What do you look for in a video host? | Forums

[Flying_Nutcase]

Hi,

I'm thinking about setting up a video hosting site. A lot of such sites have a myriad of flashy annoying ads, pop-unders and require wading through multiply ads to even find the download link.

I'd like to setup a site with a clean, easy to use interface with unobtrusive advertising.

What features are most important to you guys with regard to such sites? What things annoy or frustrate you? What features don't you use? What would your ideal video host be like?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

~S~

[Flying_Nutcase]

Hi,

I'm thinking about setting up a video hosting site. A lot of such sites have a myriad of flashy annoying ads, pop-unders and require wading through multiply ads to even find the download link.

I'd like to setup a site with a clean, easy to use interface with unobtrusive advertising.

What features are most important to you guys with regard to such sites? What things annoy or frustrate you? What features don't you use? What would your ideal video host be like?

Any thoughts are appreciated.

~S~

[Mysticpuma2003]

Well I would prefer a counter to show how many times it's been downloaded and a click to download button, that doesn't upen myriad of adverts and take me to a countdown timer where I have to wait before I can start the file coming in.

Also a search by author function would be useful, and a lot of bandwidth, because you'll need it it to shift a 250mb file!

Hope that helps, MP.

[Doolittle81]

I agree that a counter would be useful.

A search function would be useful, one in which the Uploader(or host-manager) could provide tags such as "Director"'s name, Aircraft Types, Nationalities, etc...A handful of options, perhaps, just so that one would have more to go on than merely a film Title. On the forums one often sees posts such as, "Hey, can anyone tell me the name of that movie about FW190's defending Germany and the music is soemthing like "Ave Maria..?" or "Where can I find that movie with Corsairs attacking some junks, I think Monty-Dan directed it...?"

Similarly, a space for the Uploader to provide a sentence or three with background information or story synopsis, IF he desires to do so...giving the potential downloader some basic idea about the movie.

Finally, if feasible, a "feedback" feature so that viewers can provide comments and/or a rating...similar to that feature on YouTube.com

As for bandwidth, I know of one movie being produced that will be 500Mb+, perhaps even pushing 1Gb. BUT that would be one of a kind. 250Mb would seem to be the normal max for most of the best FB-PF movies.

It would also be good to have some sort of offer/request for other people/sites to Mirror the download, thus spreading the bandwidth-load around a bit.

[Flying_Nutcase]

Mystic, Doolittle: Thx for dropping your thoughts. The more the merrier.

One question:
In terms of the usage here, which seems to be "I want to download the full-sized movie and watch it full-size from my computer", do you guys see a need for streaming video like with YouTube?

A go-between might be to have space for a few screenshots from the vid.

So, what do you think...
* streaming video + download option
* screenshots + download option
* download only with no on-site visuals

Thx in advance for taking the time to reply!

[Mysticpuma2003]

Well, to be honest if I wanted to have a streaming video, it would be posted on youtube.

Generally, I like the way Flying Legends offers it's skin downloads.

It has a small thumbnail, which the user could upload, and when clicked ity opens up a max size 800x600 image. Now the video maker could put 9-12 screenshots on that size image, and also overlay the title.

They then click the download button, and go to the download this file section. Click it and it's coming in!

So for me, a thumbnail that increases to an 800x600 information window when clicked, and then a direct download to the file.

it might also be worthwhile putting links to the most used codecs on the site too. I have to say I use the K-Lite Codec pack, as this just about covers every codec...ever... in one download package.

But I would not be too bothered about the lack of streaming video, as other sites already cater for this, and personally, if someone watches my film, i'd rather it was downloaded and displayed full-size, rather than boxed in and compressed hugely!

Cheers, MP.

[MrVH]

Ditto to everything MP said.

MrVH

[Joe-90]

Hi Nutcase.

Are you really going to set up a site to host all these movies? That would be fantastic!

There is one thing this community needs, and that is a definitive source of good IL2 movies. We used to have it on Wiley's Guncam World (aka Doolittle81), now sadly no longer available.

Please, please, if you do this then have some quality control.

Now I'm not saying I don't want to watch the newcomer's movies. On the contrary. I hope some of the new guys become some of the recognised producer/directors. I am not alone in thinking this. And I would never have gotten past being a newcomer without the support and critiques of the very old (I mean, experienced) experts in here.

IL2 movie making has taken a bit of a slump over the last year since a lot of the accomplished directors have been tied up with the epic that is F,H&C. But there are promising signs of more good stuff coming out from some new guys like BlackAlpha, KaleunFreddie, Lsmaciel, oh and of course, Flying_Nutcase to name just a few.

Many more have entered the fray, and hopefully are working on their techniques.

And some of the other guys are still putting great stuff out occasionally. Look at Thrustmaster, Orheim, syd, snatchio and Dart's latest offerings!

Anyway, to get back to my point - only last night I popped on to Hyperlobby for a wee dogfight and somebody asked where is a good place to see IL2 movies. Well, I couldn't answer without sounding stupid, as there really is no good place. Tooz's sticky is good, for starters, but there is no quality control. Same goes for Netwings. I used to say check this forum for threads with high ratings, but the rating system seems to have lost quality control as well.

You really need someone to pick the best movies to put on your website. Maybe the best in each month. Or maybe the best in certain catagories. Dunno, but worth thinking about.

You could still reference the new guys movies, in a 'noobs' collection for each month (though some noobs have produced very enjoyable creations)

OK, I'll shut up now and pour some more shiraz

PS, apologies to any missed names, it's my age.

PPS, Nutcase, I'm not just spouting off, if I can actually help in any way, let me know.

[KaleunFreddie]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Joe-90:
OK, I'll shut up now and pour some more shiraz </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Consider that done as I now push my face into my 4th glass of Claret Select = plonk (good stuff too )

You might of heard of my grumbles, but I'll elaborate anyway....
I used to put a lot of pics on Photobucket - still do, and saw their video hosting facility. I tried it but was immediately miffed off coz they changed the format from AVI to some 'flasher' format. I think Youtube (and maybe a few others) do the same story, so we now have to downlaod their flasher media player (who knows what it contains ), plus the gazillion ads that go with it. If you want to save/download the movie you have to register. I'm really tired of registering at all these places giving away ...your email address = spam, more private info for big brother ..etc ...etc.

If I put a movie or pictures on the net and am not worried about copyrights, I plonk it on my own site with a direct link for you to download and KEEP - no restrictions, ads, junk mail, blah blah blah == no fuss, plain and simple.

It would be nice if people would note that the link is a place that will infest you with ads and junk mail.
Call me grumpy - I'm no dwarf

[Flying_Nutcase]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Joe-90:
Hi Nutcase.

Are you really going to set up a site to host all these movies? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unfortunately it's *unlikely*. Just one of several possibilities. I just wanted to get a clearer idea of the requirements.

MysticPuma, Doolittle, MrVH, Joe-90, KaleunFreddie: Thx very much for taking the time to respond. I'll give it all some thought, though at this stage consider it dead. At least your responses has given it some chance of life. Without them it would be a big fat zero.

~S~

P.S. Joe-90: I'll take up that offer if it does go ahead. Thx!