Santa Clara University

Guidelines for Web-ready video

Editing your video clip

It is important that your video clip be well edited so the message you want to portray is clear, concise, and quick.  If you are able to keep your video clip short, it can be saved in a higher quality format which will make it easier to watch online.

If you have an existing video that needs to be edited for the Web, the Office of Communications and Marketing recommends the following video editing company:

Image Design Video
Contact: Wayne Fogle
Phone: 408-748-1861
E-mail Image Design Video

Image Design Video is able to work with DVD or VHS to edit your video.  They are also able to convert your video to the appropriate format (Real Player, Quick Time, or Windows Media Player) and file sizes for uploading to the Web.  Their pricing is competitive (roughly $135 per hour of work on your video).

Recommended file size 

The size of your file will vary depending on the length and the quality of the video. Since users must download the entire movie before viewing it, best practice is to provide at least two versions of a video: a lower quality(56 kilobit, "dial-up") version for users with a slow connection and a higher quality (250+ kilobit, "dsl/broadband") version for faster connections.

Example: http://www.scu.edu/campaign/ 

To play the video, choose your download speed:

• slower (56Kb or less)
• faster (broadband)

File Format

Your video file can be converted to/saved in a variety of formats: Real Player, Quick Time, and Windows Media Player.  All of these formats have free download options via the internet, which make the video easily accessible to users.

Converting video to a usable format 

On campus you can learn how to convert your video clip to Real Player, Quick Time, or Windows Media Player by making an appointment with the Varsi Media lab, phone: 554-4091.  Michael Ballen or David Armstrong with Media Services can teach you how to use the necessary software.  They are not able to convert the files for you; however, they are happy to show you how it is done.

CommonSpot: Linking to video

The best way to link to a video in CommonSpot is to use 'Link to New Uploaded File' in the 'Insert Link' window (see guidelines on linking).  It is recommended that a screenshot of the video be included on the Web page next to the two download speed choices.  Example: http://www.scu.edu/campaign/ 

If you have further questions about getting your video Web ready and linking it in CommonSpot, contact Brian Washburn or Stephanie Griffith.