Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Online Video Production

Got a Message? We Can Help!
Video Labs Online Video Production

We all know how quickly an entertaining video can makes its way around the web. Effective online video marketing is fast becoming the premiere advertising vehicle, thanks to high-speed connections, no cost hosting sites like YouTube and the popularity of social networking sites. Smart marketers are taking advantage of these cost effective methods of spreading their message - now you can too!

Check out the latest statistics:
> In effectiveness, online video beat TV ads in both product recall and brand awareness by more than 35%. Experts believe that online viewers are more actively engaged than TV viewers. So, product demos and information pieces tend to have a better response online.

> Compared to other forms of web ads, viewers click video ads twice as often. And, click-through rates are 4-5 times higher than ads with traditional text and images.

> Viewers tend to watch a video two-thirds of the way through - so, keep the message short and keep it up front.

With the right presentation, online videos can entertain, inform and ultimately bring visitors to your website. Whether you've got a product or service to demonstrate, a branded corporate presentation to post or a training seminar for your employees, Video Labs can help you plan, produce and shoot an effective web video. Contact your Video Labs Account Representative today!

(800)800-8240
(301)217-0000
sales@videolabs.net
www.videolabs.net

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Captioning for the Web

It's moving fast - very, very fast. Can you imagine the world without the web? It's easily the most important invention of our time. And, it's changed our industry for good. But, for the hearing and vision impaired, web sites present all kinds of new challenges - consider how many times you need to click a mouse, read a monitor or listen to instructions just to navigate. And, according to the US Census, close to 20% of Americans have some form of disability that may require specialized technology for ease of use. Video Labs can help you navigate the world of Captioning and Alternative Media Description so that all users have access to your video and ultimately, your message.

Closed Captioning - One "Size" Does Not Fit All
Most of us who work with the federal government are familiar with the 1973 Rehabilitation Act (Section 508) and the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 that requires accommodation for the hearing and vision impaired (www.section508.gov). With this legislation, the government ruled that all televisions 13" or larger be equipped with devices that capture and decode the closed captioning on Line 21 of the broadcast video signal (www.videolabs.net/multimedia/captioning.htm) and this is still the industry standard for broadcast media.

For web video, it's a whole new ballgame. Government agencies must be compliant for Section 508 for all video posted on the web, but this can get a little tricky. When planning your project, it's best to find out in advance what format best suits the needs and standards of the web site administrator.

Compression Session
Unfortunately, when you digitize and then compress from video tape with captions, the caption signal is not consistently recognized by software used for viewing (like Windows Media Player, for example). So, specific data files are used depending on multimedia programming software being utilized. Someone using Flash to create a website may need a file called .xml in pop-on style, while Windows Media video files can be closed captioned using a data file called .smi. Some prefer English subtitles or open captions that cannot be 'turned off,' ensuring ease of use. For high quality videos with a frame size of 720 x 486, it's possible to preserve standard captions from Line 21 in a Quicktime or Windows Media files for posting on some websites.

For Low Vision and Vision Impaired - Let's "Hear" it for Alternate Audio
We're receiving more requests than ever about Alternate Audio for web site videos - it's a sign of the times. But, how do vision impaired users navigate a computer-based environment where a mouse click is so necessary? Computers are outfitted with specialized screen reader software and refreshable Braille displayers so that the users can find their way. For web programmers, it means allowing for keyboard short cuts for a Braille keyboard user. Alternate audio embedded in the website can help a vision impaired user to navigate through a web site by sound. For more on this subject, Utah State University has provided an excellent website to support and explain these technical standards (www.webaim.org) for compliancy.

For video, Video Labs provides 'media description' services (aka - "alt-audio" or "audio description") so that actions on screen are included as an additional track of audio. For disc media like DVDs or CDs where a menu is used for navigation, our authoring specialists can include extra audio files that, when engaged, instruct the user on how to access the content. Alternatively, a "Read Me" file can be included so that screen reader software installed on a computer can explain needed information. For more information on these enhanced interfaces, check out the article about 'talking menus' pioneered by the Media Access Group at WGBH in Boston. (http://main.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/mag/services/description/).

