About the Rich Media service
The Multimedia Team offers an integrated audio/video streaming and podcasting service which enables embedded Flash video/audio to be used as well as podcast (RSS) feeds of content if required. There is also a user-managed podcasting and media streaming service as well as a managed live webcasting services.
Podcasting
Podcasting is a means of delivering a media file by downloading it after a user requests it. The downloaded file can be played on a PC or portable media player (eg. iPod). MP3 audio is probably the most well known file format, but podcasting is not limited to audio and any file can be delivered in this manner, eg. PDFs.
More information about recording podcasts can be found on the eLearning website, and the Steeple project maintains a handy guide on audio podcasting. Equipment and support for recording and editing your material are available from the Learning Resource Centre (Main Library) and GMRC (King's Buildings)
Streaming
Streaming delivers content as a stream (similar to a broadcast) that means the end-user needs a live internet connection in order to view the file and does not store a copy of the video/audio on their own hard drive. Streamed videos can be embedded within a website, linked from a "reference" file or from WebCT (the University's virtual learning environment).
Formats currently available:
- Windows Media
- QuickTime
- RealMedia (supported for existing content only)
Live Webcasting
A live webcast uses streaming media technology essentially “broadcasting” events over the Internet. This managed service for events is carried out on site by the Multimedia Team. We can arrange to have the event filmed by the video production unit and can also arrange with AV services to provide audio PA and data projection facilities.
Webcasting is available in QuickTime, Mpeg4, Flash and Windows Media formats. Click here for information on charges for webcasting services.
More information
- Instructions on using the services
- Service Definition and charges
- Podcasting & Streaming Service
- Charges