Streaming is a process by which a file (sound or video) is partially downloaded and then begins to play rather than you having to wait for the whole file to download before you can listen to or view it.
Stream UK is a company in the UK that provides a streaming media service for us. Of course, you can engage a local company to stream media for you – but you will have to pay for that service. By using the service offered by Stream UK, you will save money because E-strategy will cover the cost.
Firstly, you need to decide whether someone in the office has the necessary skills and access to appropriate equipment to record or make a file that can be streamed. Stream UK can encode files or edit larger files for smaller sound bites. Please download the Guide to encoding Streaming Media document that Stream UK have put together.
Files should not have a running time of more than 5 minutes. If you would like help to edit files then you will need to send the original master tape to us. This can be in DigitalBetacam, Beta SP or DVCAM format. Please remember though that they have to be PAL. Any tapes sent to us would be on the understanding that we have control over the editing style and that Corporate Communications may wish to re-use them internally if necessary.
If you have a video clip that includes people then you need to be aware of the Data Protection Law. We are awaiting a dedicated document on this from the British Council’s Data Protection Officer. Until this is ready you will have to download and read the documents from the intranet that relate to Data Protection and Using Photographs. You must ensure that these rules are fully adhered to. If you need to seek written permission from someone then do so using the correct forms.
If you do not fully understand any of the issues raised concerning data protection then you must contact the Data Protection Officer (Dataprotection@britishcouncil.org)
Upon receipt of your file a member of the E-strategy team will upload the file to the Stream UK server and then issue you with a URL. Once you have this, please create an external link to the given URL and place this into the correct slot within your page.
If you would like more information about this service please contact Web2004.
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