Re: FN-FORUM asf or wmv - OT rant

date posted 23rd January 2002 23:08

Offering them snippets is an interesting solutions, but there is no
universal way to do streaming. A couple of companies are advertising Java
solutions which don't need any preloaded players but the only two I've seen
so far take longer to download and aren't as good quality then the big
boys. It may be one of those thigns that changes though. But you still have
the problem of assuming your client runs Java...

However, it looks like the problem will be solved in the next couple of
years. Earlier this month another corporate client told me they want to
swap from RealMedia to Windows Media because...their IT department has
decided to only support Windows Media as it comes as part of new Windows
implementations. Admittedly the new WM is a good product in many respects,
it's great for integrating in the Windows environment and bearing no
relation to the shameful old version of eighteen months ago; and you can
see the appeal of sticking to one family of products; but it's very
depressing to hear the reasoning. Particularly as it's only the players we
are talking about, so there are no cost considerations - until it comes to
actually getting some streaming done (I charge more for Windows Media
streaming than Real Media because it's such a nightmare). But you can't
blame the IT staff who don't see the difference at the coal face.

And MS has the huge advantage that, as well as including WM player in the
desktop OS, you get a free media server in the Server OS. RealNetworks can
compete with giving away players but when the server is given away
too..where's the money going to come from? As neither is a fundamental part
of the OS, this is MS cross-subsidising to drive out a competitor again,
and I'm sure it will succeed.

Ah well. That's my gripe. Sorry, but I was just deeply depressed about my
client's about-turn. Time for another glass of wine and the ironing.


At 22:34 23/01/02 +0000, you wrote:
> > Confused? You will be.
>
>Felix, that pretty much sums up my (v. confusing) experience with windows
>media - you obviously have better typing skills, as my answers tend toward
>the brief. The MS site goes round and round letting very few clues out on
>the way... streaming a/v is still just so hit 'n' miss, no matter what
>format, until browser/plugins/modem-broadband issues are resolved over the
>next few years. Offer them a snippet in likely formats, with a link to
>download the full avi/mpeg/wmv whatever?? is the way I'm going - unless you
>can be sure your likely audience are all benefitting from the latest
>'stuff'.
>And please don't anyone come back and say 'I have the solution' - unless you
>really do, I don't believe it...!?!X?
>
>Well, that's my 2p - and as a (sometimes) working musician, despite the
>lures of the internet, I expect to be kept uptodate ;-)
>Paul.