html
• MDE Podcast Page http//www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1
  607,7-140-37818_45256---,00.html
• MI.GOV Podcast Index http//www.michigan.gov/som/
  0,1670,7-192----POD,00.html

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Questions?
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General Media Guidelines

• Using video, audio, FLASH, images, colors, and
  fonts on michigan.gov

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General Media Guidelines

• Include descriptive information about the
  materials along with previews such as still shots
  from the video
• Include the run time for time-based media

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General Media Guidelines

• Include the file size for materials that
  download.
• Fully explain any special software requirements
  (plug-ins or players) for accessing the materials
  and provide a download link
• Your users should have a clear idea of what your
  materials are before they begin to download.

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General Media Guidelines

• Provide user controls for play, stop, pause, and
  volume
• Alternative format must be provided for
  accessibility
• Clips must be optimized for intended player
• Time length and file size of clips is limited

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The use of multimedia on the State Portal and
Agency Web sites should be limited to those pages
and content where the media element will SUPPORT
and not detract from the information. The media
element should help to convey the intended
message of the site and not BE the intended
message.
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Questions?