Choosing a Video Format
Introduction
The best choice of media for the multimedia tutorials usually depends on the speed and reliability of your Internet connection. However, even a fast Internet connection may function slowly due to general congestion on the Internet or on the Course Web server. So your best media choice may change from one work session to the next. You will have two types of online media to select.
- Flash Movie
- Standard Movie
Choosing the Media Link
Use the table below to determine which media you should
use.
| Media Type | Description | Use this media when… |
| Flash Movie | Flash video conveniently plays in a new browser window. Most computers come with the the Flash player plug-in for Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator already installed. So it is doubtful that you will have to do anything besides adjust the volume level as you play back videos. | You have a fast Internet connection (see below). |
| Standard Movie | Standard movies have the same sound and video quality as Flash videos. However, these movies require either that you install a special piece of software (called a codec) or you must download the file and play it back in the compact Camtasia Player movie player. | You have a slow modem connection and it takes too long to download Flash movies. |
Types of Internet Connections
Most Internet connections are one of the types below.
| Connection Type | Speed/Notes |
| Dialup Modem | This is the slowest type of Internet connection. In many rural areas, connection speeds may be too slow to view Flash media. |
| T1 Line | Most colleges and universities use this fast Internet connection. However, if there is a high level of traffic on the connection, sometimes the flow of data will slow down. |
| Cable Modem | This is a very fast Internet connection that is becoming very popular. However, not all areas have this service available. |
| DSL Modem | This is another type of fast Internet connection. However, DSL is not available in most rural areas. |