To view samples of the different types of web videos in this newsletter - http://www.ada.gov/videogallery.htm

Please view our new brochure which depicts Video Labs multitude of media solutions. You may also want to follow us on Twitter as our staff has much to say and you may even find some of it valuable.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Video Labs Welcomes the DTV Evolution

Despite setbacks, the latest industry news predicts that the DTV 'big switch' will be flipped on June 12, 2009 (www.nab.org). High- quality digital television will be more readily accessible across the country and, at the same time, broadcasters will have more High Definition capabilities. While many are already accustomed to the optimal viewing experience of digital television, this transition still presents a milestone in our industry. At Video Labs, we're here to help you be ready for the "Evolution" of broadcast delivery.

SpoTTrac DigitalCertified for Nielsen Tracking Services
Video Labs has added a Nielsen-certified SpoTTrac Digital encoding system to its host of broadcast services, replacing the outdated analog Sigma encoder. Producers, advertisers and broadcasters have long relied on Nielsen Tracking Services to verify audience exposure to its messages. With SpoTTrac Digital, we'll help you make the transition to TV's next big milestone. SpoTTrac Digital features the latest tracking mechanism for PSAs and commercials - an embedded watermark in the audio that transfers to all formats including broadcast tapes, DVDs and even digital video files (like Quicktime files for the web). During the real-time encoding process, SpoTTrac Digital embeds Nielsen's patented ID into both the video and audio content and does not affect the quality. As an extra efficiency, Nielsen's tracking information is sent automatically via the Internet for overnite reporting.

High Definition Closed CaptioningIt's an HD World We Live In
What's next, you might ask? You guessed it - captioning and subtitling for High Definition formats. Our new HD captioning encoder has been polished, tested and is presently ensuring broadcast projects are fitted for HD closed captioning. We chose the HDE-3000 from Link Electronics as it meets with the strictest requirements for broadcast while also allowing us to insert slates, bugs, TV rating icons and subtitling. Count on us to support you with captioning services for 1080i, 1080p, 1080sf and 720p HD deliverables as well as captioning services for all your standard definition tape formats, DVD and web-based compressions.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Printing Processes

What is Your Color Space? RGB vs. CMYK
One of the leading causes of production delays is working through problems with digital artwork files. By setting up your artwork in the right color space, you will achieve the quality that you're looking for while saving time and hassle. Chroma key work is a function of the RGB Color Space

What is RGB Color?
Computer and TV monitors emit light in a color spectrum known as RGB color (short for Red/Green/Blue) named for the primary colors of light. Video cameras, scanners and digital photographers all capture images using this color spectrum - and computer monitors use the same. RGB color space allows for special effects techniques like chroma key compositing or "green-screening" (see this month's cartoon) where one image is layered over another by manipulating aspects of color and light - so, an actor in front of a green screen can be superimposed on a different background for visual effect.

"But why don't they match?" -- The CMYK Color Space
We're often asked this question -- why doesn't my printed wrapper match what I see on my monitor? It's simple - inked paper absorbs or reflects light, rather than emitting light, so the range of colors is not the same. Thus, when you see color on your computer monitor (RGB) and a then see a printed version, a variation is seen.

Graphic design for offset printing uses a color scheme known as CMYK (Cyan/Magenta/Yellow/Black "Key") or PMS so color matching between these two environments is often needed. In printing inks on paper, transparent pigments are used to filter out the RGB wavelengths in proper combinations to create the desired color. These filters are known as CMYK or four-color process printing.

Tips and Suggestions
Because offset printing, silkscreen printing and most digital color processes use CMYK as a reference, digital artwork that is created in RGB (like still images, screen captures, or digital photos) should first be converted to CMYK prior to printing. Color-matching, when needed, is much easier when working in CMYK color space.

Adobe's website has an excellent tutorial that discusses how to convert RGB to CMYK for use in a design. (RGB convert tutorial - click here).

For short run projects, our high-quality thermal disc printers use RGB color. Submit your artwork as a .bmp image with a resolution of 300 dpi.

Submit matching artwork for packaging elements in CMYK color with text and lines as vector graphics.

Offset printing (four color process) calls for CMYK with Pantone for spot color. This type of printing is best if photo images have a lot of detail and the colors are soft in tone. The end result is a smooth finish on the disc face.

