We love to promote our customers and today we're highlighting VidCaster, an online video platform that uses both Zencoder and Video.js, the free, open-source HTML5 video player created by Steve Heffernan and Zencoder.
Already the most widely downloaded open source HTML5 video player, the new version of Video.js offers significant feature enhancements and the easiest way to reach consumers on multiple devices and browsers.
Here are some words from VidCaster founders Ray Pawulich and Kieran Farr on what they're up to, and how they use Video.js.
What does VidCaster do?
VidCaster is an online video platform — but unlike traditional online video platforms, which offer what we call a "player-only" solution, VidCaster powers entire video websites. In the same way that companies use platforms like WordPress and Tumblr to power their blogs, companies like Airbnb, Zendesk, and Turnstone Furniture are using VidCaster to power their own branded video websites.
What prompted you to transition to HTML5 video?
Our clients rely on our technology to deliver videos that drive their business goals, so making sure those videos are available in a consistent experience not only on desktop PCs but also on mobile devices is absolutely critical for our business. HTML5 is the only video delivery method that can truly deliver on that promise today.
What challenges do you face in the transition?
VidCaster users have the ability to connect to a wide variety of third-party video services that haven't quite made the switch to HTML5 yet. Overhauling our system in such a way that still retained compatibility with those services was definitely a challenge — but one we were happy to take on.
How did you decide to use Video.js, and how did it help you meet your goals?
Without a doubt, Video.js is the leading HTML5 player. Not only is it fast and reliable but its appearance is easily customizable using CSS. For VidCaster users, it was an obvious choice.
What are your favorite features of the new Video.js?
The fact that Video.js overlays the same HTML5 controls on top of the Flash version of the player is really cool. It's literally seamless so our users may never even detect a difference but it's one of those technical details about online video delivery that we obsess about so our users don't have to.
What is the most promising trend in Internet video right now?
Well, we're very bullish about video sites! Users increasingly want full control over how their videos are presented online so there are many synergies between the video site movement and the rise of HTML5 video — with our new Video.js-based player we're excited to help bring those trends together.
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