I have just added support for video clips in the Gallery, as well as embedded video on the forum (see forum faq)
Video clips may now be added to the gallery, with some restrictions
I have not had a chance to test every single format, codec, etc. but I know that at least a couple of the most common formats will work.
.wmv - Windows media
.asf - windows media
.flv - flash
I think Quicktime .mov files will also work easily, but I haven't tried yet.
I will do some more testing as time allows, but at least the basic functionality is there.
RESTRICTIONS:
The data transfer for Ironpour.com in not unlimited. Therefore, if having video on the site becomes a strain on the web server's limits, I will disable it, so please help me keep things efficient.
Files can be absolutely no larger than 20 mb, preferably much less.
you should convert your clips to the most efficient bitrate and size possible. 200kbps is perfectly good quality at 320x240 res.
If you want to trim down your files or convert them to another format, I recommend MediaCoder software.
There are many software utilities, and editing packages out there which can resize and convert video, but if you need a simple but powerful converter, MediaCoder seems to work well.
It is a FREE, opensource product. We should all support the development of such great opensource tools, they will someday save us all from Microsoft.
Find MediaCoder at:
http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/download.htm *TIP* If you exclude the audio from your clip you can trim the file size significantly, and most iron pour clips only have the sound of blowers in the background anyway.
To upload your video files:
go to the video directory and create a sub-album with your name as the name of the album. This will be where you store all your videos. doing it this way helps maintain some order in the files. I may eventually put in some categories too.
The files may be uploaded just like images files. You can use the browser method, the windows xp direct from folder publisher, or the java upload applet. If you use the browser method you may not be able to upload files larger than 8mb.
Be patient. It takes a long time to upload a large video file. even if the progress bar says it is 100% complete, its not. It will show you an entirely different window when it is really done.
When you have uploaded your file. you will go to the directory it is in and you will notice that there is no thumbnail image. My web server does not support the appropriate software for automatic thumbnail creation from video files, so you will either have to live with the default, or upload your own .jpg file as a thumbnail.
You will also notice that the video doesn't show up in a player window, it just shows up as a link that says "download movie". To fix this you must choose "edit movie" from the drop down menu under the thumbnail image, and then select the "movie size" tab at the top of the screen. enter the dimensions of the video clip, and click "save"
your video will now show up in a small embedded player window for all to enjoy.
You can also add a description and rename the title, add a summary, etc under the "edit movie" selection.
I hope this all makes sense. Please post you questions and I will try to help.
I can't wait to see all the great footage you have collected.
