Also called 'streaming media', webcasting is a way of delivering both pre-recorded and live audio and video content over a network; usually the internet or intranet. It brings together the immediacy of television broadcasting with the interactivity and accessibility of the Internet.
Video, audio and other media content (such as PowerPoint slides with graphics) can be linked and then webcast so that they are accessible to a large audience from their computers.
Webcasting process
1. Getting content (e.g. the video of the event). This can be live or from pre-recorded content.
2. Encoding the content. This compresses the media and converts it to a format that allows 'streaming'. Streaming enables a user to watch content as it is being delivered over the internet without waiting for a download.
3. Hosting the content. The encoded media is pulled up to a server and pushed out on the internet in real time as a 'live broadcast' or as a stored file to be used 'on-demand'.
4. Playing the content. Video can play in a default player or it can be embedded into a custom branded 'console'. This allows a client to add branding, useful hyperlinks and navigation to the broadcast.
5. Multiple media broadcasting. Video and audio can be synchronised with graphics and text to create a media rich, highly informative presentation.
Benefits of Webcasting
So, this is all very well, but what are the actual benefits? Well, by webcasting an event live, information can be delivered to a wider global audience who may not be able, for various reasons, to attend personally. Now that's some serious coverage.
And by webcasting a pre-recorded event on-demand, your audience are able to view the conference online at their leisure. Again, useful for people who were not able to attend the event in person and also very handy for anyone who did attend, but who'd like to view the conference, or even just specific sections, again. Other benefits include:
• You're able to build up an online library of events; extending their reach and lifespan.
• It's a great way to increase brand awareness and information accuracy. Everyone who
needs to can access the event and its content themselves without having to simply rely
on feedback that's second-hand.
• It’s a more economic and environmentally sound approach to conferences,
meetings and events:
• save money on travel expenses
• reduce your carbon footprint – link to http://www.wwf.org.uk
• increase the target audience, nationally and worldwide
Speak to us about environmentally friendly UK venues for use when webcasting.
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To view samples of our work see our portfolio