QuickTime Format
Strengths
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QuickTime allows users to link to movies hosted on the streaming server with
a simple http:// URL, which it will convert to RTSP on the fly. This method of linking
doesn't give users all features of Quicktime, but it allows for fast linking and quick turnaround
for novice users.
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QuickTime will allow you to encode a user password to prevent
unauthorized viewing of content. (not compatible with their streaming server)
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QuickTime supports multiple text track layers for captioning
and multiple language support, if necessary (not compatible with their streaming server)
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The DoIT Streaming Servers support QuickTime streaming.
Weaknesses
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QuickTime supports delivery of different versions of a media clip based on
connection speed only through the creation of reference files pointing at multiple clips. This awkward process is
necessary because Quicktime cannot negotiate optimum clip bandwidths on the fly like Real
and Windows Media.
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QuickTime requires that all movies hosted on the Quicktime Streaming Server
include a "hint track" - something that is non-rivial to most users and adds unnecessary
complexity. Other streaming
server solutions such as Flash can stream a plain mp4 file that Quicktime
streaming server cannot handle without the hinting data.
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The install base on PCs (95% of the world computer market) cannot be assumed. While all Macs
come with QuickTime installed, and the QuickTime installation
base is very high, you will need to provide links for installation
of QuickTime for your users and unless they are iTunes users, they
probably will have to download the large installer and go through the
installation process of the application. Corporate users will most
likely not be able to do that on managed hardware.
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QuickTime has lower quality for streaming of content, particularly
with lower connection speeds. If delivery of content is to
those with 56K modems, either provide a downloadable version
or use a different video format. Apple has shown only lackluster
support for their streaming server and it essentially is the
same software we already used in 2001.
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