ResourcesForLife.com

“Resources for Better Living.”

Jul 08

Apple iPhone 4 HD Video Quality YouTube Upload Guidelines and Review

Summary. The Apple iPhone 4 offers high definition video recording at 1280 x 720 pixels of resolution.

Highest Quality Video. A 1280 x 720 resolution video of 9 minutes in length will be about 700MB in it’s native file size when stored in the phone or transferred to a computer. When played directly on a computer, this video looks great. Were this video to be burned to a DVD, it would still look quite good.

Recording Tips. For best video quality, there should be an abundance of diffused light during recording and limited background noise. The video camera and subject should be moving as little as necessary. The touch screen can help with focus and light metering on the subject.

YouTube Upload From iPhone. When uploading to YouTube directly from the iPhone, the HD quality will be lost. This is because a reduced quality video is produced before uploading to save on Internet network bandwidth usage. The 700MB video mentioned above will be reduced to about 37MB, and the loss of about 660MB (about 95% of your original image information) is obviously noticeable. The reduction in file size is achieved by reducing the video size from 1280 x 720 to 480 x 270. In addition to the reduced number of pixels, video compression (like image compression) is used. Normally when reducing a photo or video, you can choose to reduce the dimensions but retain the image quality for a smaller picture that is very crisp and clear. Unfortunately, the video compression used in the upload process with YouTube is not very good. So, the resulting video image is small and fuzzy.

YouTube Upload from Computer. For better quality video, it’s recommended that you transfer the video from your iPhone to your computer and then upload it to YouTube using the video uploader application on your computer or directly from your YouTube account page. This will result in the following compressed videos being available for viewing on YouTube: 1280 pixels wide by 720 pixels high (130MB file), 853 x 480 (81MB file), 640 x 360 (54MB file), and 427 x 240 (28MB file). Regardless of what video you choose to view, the quality is obviously not as good as the original 700MB file since much of the video information has been removed to save file size and bandwidth. However, the HD setting on YouTube should offer the best quality.

Understanding Video Compression. There are two ways to reduce the file size of a photo or video. One method is to retain the clarity and sharpness, but simply reduce the dimensions. The other way to reduce photo or video file size is to reduce the clarity. When saving JPG images, it’s common to see a slider control that allows you to determine the clarity of the resulting image. The same is true for video, unless it is an automated system (as with YouTube uploads).

YouTube Video Quality Comparison. Using the two video samples below, it’s possible to compare by playing them both at the same time (use pause and then play to synchronize).

YouTube Video Sample – 480 x 270. Below is a high definition video sample that was uploaded from the iPhone 4 to YouTube. Notice that the original HD dimensions are reduced during the upload process.

YouTube Video Sample – 1280 x 720 HD. Below is a video sample recorded on the iPhone 4 that was uploaded to YouTube as a 700MB file with full 1280 x 720 HD video. YouTube converted it to be the same dimensions, but a file size of 130MB making it reduced quality from the original.

YouTube iPhone 3GS Video Sample – 640 x 480. Below is a 6 minute video sample that was recorded on the Apple iPhone 3GS. The video was transferred to the computer and then uploaded to YouTube. The original size was 640 x 480 and 160MB. The compressed size retained the dimensions of 640 x 480 (480p), but lost about 75% of the video information and resulted in a file size of 39.7 MB. Surprisingly the quality is still okay.

Video Samples. Below are six samples of the same video that was recorded and edited on the iPhone 4. The first three have been transferred to a computer from the iPhone 4, and then uploaded to YouTube. The next three were uploaded directly from the iPhone 4. They were created using iMovie on the iPhone 4 and exported/saved to three different sizes into the iPhone 4 camera roll. Be sure to select the maximum playback quality for the most accurate comparison.

Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 1280x720p format with a resulting file size of 327MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.

Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 960x540p format with a resulting file size of 164MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.

Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson as follows: video recorded on the iPhone 4, edited in iMovie on the iPhone 4, exported from iMovie to the camera roll in 640x360p format with a resulting file size of 110MB. Then, copied over to the computer and uploaded to YouTube.

Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson using the iPhone 4 to directly upload to YouTube a video of 1280x720p that is 327MB.

Below is a video test produced by Gregory Johnson using the iPhone 4 and uploading from the phone to YouTube in 960x540p format.

This is a test by Gregory Johnson uploading a 640x360p video from the iPhone 4 directly to YouTube.

Jun 30

IOGEAR 56-in-1 Memory Card Reader/Writer GFR281

Photography, Technology, Video No Comments »

Technology > Photography | Video

Summary. IOGEAR recently released a 56-in-1 memory card reader, model GFR281.

