Multimedia: Flash & Video

Multimedia is a great way to communicate with your site's users. And multimedia tools have never been more accessible.

Flash Video - IRT now supports Flash Video as the format of choice for video. Why Flash Video?

Flash is cross-browser compatible, meaning if your video works on any system or browser, it will work on all of them. No need to provide multiple versions.
Flash Video can be mounted on any Web page. No external player required.
Over 95% of users already have Flash Player installed, according to Adobe/Macromedia. Installation takes moments for users who don't yet have it.
The use of Flash opens the door to a world of possibilities for interactivity.

Guide to Encoding or Converting to Flash Video (.flv)

Guide to Installation of Flash Video

Streaming

Video is delivered to the browser in a continuous "stream"
Best for long and high-traffic videos
Generally, better performance regardless of user's location
Streamed video is not stored on the user's machine and can't be copied or sent to other people
Streaming is a fee-based service; IRT has a streaming contract for the School of Medicine. Contact Michael Halaas for details.

Progressive

Entire video is delivered to the browser as a "file"
Best for short videos
Whole video is downloaded; can impact time to start
Video can be captured, copied, and stored by users
Progressive video is free (with free IRT hosting). You can have as many videos as you want at no extra cost.

IRT also operates a Real video server. If you have a high-volume video project and want to make use of this service, please use our Video Server Account request form.