Choose the Best Video File Format

What Video File Format is Best for Screencast.com Viewers?

MPEG-4 – (MP4) Best for Screencast.com Viewers

The MPEG-4 video file format with H.264 encoding plays on any computer with the Adobe Flash Player.

  • Offers the best compression for both screen recordings and  high motion videos.
  • Use to include customizable information such as logos, table of contents, custom about box, and more.
  • More people can play Flash video than other other format, since Flash is pre-installed in more browsers.

 

TechSmith ExpressShow™ (SWF) – Best for Screencast.com Viewers

The ExpressShow Flash (SWF) format is ideal for producing videos approximately 15 minutes or less in length and do not contain a great deal of motion, such as transitions, Zoom-n-Pan keyframes, and animation.

  • Use the ExpressShow (SWF) to include customizable information such as logos, table of contents, custom about box, and more.
  • More people can play Flash video than other other format, since Flash is pre-installed in more browsers.

 

TechSmith ExpressShow™ (FLV) – Great for Screencast.com Viewers - Camtasia Studio Version 4.x – 5.x

The ExpressShow Flash (FLV) format offers good  compression for both screen recordings and  high motion videos.

  • ExpressShow (FLV) files that contain customized information such as logos, table of contents, custom about box, etc. are not compatible with Screencast.com.
  • More people can play Flash video than other other format, since Flash is pre-installed in more browsers.

 

Adobe Flash (FLV) – Great for Screencast.com Viewers

The Adobe Flash (FLV) format offers good  compression for both screen recordings and  high motion videos.

  • More people can play Flash video than other other format, since Flash is pre-installed in more browsers.

 

Windows Media (WMV - Streaming Format) – Could be OK for Screencast.com Viewers

WMV, a Microsoft streaming file format, works well for longer recordings or recordings with higher motion.  WMV produces very good image quality with a small file size.  The WMV file format might be okay to use if:

  • You choose a codec desigend for use on the Web. A variety of audio and video compressors are available , including the Windows Media Screen video codec optimized for screen recordings.
  • There are no customizations included in the video (from Camtasia Studio, for instance).
  • Viewers have the current version of Microsoft's Windows Media Player. If not, Windows Media Player (automatically) contacts Microsoft and downloads new codecs. As a result, the computer playing the video will, in most cases, require Internet connectivity.
  • You understand the bandwidth needs. If you don't set the production bandwidth high enough, during playback the video may turn out black, or blocky or the image may freeze during playback.

 

QuickTime (MOV) - Could be OK for Screencast.com Viewers

The QuickTime file format, might be okay to use if:

  • You choose a codec desigend for use on the Web. A variety of audio and video compressors are available .
  • Viewers have the current version of Apple QuickTime player. If not, QuickTime will automatically try to install the latest version. As a result, the computer playing the video will, in most cases, require Internet connectivity
  • Viewers understand that the entire file must download to their computer before it will begin to play.

 

GIF Animation File (GIF) – Could be OK for Screencast.com Viewers

Use the GIF video format to publish highly compressed and lossless short clips or animations that playback in any browser on any computer platform. The GIF file format might be okay to use if:

  • You only have short clips with no real word video or high motion.
  • You do not use audio.
  • Your video is limited to 8 bit, 256 colors.
  • Viewers know that the entire file must download to their computer before it will begin to play.

 

Audio Video Interleave (AVI) – Do not use with Screencast.com

The AVI format is typically used as a temporary video format while editing. Due to their large file size and viewing prohibitions, AVI files are not suitable for use on Screencast.com.

 

RealMedia Streaming Media (RM) – Do not use with Screencast.com

The RealMedia file format creates video files using the standard RealVideo and RealAudio codecs. RealMedia requires your viewers to have the RealPlayer and codec installed.

 

DVD Video Objects File (VOB) – Do not use with Screencast.com

  • VOB files require your viewers to have the DVD playback software installed.
  • Due to their large file size and viewing prohibitions, VOB files are not suitable for use on Screencast.com.
  • Viewers must understand that the entire file must download to their computer before it will begin to play.

 

Camtasia for RealPlayer (RealPlayer Plug-In (CAMV) – Not supported by Screencast.com

The CAMV file format uses the Camtasia for RealPlayer Plug-In to stream video with perfect lossless quality.