please help: best video type to use for business?

[Pixelrage]

I'm trying to find the best method to use for my online business, but I dont know a hell of a lot about different video types. In short, my site will offer lots of video clips (no, it's not porn ) but only paying members will be allowed to watch them. I need to know the following:

1) what would be the best file type to offer, in regard to file size, clarity and sound? (clips are about 30-60 seconds each)? MPG, AVI, Real?

2) it must be a file type that cannot be edited (much like how a flash .swf file is "final").

3) If anything, I wish there were a method I could use so that the file cannot be downloaded or saved into the Temp directory of a visitor's computer. Is there any such method that I could use? How about streaming video? -- the only fear I have with it is the bandwidth.

I hope this made some kind of sense. I would really appreciate anyone's advice on this topic!!

[Pixelrage]

anyone????

[MPS]

1) what would be the best file type to offer, in regard to file size, clarity and sound? (clips are about 30-60 seconds each)? MPG, AVI, Real?

it depends on your hard drive/server size - how much space you have for those files. compressed xvid/divx... avis are usu. small in size, also low format mpgs may be given a try.

2) it must be a file type that cannot be edited (much like how a flash .swf file is "final").

well... with the tools available on the net, virtually any file format may be ripped and edited but "your average pedestrian" wouldnt edit a streamed file like asf/wmv/real...

3) If anything, I wish there were a method I could use so that the file cannot be downloaded or saved into the Temp directory of a visitor's computer. Is there any such method that I could use? How about streaming video? -- the only fear I have with it is the bandwidth.

you've answered your own question - streaming (winmedia or real).

[setarip]

To Pixelrage

I'd suggest you go to the Microsoft website and search for information regarding viewing-only streaming video...

[Pixelrage]

Thanks--

About server space, that is no issue, I can just keep upgrading my company account, since my co-worker is the hosting provider as well. Bandwidth is another issue...I dont know if I can handle a few hundred files (and who knows how many hits per day) that are streaming video...

I had a feeling the files could be saved and edited no matter what. I think I might as well just use Dr. Divx and put the files up for download, with a good enough watermark that will make the file worthless for viewing on any other site if stolen.

[MPS]

it's your choice after all

[MPS]

and you mightwanna read some
Streaming Magazine

good luck!