Part 1: From theatre arts to streaming media success

Can you describe what streaming media is, and give us an example of a site where it would work, and one where it would not?
Streaming promises quick access to crucial audio and video content without the wait for files to download. Streaming continuously sends these same, already-digitized files to the user's PC while the user is listening or watching. When the stream is ended, no data is left behind on the user's machine.

Streaming works extremely well for sites that are selling educational materials on audio or videotape. You can give your potential clients a "teaser" of what they can expect when they order the full course. It's great on travel sites, for obvious reasons, and any other type of situation where pictures work better than plain text. Audio is a great way to deliver what could be called "dry" material; that type of information is difficult to read from a screen, and audio keeps the visitor's attention.

To tell you the truth, I can't think of a site where streaming or another form of Rich Media wouldn't give it additional depth. And, I gave this a lot of thought!

Can you give us a little bit of background about how you began your media journey?
My husband has been a broadcast professional for many years and developed an interest in digital audio and video compression. He began experimenting with Real Audio in 1994 and immediately saw its potential. When Real Video was released, he became a believer in the Internet's ability to deliver multimedia.

In 1998, we launched WBC Imaging to provide streaming audio and video services and have been working hard at it ever since. I handle the marketing and administrative end of things, and he manages our technical needs.

How has your background influenced what you do for your company?
My background in theatre arts helps me to interpret the script and convey to the performer the "mood" and intention of the piece. It also helps me to work with the client to develop the best scenario in which to present the product or service.

Actually, my background works best for me when it comes to writing. A theatre arts education really gives a person a "leg up" in language skills; this is apparent to me when I write. It's also a tremendous help with my marketing and email communications. Most of all, it helps me translate my husband's "geek speak" into English so I can answer questions for potential clients!

What is WBC Imaging's primary focus?
WBC converts media into the three most popular Internet formats: Real Networks, Windows Media and Quicktime. WBC also produces CD-ROM based presentations and is highly proficient in SMIL (synchronized multimedia integration language). While we don't produce original video productions, WBC does provide editing expertise for all of a client's multimedia.

WBC also consults with the client, their video producer, and their webmaster to assure that their original media production is done for optimal streaming performance.

There is a dizzying array of software out there for "streaming media." Which multimedia player does what?
There are three major players: Real Networks, Windows Media, and Quicktime. At this point, it's difficult to notice any difference in quality among the three. For the developer, the capabilities of the compression system are important.

For example you can apply SMIL (Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language) to the Real and Quicktime players. For Windows, one must use html+time to achieve the same effects. We are currently evaluating the Windows Media 8 Compression System, now in beta testing, and are seeing exciting results in the area of low bandwidth/high quality audio.

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