Silkscreen printing is an excellent choice for solid and vibrant colors, but the end product is textured and photo images can sometimes have a coarse appearance. However, it is much easier to match colors between the disc face and packaging elements using silkscreen printing.
Whenever time allows, request a hard copy proof if you need to check for color matches. We offer this for all of our printing processes.

Our website (www.videolabs.net) includes templates for preparing your artwork for submission and helpful tips for graphic designers.

Friday, February 6, 2009

Living HD in an SD World

Video production professionals have never had such grand and varied options for quality – High Definition (HD) has an enormous visual impact, widescreen functionality and exceptional audio. HD has raised the bar for expectation of quality.At the same time, Internet video sharing has become a norm of American life. For many industries, including advertising, public relations, trade associations and educational media, pre-production planning means you must prepare for video quality of all levels -- HD Broadcast with its 16X9 1080P resolution, Standard Definition for TV and DVD in addition to Broadcast-ready Quicktime files for posting on the web. At Video Labs, we're ready to assist, no matter what planet your project comes from or where it might end up.Here's the question we all face – how might a widescreen image be displayed and how can we plan for it to look great no matter what type of monitor is used? This planner will help you make the right decisions as you think about how the image will appear on a less-than-optimal viewing monitor. Visualizing this ahead of time will go a long way towards maintaining an optimal viewing experience.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Michael Weiss of Video Labs Selected as Smart100 recipient


Rockville, MD, February 3, 2009 – Video Labs announced today that CEO, Michael Weiss has been named to the Washington SmartCEO magazine 2009 Smart100 program, an exclusive group of 100 CEOs assembled by an independent selection committee. The Smart100 are not chosen based on the growth of the organization. A Smart100 CEO is selected for his or her Leadership, Strategic Vision and Character.

“When I added those three letters (CEO) to my title, it was done only because Video Labs passionate staff could support my vision to change and grow the company,” stated Mr. Weiss. “It’s easier to succeed when your co-workers also want the best for its company and clients,” concluded Michael.

As a selected member of the Smart100, Michael’s successes, leadership philosophies and character will be a source of education and inspiration for SmartCEO’s 17,000 readers month after month, year after year.

Smart100 companies represent a variety of industries including government contracting, information technology consulting, travel services, financial services, and video production. The average Smart100 company employs between 10 to 100 employees and generates $10-$50 million in revenue.

“The Smart100 represent 100 of greater Washington’s CEO’s. No other publications in the Greater Washington area have produced a publication of this magnitude with such high-caliber CEOs. The Smart100 embodies 100 CEO’s with incredible business minds who have successfully grown their companies to be the best in Washington,” says Group Associate Publisher of SmartCEO, Jaime Park.

Washington SmartCEO magazine is a regional “growing company” publication. SmartCEO believes that a “growing company” is really determined by the spirit, drive and dynamics of a company’s owners and managers, rather than by the size of its building, the number of its employees, or its sales volume.

Video Labs is committed to investing in technology and media distribution capability. With its recent increase in capacity, Video Labs enhanced solutions now offers its clientele the widest range of Videotape/Broadcast duplication, High Definition cloning, International standards conversion, DVD/CD duplication/replication, authoring, packaging, distribution and digital media delivery. Video Labs continues to offer its clientele 24 hour service every day of the year.
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For more information, please contact Video Labs at 301-217-0000 or reach Video Labs on the web at www.videolabs.net or via email - sales@videolabs.net

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Video Labs Green/Eco-friendly Packaging




Eco-friendly media? Go Green? Sustainable packaging?


Are these ‘buzz words’ a momentary or a solid trend in the industry? Only time, demand and innovation will tell. But, Video Labs is keeping an eye on the best of what’s around.

The high profile release of Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, created quite a stir – its award-winning eco-friendly package set a new precedent for creative design -- it was the first DVD released with packaging that was 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. Even the plastic outer wrap was sustainable – made from corn, a renewable energy source. (http://www.climatecrisis.net/)

As public awareness has peaked, many manufacturers who serve the entertainment and retail sectors have been compelled to overhaul and publish their environmental policies and standards. To ensure that Green guidelines are met, some sectors have formed Green Alliances to create and monitor standards and provide certification.

How to balance durability, quality and cost versus green-friendliness? There’s the rub.

Paper or Plastic?