Photo cameras and video cameras are adapting new standards of higher speed and higher capacity memory cards. Video cameras in particular are shifting from tape, disc, and hard drive storage to memory card storage.

The 56-in-1 memory card reader model GFR281 from IOGear is a versatile device that can read most photo camera and video camera memory cards as well as memory cards from other devices like cell phones.

At a purchase price from $20 to $35 depending on where you buy it, the device is relatively economical. Buy locally if you can, or click here to purchase from our store.

Testimonial. Below is a testimonial from Gregory Johnson about the product and where to buy it.

“We have the IOGEAR 56-in-1 memory card reader available in our online store for about $20. So, with the free shipping of Amazon Prime, it’s a fairly good deal. However, I paid $3 more and bought it at our local downtown office supply store, Iowa Book and Supply. I like to support local downtown merchants because they make life more convenient, and at Iowa Book the prices are low enough that my cumulative aggregate savings are usually better than buying anywhere else, even online at my own store.” ~ Gregory Johnson

Learn More. Below are links to more information about this device.

Tagged with: Photography • Technology • Video

Jun 20

Nike Commercial Featuring Steve Nash as the 60 Million Dollar Man

Activism, Video, advertising No Comments »

Activism > Advertising

Summary. Nike created a humorous series of videos with Steve Nash including the one below with Nash as the 60 Million Dollar Man.

Traditional advertising places a product or service at the center of attention. However, a new approach to advertising has become more common where the primary message of the advertisement is either hope or humor. This kind of media is a fusion of advertising and entertainment.

Making advertisements funny increases their appeal, and with the help of friends telling friends through social networks, a simple advertisement can quickly generate a huge number of viewers.

This hybrid approach to advertising has been hugely successful. If you are a professional in advertising or marketing, do all you can to help promote this kind of advertising. It’s better for your brand and it’s better for the world and allows for two messages to be presented simultaneously.

Video. Below is the Nike advertisement with Steve Nash as the 60 Million Dollar Man. This is a parody of the television show titled the Six Million Dollar Man.

Tagged with: advertising • humor • Video

May 21

Downloading, Recording, or Copying Video From Web Pages Including Streaming Video and FLV Files

Technology No Comments »

Technology > Video

Summary. Various programs make it possible to capture video from web pages.

Programs such as Camtasia Studio (Windows) or iShowU HD (Apple) record the audio and screen video in realtime while you wait.

Some programs, such as Real Player, can identify the video file and download it directly. This saves time and can result in better quality downloaded video.

With Apple computers, it’s possible to use the Safari browser to download Google YouTube and Flash Video FLV in Safari.

Some web pages have what appears to be video, but it is actually animation or web programming that, in some cases, relies upon user input. To capture this kind of media, it’s necessary to record the screen and audio. This is also true with streaming video.

Tagged with: Video • video production

Mar 17

Parenthood Television Series – A Show About Parenting – Season 1

Relationships, Video No Comments »

Relationships

Summary. This page contains videos of Parenthood season 1. Presented here, they are easily browsed and viewed. Topics covered in the show include:

challenges of teen parenting
drug use
single parenting
special education needs
challenges with school systems and institutionalized impersonalized education systems

Videos. Below are the videos for the season 1 of Parenthood as offered by Hulu.

Season 1, Episode 3. The Deep End of the Pool (below)

Parenthood Season 1, Episode 2, Man Versus Possum (below)

Parenthood, Season 1, Episode 1. Pilot (below)

Tagged with: parenthood • parenting • Video

Feb 23

Basecamp by 37signals Offers Project Management and Workgroup Collaboration Online

Effective Living, Technology, Video, advertising No Comments »

Effective Living | Technology

Summary. Basecamp by 37signals (at Basecamphq.com) is an online workgroup team collaboration system for cooperative teamwork and project management.

Excellence in Advertising. ResourcesForLife.com has given 37signals our excellence in advertising award for their high quality candid videos. An example is below.

Impressive Client List. Below are a few of the clients who use Basecamp.

