I guess everyone has a different opinion on this, but I've found that if the video file is stored on my (non-streaming) server, it doesn't matter if I embed or play in a popup, it just takes too long for the video to load and begin playing. Even flash video (flv) takes too long for my tastes. I think the obvious answer is "you need a streaming server".

There are lots of companies offering streaming services, but they all seem to cost more than most people would care to spend (including me). If video on your website is a big part of your business, then you probably just have to pay the price.

That being said, both Youtube and Myspace allow you to upload movies for free, and they are played from their streaming server. You simply copy the embed code from their site and paste the code into your page. The movie clip appears on your site, while it is actually being streamed from youtube or myspace.

The only drawback is when a movie is streamed from their server, the clip displays a semi transparent youtube or myspace movies logo in the lower right corner. If you don't mind the logo, you're all set, if you do, either pay the price for your own streaming server, or try editing your movie clips to include a small grey border along the bottom that is the same color as the logo. Your clip will appear to be "letterbox", but it will stream just fine, and nobody will be the wiser.

For what it's worth.

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Hurricane Bob
www.hurricanegraphics.org