One way to choose your media packaging is to consider an all-paper or paperboard solution. Since many areas of the country now offer convenient methods of mixed paper recycling, this is a great choice for many projects. In particular, if your project is for one-time viewing or use – a give-away advertising piece, a downloadable file or a dated video, consider our high-quality paper packaging.

Video Labs offers several styles of CD and DVD wallets including papers printed with soy-based ink. These papers are Chain of Custody certified by both the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council, two non-profit organizations (http://www.fscus.org/ http://www.sfiprogram.org/) that are devoted to ensuring that environmentally sound forestry practices are monitored.

Depending on the quantity of CDs and DVDs that you need, your Video Labs account manager can help you select packaging that is not only Green-certified but made from materials as various as recycled soda bottles and pressed plant fibers. You might also want to check out the packaging section of our website (http://www.videolabs.net/creative-services/graphic-design2.htm) to see the Re-Sleeve we offer for duplication projects.

Where is it headed?

There are no simple solutions – green-friendly packaging can sometimes be cost-prohibitive, depending on the quantity. Many will only make the change when the green solution is not only comparable in quality but also in price. Still, we think that those with innovative ideas will be uniquely positioned to succeed, especially if federal legislators get involved to monitor standards in the coming years. We’ve seen some really cool designs coming our way from Europe where there has been some significant investment into green adaptive technology. Also, there’s mention of great ideas about how to reduce waste by recycling disc media and other materials. As consumers are encouraged to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, we think demand will increase and keep us all searching for just the right package.

Permanent Solutions

What about durability though? Media packaging is not just a ‘throw away’ item but is designed for protecting discs and for long-term storage so choosing a package that is durable is also key.

So, the plastics manufacturers have also responded to the trend and are making better use of materials for the long term. There’s a good argument to be made that plastic is actually more eco-friendly than paper -- you don’t have to cut down valuable trees and can be used multiple times.

Choosing cases that use less plastic is a great option. One of our clients pairs a slim full DVD case made with recyclable plastic with a four-color wrap printed on FSC certified paper with soy-based ink. These are available for short runs as well as full scale replication projects. There are also Digipaks incorporating paperboard with a disc tray made from recycled soda bottles for custom replication orders, but we routinely stock full cases made from recycled plastic that can also be put in your recycling bin instead of the trash.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Video Labs Enhances Editing Capability With Addition of Final Cut

Video Labs, the Rockville, MD based media marketing firm has added Apple’s Final Cut Studio 2 to its family of multiple media formats and tools. While the company is supporting its clientele with a significant amount of multimedia services including authoring, duplication and replication, Video Labs continues to enhance its capability of effectively manipulating client content.

Major editorial houses choose Final Cut as their editing tool, and Video Labs now becomes one of those facilities. Final Cut Studio 2 delivers high-performance digital non-linear editing, native support for virtually any video format and facility class interoperability. The workflow extends to other Final Cut studio applications. Working as an individual or within a team environment, Final Cut provides for multiple creative options and technical control.

This version of Final Cut supports multiple standard and high-definition formats. Tapeless formats from Sony, Panasonic, etc. are easily dealt with in the Final Cut pro environment.

Of main interest to the Video Labs team is Final Cuts ability to enable a quick and efficient work environment. These characteristics ultimately lead to project deadlines being met with consistency and of significant importance, cost effective editorial solutions for high quality programs.

With the Final Cut Studio 2 and AJA’s Kona 3 capture card, Video Labs is able to ingest/output video to/from virtually any source.
Videotape formats now being used at Video Labs to support its clients editing, duplication and mastering needs includes HDCAM, DVCPRO, DVCPRO HD EX, HDV, PROHD, Digital Betacam, Betacam SP, Beta SX, IMX, DVCAM, mini DV, Umatic, 1”, M II, D 2, et al.

With the addition of the Final Cut editing solution, Video Labs continues their commitment to invest in technology and media content and distribution capability. With its increase in capacity, Video Labs enhanced solutions now offers its clientele the widest range of Videotape/Broadcast duplication, High Definition cloning, International standards conversion, DVD/CD duplication/replication, authoring, non-linear editing, media packaging, distribution and digital media delivery. Video Labs continues to offer its clientele 24 hour service every day of the year.
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For more information, please contact Video Labs at 301-217-0000 or reach Video Labs on the web at www.videolabs.net or via email - sales@videolabs.net