Other Services. The Basecamphq.com system is just one of several products offered by 37signals. Here are some others:

Backpackit.com – “Share information with your team. Keep your documents, discussions, and schedules in one place all the time. Backpack is an easy intranet for your business. Store, share, discuss, and archive everything that’s essential for your team. Safe and secure.”
Basecamphq.com – “For years project management software was about charts, graphs, and stats. And you know what? It didn’t work. Pictures and numbers don’t get projects done. Basecamp tackles project management from an entirely different angle: A focus on communication and collaboration. Basecamp brings people together.”
Campfirenow.com – “Campfire is like instant messaging, but designed exclusively for groups. Campfire is a web-based group chat tool that lets you set up password-protected chat rooms in just seconds. Invite a client, colleague, or vendor to chat, collaborate, and make decisions. Link to a room on your intranet for internal communications.”
Share text, files, and code in real time. Save transcripts so you don’t forget.”
Highrisehq.com – “Highrise is the answer to the avalanche: So many people, phone calls, emails, notes, follow-ups, and tasks. Who is this person again? When did we last speak? What did we talk about? Has anyone else in my company talked to this person? What’s supposed to happen next? Highrise keeps track of it all.”

Video. There are several testimonial videos on the Basecamp website. These videos are of excellent quality technically and also they contain what seem to be genuine and sincere people. This one is especially effective and it begins with what seems to be a genuine and non-scripted video clip.

Tagged with: advertising • Video

Feb 03

Chasidic Jewish Chabad Blesofsky Family in Iowa City (Video)

Lifeways, Video No Comments »

Lifeways > Jewish Life | Iowa City

Summary. The videos below feature Avremel and Chaya Blesofsky of the local Jewish Chabad House in Iowa City. Chabad is a community outreach organization founded on the teachings of Judaism.

These are videos produced by The Community Voice, a video broadcasting channel of, for, and by the people of Iowa City. This is an example of why local programming is so important.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Tagged with: chabad • chasidic • Iowa City • Judaism • Video

Dec 01

Watch Movies Online and View TV Shows with Video on Demand

Technology, Video No Comments »

Effective Living > Technology > Video

20080527-chicago-round-rock-maze-DSC05031 Summary. Below is a list video on demand content providers for watching on-demand streaming video of movies and TV shows online as well as uploaded user content that is hosted. The best video providers offer excellent quality content, crisp image quality, high sound quality, and the ability to embed videos.

Procrastination Warning. Like surfing the web, playing video games, or spending time on social networking websites, watching short videos can be very addictive since most sites continue offering relevant/similar video content after you’re done viewing which feeds your interest. For this reason, we encourage purposeful and limited video viewing.

Service Key. The services below are keyed as follows: E=Embed, H=High Resolution Professional Quality, L=Link, M=Mixed High Quality and Low Quality Video, U=Upload.

Apple iTunes – “Music, movies, TV shows, applications, podcasts, audiobooks, university lectures and more. Download and enjoy all of then with iTunes.” (HL)
Apple Movie Trailers – High definition movie previews that can be downloaded with QuickTime Pro. (HL)
Apple Movies Under $10 – Weekly selections offered at a discount – requires iTunes. (HL)
Blip.tv – “A new class of entertainment is emerging that is being made by the people without the support of billion-dollar multinationals. Our mission is to support these people by taking care of all the problems a budding videoblogger, podcaster or Internet TV producer tends to run into. We’ll take care of the servers, the software, the workflow, the advertising and the distribution. We leave you free to focus on creativity.” [ Visit the ResourcesForLife.com Channel on Blip.tv ] (EHLMU)
FanCast.com – “Fancast is THE top entertainment site dedicated to celebrating television. Fancast gives fans instant access to an extensive video collection of television shows, movies, trailers and clips, so they can tune-in, catch-up and critique their favorite television programming. Fancast also offers comprehensive editorial and blog coverage with in-depth recaps and analysis on what’s hot and happening everyday in the world of television and entertainment.” (EHL)
Google Video – View our videos on Google and YouTube or post your own. (EMU)
Hulu.com – “Hulu was founded in March 2007 by NBC Universal and News Corp and is operated independently by a dedicated management team with offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Beijing. Hulu closed a $100 million investment from private equity firm Providence Equity Partners in October 2007. Hulu’s mission is to help people find and enjoy the world’s premium video content when, where and how they want it. Hulu offers U.S. consumers a vast selection of premium video content, on demand, free and ad-supported: full episodes of TV shows, both current and classic, full-length movies, thousands of clips, and much more.” (EHL) [ Tour ]
Mag.ma – “Magma is for exploring, discovering, collecting, sharing, and tracking videos from everywhere. The Magma home page is composed of video charts for the most popular videos being watched, right now. Every video is given a score from a low of 1 to a high of 11, an indication of how popular the video has become. This is determined by the amount of related videos, views, comments and social media activity from all around the web.”
MSN Video – Offering a variety of video clips, with some advertising. Registered users can upload clips. (LMU)
SideReel.com – “SideReel is an entertainment guide and community site for television and film enthusiasts. Here, you can be the guide, the critic, the expert, and of course a fan. SideReel is made of contributions from users like you. Feel free to add news, review one of your favorites, start a discussion, add information about the cast or crew of a show, or a new page entirely.” (EHL)
TED.com – “TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader.” An excellent source of inspiring and thought provoking videos.
TheDailyShow.com – An amazingly designed video distribution system offering video searching based on topic, guest, as well as a unique timeline view. (EHLM)
Veoh.com – “Veoh is a revolutionary online video service that gives users the power to easily discover, watch, and personalize their entertainment viewing experience. With a simple broadband connection Veoh gives you free access to all of the great TV and film studio content, independent productions, and user-generated videos on the Web. From hit series on CBS, ABC, MTV Networks to content from Warner Bros., Sony Pictures and ESPN to your favorite YouTube clips, Veoh turns the vast universe of Internet video into an easy-to-use, high-quality, personalized experience that entertainment fans everywhere can enjoy.” (EHLMU)
Vimeo.com – “Vimeo is a thriving community of people who love to make and share video. From simple moments to masterpieces, Vimeo is the perfect home for you to upload, store and share all the video you create. Your video’s quality and security is important to us, and that is why we’ve built advanced privacy options, sharing tools, and high quality video encoding. So whether you are an amateur filmmaker, proud mom, restaurant critic, or just a guy with a cellphone, connect with Vimeo today.” (EHLMU)
Viddler.com – “Upload as many videos as you want—you get nearly unlimited space with Viddler. Record videos directly to the site using your webcam! Post comments and tags at specific points in the video. Share your videos with RSS and iTunes. Keep your money! We are 100% free!” (EHLMU)
YouTube.com – “Founded in February 2005, YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.” (EHLMU)

