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No.7 Using Video Content? Hold Everything! (May 30, 2001)
With the advent of the broadband era, the use of video content on websites has become common. As compared with still pictures, videos can convey movement and sound, and are therefore a very effective means of expression when you want to convey more information.
Don't forget, however, that there are a large number of Internet users who still use dial-up connections. Using video content without any consideration for this fact can significantly diminish the usability of a website, since a video's file size is larger than that of an image or text, and therefore naturally requires more time to download.
In this column, we have summarized some tips on how to compress the size of a file without losing quality when creating videos for use on the web.
 Reminders when filming videos
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Editing and using video content that was made for use with a different form of media can result in loss of quality or increased file size. When creating video content for use on the web, you should reshoot new images based on a firm understanding of web characteristics.
[Five Elements of Usability]
- Make the subject as large as possible
When displaying videos in a browser, the display area is limited and therefore the displayable size is also smaller. For that reason, try to shoot only the subject that you want, so that users can tell what it is even if it is small.
- Use a monochromatic background
To increase the compression ratio, use a monochromatic background for interviews or press conferences.
- Keep the camera steady
Use a tripod or other device to avoid blurring. This reduces the difference between frames, thereby increasing the compression ratio.
- Avoid excessive movement
Displaying excessive movement, such as zooming in or out, requires an increased frame rate, and the file size increases as a result. For that reason, it is best to avoid the use of the zoom and other extreme movement as much as possible.
- Use appropriate encoding
Encode the site with image quality and size that are appropriate for the type of connection you think your target users have.
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Appropriate video format
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There are several types of formats generally used for video, each with its own characteristics. The key is choosing a format that is appropriate according to the target user and to the content, such as video or animation.
- RealSystem
This format was originally created as a video format for use on the web, and the image quality is therefore not very high. However, it does allow videos to be saved with a small file size.
- QuickTime
Version 4 has enabled the incorporation of not only videos, but also of interactive elements. This is the standard specification for MacOS.
- Windows Media
This is the standard specification for Windows. The compression ratio is relatively high.
- MPEG
A major feature of MPEG is that it can be played on both QuickTime and Windows Media, so website designers don't have concern themselves with the user's environment.
- Use appropriate encoding
Encode the site with image quality and size that are appropriate for the type of connection you think your target users have.
By nailing down the important points when you filming the video and by choosing a suitable video format, you can create videos that can be used without detriment to the usability of a site.
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However, that doesn't mean all information should be expressed through video. The most important thing is that you take the time to assess whether the user really needs to see the information in video format.
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