Best way to show video demos on a site?

[StonePilot]

I work for a software company and we want to get into posting a short series of videos on our website. It would be a series of videos, like six 5 minute videos that will show software.

I have a few questions, need some opinions and advice on this.

1) SizeWhat size should be video be displayed at? 800x600? 1024x768? Do it in flash and have it resizable? We like the way that this company does it. Videos

2) FormatWhat format is the most available to been seen without problems? We have a lot of Microsoft customers, but also some Java shops running Linux corporate wide. Is there anything that's used more frequently than anything else on IE / Firefox?

3) What's the best tool? Captivate or Camtasia? Does it matter? I like Camtasia's ability to zoom in and out but Captivate has very easy to use tools and we use the whole Adobe CS3 package anyhow.

If anyone can give any other input, please do so. Thanks.

[StonePilot]

Anyone?

I'm going to use Camtasia to record the screen caps with a voiceover. Not sure if there is a best way to show that or not.

Flash will be used to create a 5-minute overview and commercial. Again, looking for the best aspect ratio, etc.

[PosterManiac]

Yup Camtasia is an excellent solution It can even create flash and flv files which u can embed in ur site

[jScott_Harris]

Size can be irrelevant if using the proper format. FLV! if you build a flash video player yourself, you can offer multiple resolutions and your site visitor will never know. Fox does does this for their online episodes. You setup your player so that it detects the bandwidth of the visitor and uses the appropriate resolution. You can even offer FLV's for download and provide a link to FLV players. Plus by offering the videos as FLV (basically Flash), you will have less compatibility issues than using something like a WMV, AVI, DIVX or MPEG. FLV require no codecs, you simply need flash player installed, and honesly, how many people don't have Flash Player these days?

[PosterManiac]

You make a good point there Scott, Flash is a prettty viable option as well. Though I feel that Camtasia would provide a more convenient option for someone new to the task..

[sushil]

Just make a video and upload it on youtube and than just take a code and paste it on your own site. it would be best for showing demos on your site.

Good luck my friend!!