Tagged with: movies • on demand • streaming • tv • Video

Nov 14

Makur Jain & Greg Johnson Marriage Wedding Video

Gregory Johnson - Journal, Relationships, Video No Comments »

Makur Jain | Greg Johnson

20091114sa-greg-makur-wedding-BT2_2057-Edit-600x

Greg & Makur (photo by Bruce Thayer)

Welcome. Below is the wedding video for the marriage of Makur Jain and Greg Johnson on 14 November 2009.

Virtual Invitation. You are cordially invited to attend the wedding virtually by watching the video. Please RSVP by clicking the play button.

About the Wedding. The symbols seen in the wedding are from Jainism and Hinduism. The vows used for the ceremony were based on open source marriage wedding vows. In an effort to reduce the financial and environmental cost of the wedding, only a few people were in attendance. Makur’s parents were in attendance from India via Skype, and are seen in the video on a notebook computer.

Video. The wedding video below is about 4 minutes long and concludes with a short slideshow of photos from the wedding. Photography is by Bruce Thayer except where otherwise noted. Video recorded and produced by RFLTV.

Comments and Congratulations. Below are some comments and congratulations we’ve received. Please feel free to use the contact page to add your comments and wishes below. Note: Some comments below are in Chinese, Japanese, or other foreign characters if they don’t appear properly, the font for that language may not be installed on your computer.

How lovely! We send congratulations to you and Makur and
wish you all the best forever. Thanks for sharing your special day. ~ Linda and Carl R. (20100213sa0740)

Congratulations on your and Makur’s wedding! I’m so happy for you both! Lovely wedding! ~ Jamila T. (20100201mo0534)

I wish you and your beautiful bride a life of happiness, health and peace. All my love. ~ David B. (20100201mo1234)

Let me be the first of 2010 to celebrate your wedding! A beautiful ceremony and a beautiful couple! ~ David S. (20100104mo0620)

Best wishes to a beautiful couple! ~ Shireen Q. (20091217th1709)

Congratulations!! Best wishes to you for a wonderful, happy and harmoneous life!! Будьте счастливы!! ~ Lyudmila K. (20091202we2300)

This was/is very sweet. Wishing all, all the best for you two!! ~ Almut H. (20091202we1602)

Thanks for sharing!!! ~ Cheri C. (20091202we1526)

It was a joy to view the beautiful video! Best wishes to you and your beautiful wife for a long, happy, lovely life together!!! Blessings and ugs to you both. ~ Phillis P. (20091202we1518)

Just watched your and Makur’s wedding video. Very sweet. Best wishes and congratulations to you both. ~ Sherry P. (20091202mo1437)

It was a perfect occasion!! Love Sweet Love… ~ Andrea C.D. (December 2 at 1:37PM)

Congrats. May you have only continued joy together coupled with good health and prosperity. ~ Avremel B. (20091126th1421)

Congratulations! ~ Chaya B. (20091126th1327)

