This workshop covers basic audio and video production techniques, especially as they apply to the creation of streaming media files. The workshop begins with an explanation of the challenges and limitations of streaming media, and discusses the tools used to create streaming media and streaming media workflow. Following this foundation, audio production and video production are both covered in detail. Attendees will learn how to produce audio and video that will achieve the highest quality streaming media files.

Producing top-quality Web video involves multiple skills, including setting the scene (choosing your backgrounds, clothing, and positioning); lighting; shooting the video; scaling and preprocessing the video to the target resolution; and finally, encoding. This workshop illustrates each step with real-world examples and checklists for encoding into Flash, Windows Media and QuickTime (iPod) formats. It will outline procedures for beginners and for those experienced in other media and describe how producing for the Web differs from producing for broadcast, DVD, and other more traditional distribution outlets.

This workshop covers streaming media workflow after content has been produced. Beginning with encoding, the workshop demonstrates how streaming media encoders work and discusses best practices such as bit rates, screen resolution and which codecs to use. The segment on authoring addresses metafiles and embedded streaming media players. Cross-platform embedding issues will be discussed, as well as simple scripting for controlling streaming media players. Finally, administering streaming media servers will be covered, including setup and day-to-day management.

What do I need to deliver a live broadcast with Flash? What tools are available and how do I use them? What benefits does live Flash video offer? How do I get started? If you are asking yourself some of these questions then this hands-on workshop is for you. Stefan, a real-world Flash Developer with extensive experience in Flash video, will take an in-depth look at the necessary tools and services that you will need to deliver a live broadcast in Flash and demonstrate how to push it out over the Flash Platform, which includes Flash, Flex and Apollo/AIR. Using code samples and pre-built applications Stefan will demonstrate how live video applications can be enhanced through interactive features that allow your audience to be part of the event. Case studies and a Q&A session will round off this workshop.