Streaming Vs Hard Copy DVD's

[getaclue]

Streaming Video Vs Hard Copy DVD?

Which is better for my customers?

I’m creating a “how to” video series. I’m debating, whether or not, I should upload my video file to a protected “streaming media server”, like Amazon AWS, and let the purchaser have a password to download it directly to their computer OR go through the whole process of creating the dvd’s, duplication, labels, shipping/handling, etc.?

A friend of mine mentioned, I would get too many refunds using the streaming method vs the traditional “package” method, because most times, people don’t want take the time, to ship anything back?

Though, I agree with his statement, but really think everything is moving towards streaming/downloading. Plus, refunds? It’s easy to say, “I didn’t get it.”, “It didn’t work.” Or “Not Interested…”

What do you think?

Thanks For Your Input?

[Dave]

Amongst other things it will depend upon the content and your customer base.

You also appear to be confusing streaming and download technologies. If you stream it then you don't download it. You would typically have to log-on to the remote server each time you wanted to view it. If you download it, you log-on once, download it, and then acess it locally.

One thing to think about would be the amount and quality of the content. A single DVD disc can hold more data (approx 5-18GB) than a number of people would be prepared to download, which means you can typically include more content or higher quality content on the DVD. You can stream high quality content, however not everyone has sufficient bandwidth to receive it. A DVD in that respect will typically give your customers a more consistant experience.

It also depends on the price. Some people, if spending a lot of money, prefer to receive something that they can physically hold, as opposed to a one-time viewing or some large files on their hard drive, which they now need to back-up some-how.

On-line content has the advantage that in most cases it is immediately accessible. If it's 9pm and your customer is browsing the web for how-to information and come across your product, then typically they can access it there and then, without having to wait until the following morning for their order to be processed, packaged, and then put into the post and finally wait for it to be delivered. Instead they may just continue browsing the web to find the information elsewhere.

On-line content is easier to update though. If there is a problem with your DVD, then potentially you have to recall and replace. With on-line, you can update and and send an e-mail out stating that it has been updated.

Compatibility issues still remain with streaming media though. Not all customers can access on-line media. Firewalls may block certain ports required for streaming, or they may not have sufficient rights to install the player application on their machine. On the other hand, most people these days however will have some means of playing back a video DVD.

You could however use both technologies and see how it goes. If one proves to be more successful than the other, then roll with it, and drop the other.

[getaclue]

That's a great answer. Lots to think about. I think I need a spreadsheet to write out the pro's and cons.
I've seen some teachers/leaders, charge a membership monthly fee to access "training", "how to", all month long, using a password. If a customer doesn't see the "value", then he opts out and the password is changed.

Do you have any links of these types of trends coming?

Thanks Again,

David D.

(10-17-2009 11:41 AM)Dave Wrote:  Amongst other things it will depend upon the content and your customer base.

You also appear to be confusing streaming and download technologies. If you stream it then you don't download it. You would typically have to log-on to the remote server each time you wanted to view it. If you download it, you log-on once, download it, and then acess it locally.

One thing to think about would be the amount and quality of the content. A single DVD disc can hold more data (approx 5-18GB) than a number of people would be prepared to download, which means you can typically include more content or higher quality content on the DVD. You can stream high quality content, however not everyone has sufficient bandwidth to receive it. A DVD in that respect will typically give your customers a more consistant experience.

It also depends on the price. Some people, if spending a lot of money, prefer to receive something that they can physically hold, as opposed to a one-time viewing or some large files on their hard drive, which they now need to back-up some-how.

On-line content has the advantage that in most cases it is immediately accessible. If it's 9pm and your customer is browsing the web for how-to information and come across your product, then typically they can access it there and then, without having to wait until the following morning for their order to be processed, packaged, and then put into the post and finally wait for it to be delivered. Instead they may just continue browsing the web to find the information elsewhere.

On-line content is easier to update though. If there is a problem with your DVD, then potentially you have to recall and replace. With on-line, you can update and and send an e-mail out stating that it has been updated.

Compatibility issues still remain with streaming media though. Not all customers can access on-line media. Firewalls may block certain ports required for streaming, or they may not have sufficient rights to install the player application on their machine. On the other hand, most people these days however will have some means of playing back a video DVD.

You could however use both technologies and see how it goes. If one proves to be more successful than the other, then roll with it, and drop the other.

[Dave]

APEX/VTC ( http://vtc.com/ ) have been doing online/DVD training for a number of years. Monthly/annual subscription on-line, or you can buy the CD/DVD versions.

Lynda ( http://www.lynda.com/ ) appear to be popular for online training, once again monthy/annual subscription.

Dave

[cata12]

Hello:

I think what you need here is a broadcasting platform and I can help you.
Basicly you need the option to set prices for the videos uploaded on your website and users can choose what the like by paying a specified amount to view the content. It's a pay per view feature like televisions do. If you need to do live training sessions (live video broadcasting)it will be easy because the trainee will pay before accessing the meeting room with the trainer. Here is a scheme for you to understand better how it works: http://www.tikilive.org/pdf/TikiLIVE_PPV.pdf

I don't recommend you the DVD option because it's time consuming and people may don't like what they get before seeing any samples and you'll get a lot of refund demands. The streaming service stays first.

Best regards and let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.
Catalin

[getaclue]

(11-05-2009 09:07 AM)cata12 Wrote:  Hello:

I think what you need here is a broadcasting platform and I can help you.
Basicly you need the option to set prices for the videos uploaded on your website and users can choose what the like by paying a specified amount to view the content. It's a pay per view feature like televisions do. If you need to do live training sessions (live video broadcasting)it will be easy because the trainee will pay before accessing the meeting room with the trainer. Here is a scheme for you to understand better how it works: http://www.tikilive.org/pdf/TikiLIVE_PPV.pdf

I don't recommend you the DVD option because it's time consuming and people may don't like what they get before seeing any samples and you'll get a lot of refund demands. The streaming service stays first.

Best regards and let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.
Catalin

Thanks Catalin! I would rather have "streaming" video or option to download, but the only downside is refunds... My friend said, people are lazy in not wanting to send back a physical product, going to the PO etc. This makes sense, since, when i wanted a refund i had to send back a product and never did.

It's so easy to ask for a refund, if there's not effort on the other end. So there's my dilemma...

Thanks.

[cata12]

Here is another suggestion I have for you: Flash streaming. Flash has fast become the standard for delivery of rich-media over the internet. TV and Video Broadcasters and a wide variety of content creators around the globe have chosen Flash as their No. 1 streaming format. Also be aware it's not really live streaming but video on demand. So you first need to upload the videos on a broadcasting platform for example. You may have a look at: http://www.thehdstandard.com/hd-streamin...ing-flash/ for more informations about flash streaming.


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Catalin
Professional Streaming Consultant