Wow. Excellent news. Congratulations to you both. ~ Leon F. (November 17 at 11:09pm)

Congratulations!! May you both have a beautiful and blessed life together. ~ Asma S. (November 15 at 10:47pm)

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Love yo all!!! ~ Alex L. (November 15 at 10:21pm)

Congrats! ~ Jenifer S. (November 15 at 9:38pm)

Congratulations to you both! ~ Raphael A. (November 15 at 9:17pm)

Congratulations! Best wishes to your new family! ~ Anna K. (November 15 at 8:24pm)

Congratulations!!!! GongxiGongxi!!! 恭喜恭喜 ~ Yi-Tzu H. (November 15 at 8:01pm)

Congratulations, and best wishes! ~ Jeanne M. (November 15 at 7:31pm)

My best wishes to you both. ~ Gay A. (November 15 at 6:44pm)

Qué buena noticia. Felicidades!!! ~ Demaris P.A. (November 15 at 4:24pm)

Congratulations, Greg! I’m looking forward to the wedding video. ~ Anna Serena N. (November 15 at 3:06pm)

¡¡Felicidades!! ~ Tania L. (November 15 at 2:57pm)

Many congrats! Blessings to you both. ♥ ~ Cara B. (November 15 at 1:47pm)

Congrats! Soo… happy for both of you!!!… ~ Bahar T. (November 15 at 1:04pm)

Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness! ‘Look forward to seeing your news & photos of the happy event! ~ Andrea C.D. (November 15 at 12:46pm)

Congrats!! omedetoo! おめでとう~ Chiemi H. (November 15 at 12:37pm)

Congratulations to both of you!! ~ Nittaya B. (November 15 at 12:08pm)

Congratulations you guys!!!! ~ Asmita S. (November 15 at 11:46am)

Congratulations, Greg and Makur! ~ Jeff W. (November 15 at 11:41am)

Yay!!!!!!!! ~ Jaycee C. (November 15 at 11:00am)

Congratulations!! ~ Hieu P. (November 15 at 10:55am)

Congratulations! Best wishes and a wonderful marriage! ~ Lynda J. (November 15 at 10:49am)

Congratulations. I am so happy for both of you. ~ Sally R.C. (November 15 at 10:42am)

Congratulations! ~ Ruth T. (November 15 at 10:09am)

Many years to you both ~ Granny M. (November 15 at 9:55am)

Giant congratulations! I hope all your love can fit in your small house. ~ Aprille C. (November 15 at 9:37am)

I’m so happy for you!!!! Congrat’s. ~ Tammy S. (November 15 at 9:25am)

Congrats!!!! ~ Tim S. (November 15 at 9:13am)

CONGRATULATIONS! How wonderful! ~ Elizabeth D. (November 15 at 8:43am)

CONGRATULATIONS….Blessings to you both! ~ Cheri C. (November 15 at 7:48am)

Congratulations!!!!!!!! ~ Almut H. (November 15 at 7:04am)

Congrats!!! ~ Juan Carlos M. (November 15 at 6:14am)

Congratulations!!! ~ Bob B. (November 15 at 12:19am)

Tagged with: marriage • Video • wedding

Oct 31

The Fun Theory Initiative by Volkswagen – Piano Stairs Video

Activism, Effective Living, Good News, Mobility, Technology, Video, advertising No Comments »

Activism > Training | Effective Living > Life Mobility

Summary. The Fun Theory, at TheFunTheory.org, is an initiative of Volkswagen that demonstrates how the enjoyability factor is an essential element in designing products that will inspire and motivate people to use them.

Innovation. Volkswagen is to the automobile industry what Apple is to the world of computers and gadgets. Volkswagen vehicles include innovative design elements that are of little or no benefit other than making their cars more fun and enjoyable. For example, the VW Beetle includes a flower vase (pictured below) to bring color and and additional beauty to the inside of the car.

20091101su-vw-flower-vase-captain-oblivious-flickr-photostream Inspirational Marketing. The Fun Theory campaign itself is an example of innovation, creativity, and fun with marketing. It is similar to the funny eTrade baby commercials, where a business will create a non-traditional advertising campaign that entertains or inspires while also spreading brand awareness and affinity. The Fun Theory campaign has the grass roots social action elements of the music video, If Today Was Your Last Day by Nickelback. The campaign proves that, with a little creativity, people can be inspired to do good.

Videos. Below are some of the videos demonstrating The Fun Theory principle. The cost of advertising to reach a targeted captive audience of millions would be very expensive. However, like the eTrade funny baby commercials, these videos have had millions of views on YouTube alone.