The Google Video Upload Program

Um, okay. Google has started a video upload program. They're soliciting the general public to upload videos to them as part of their video program. You remember when I mentioned this in January ( researchbuzz.org/yup_google_launches_video_search_.shtml ) it was indexing televised content, but now it's indexing televised content and soliciting content from anybody.

The submission/information site's at https://upload.video.google.com/ . You'll have to have a Google account for this to work (I believe if you have a GMail account that'll do the trick.) You must own all rights to the work, you must be able to upload the video electronically, and the content must not be pronographic.

Furthermore, Google indicates that it may take longer to include your video if your video is not in one of their included file formats. (Their preferred video format is as follows: "NTSC (4:3) size and framerate, deinterlaced Video Codec: MPEG2 or MPEG4 (MPEG4 preferred), Video Bitrate: at least 260Kbps (750kbps preferred), Audio Codec: MP3 vbr, Audio Bitrate: at least 70Kbps (128 Kbps preferred)" ) They add "While we also support other digital formats such as QuickTime, Windows Media, and RealVideo, it's important to note that submitting your files in these formats may significantly delay us from using them on Google Video. In some cases, we may not be able to add your video at all." In addition to the video, you can also add additional information including a transcript!

Once it's uploaded you have the choice of letting viewers play it for free, or charging for it. It doesn't say how exactly the transaction feed for viewing the videos will be enacted, but the site does say, "If you do charge a price, Google will take a small revenue share to cover some of our costs." Is Google getting ready to kick out its own micropayment system? I can't imagine they'd set up an infrastructure just as this for the video system. Or are they just going to use what they've got in place for people to pay for advertising?

The full FAQ for this is available at https://upload.video.google.com/video_faq.html .

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