NFL Players Using iPads Instead of Playbooks

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started a trend that is poised to take off in sports: the iPad playbook. Instead of hauling around large paper books of plays and DVDs full of video for game preparation, the players can stream all this data to their iPads.

 

Apparently, the players love it! The hassle and weight associated with paper playbooks are sure to be quickly forgotten by the Buccaneers, but it seems as if their principle delight in switching to the iPad is the web video. NFL players are required to watch many hours of video of their opponents; they must study movements, plays, and tendencies. The Buccaneers have created a custom application for the iPad that allows them to stream all these videos to each player's device.

 

The Buccaneers can now watch their videos in the car, train, bus, or plane. Yes, they could have taken along portable DVD players... but these devices have awful battery life, and they cannot also function as a playbook and internet surfing device.

 

The convenience offered by mobile video-displaying devices, like smartphones and tablets, has been a major priority for the Fairfax Video Studio for some time now. We view video as the new format, one that will be consumed conveniently and more often than any other multimedia format. Smartphones and tablets are focusing on high-resolution screens for a reason - they know consumers are demanding more video.

 

If you are marketing on the web (and you should be!), you need to incorporate video into your campaign. To get started with your video marketing campaign, contact the DC video production firm Fairfax Video Studio at 1.877.477.STUDIO today.

 

Liquid Lenses in Your Smartphone?

You can expect your smartphone to take pictures with a liquid lens within the next few years. Glass optics (and occasionally plastic optics) have been used for many years in the photography, cinematography, and consumer fields. Glass provides excellent transmittance and clarity, but glass really cannot change shape. A liquid lens, on the other hand, has the ability to shape itself into whatever lens you could possibly need.

So how do these liquid lenses work?
All lenses have a particular shape that allows them to transmit and concentrate light in the fashion the designer intends. For liquid to be shaped into a lens, it is divided into 2 layers: a refractive liquid layer and a non-refractive liquid layer. The conductive non-refractive layer is set to touch electrodes that, when powered, can draw the non-refractive layer toward the electrodes. The refractive layer (the one functioning as a lens) is subsequently drawn toward the non-refractive layer via surface tension. This attraction can be tailored to shape the refractive layer into a perfect optical lens.

Can you zoom?
Well, not yet. Liquid zoom lenses are expected to come around 2014, while non-zooming prime lenses may be available by 2013. The fluid nature of a liquid lens permits it to focus extremely precisely and also to transmit light without much reduction in intensity. Liquid lenses can “stabilize” the image by positioning their electrodes in a certain way; this will make it easier to get blur-free shots without a flash.

The real test for liquid lenses is displaying a proven benefit over traditional glass optics. The hope is that liquid lenses will be able to overcome many of the physical limitations of glass optics with lenses that are of a wider focal length, more telephoto, smaller, and able to transmit light near 100%.

At the Fairfax Video Studio, we are always shooting with the most modern and capable equipment. We stay up to date on all the current trends and advances in image quality so that we can produce flawless video and photography for your project. Give us a call at 1.877.477.STUDIO to learn more about the many services we offer. We create video for professionals, companies, doctors, bands, attorneys, and any individual looking for true professional expertise.

RightsFlow Music on YouTube

RightsFlow is a music licensing and royalty service provider which began in 2007. The company has recently been acquired by Google, which will integrate the RightsFlow technology into the YouTube platform. YouTube management will use this as a tool to keep copyright infringement issues at bay – especially after a lawsuit brought on by Viacom a few years back (in which YouTube won the case due to a law that protects companies from infringement suits if content is removed immediately following a violation). 

                                    

 

How does the process work? Using the YouTube Content ID system already in place, the site performs an automated search to reveal which content is being used without permission. The RightsFlow system then uses its database to establish payment for the copyrighted music to provide the rightful owner with what they are entitled to. The system handles identification of owners’ rights as well as payments. 

 

This acquisition will likely benefit both companies in the long run. RightsFlow will have the opportunity to expand as YouTube does, and YouTube will have to worry less about copyright issues- especially since music video channel VEVO is the most watched channel on YouTube averaging over 50 million viewers a month.

 

The YouTube music climate will see a number of changes in the coming months- musicians, artists and labels alike will begin to receive the credit they deserve for their original work. There are many ways to effectively integrate music into your marketing videos – we can help! Call Fairfax Video Studio at 1-877-477-STUDIO to get started today. 

Most Viewed Channel on YouTube Looks to Increase Ad Revenue Percentages

It’s no secret that music videos continue to rank among the most viewed on YouTube. As a part of the YouTube partnership program, music video channel VEVO, now featuring more than 45,000 videos, is currently ranked number one in overall views on YouTube. Among YouTube partner channels, VEVO ranks number one consistently with over 54 million viewers in October. Therefore, it makes sense that the music video channel would bring in a generous share of the ad revenue from YouTube.


However, continuing to grow under its parent companies, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group and Abu Dhabi Media, VEVO itself looks to grow by increasing revenue. The site is currently in the midst of negotiations with YouTube, asking for a larger share of the site’s ad revenue (it is now at 65 percent, opposite YouTube’s 35 percent!). The music video site hopes to increase its share of ad revenue before CEO Rio Caraeff considers taking the venture public.  

Does VEVO deserve more of YouTube’s ad revenue? YouTube itself has the most number of viewers, measuring 161 million, with Facebook coming in at 60 million viewers and VEVO by itself at 57 million. However, according to comScore reports, the number of music video views on VEVO’s individual site ranks far less than the music video channel does on the Google-owned YouTube. Negotiations continue as traffic for both VEVO and YouTube itself increase everyday.

Connecting Your Google and YouTube Accounts

Since Google acquired YouTube with a 1.65 billion dollar transaction in 2006, all YouTube accounts need to link to a Google account.  Linking to a Google account provides users with a single sign-in system for various Google products and services.

Better experience overall.

While this is aggravating for many longtime YouTube account holders who have multiple accounts existing prior to mid-2009, Google is assuring its users that the change to a single sign-in system will result in a better experience overall. A streamlined accounts process will afford YouTube users improved account security, more useful video recommendations, and more efficient access to the latest in Google updates, features and Google Analytics tools.

Help every step of the way.

Whether you are a longtime YouTube user or just beginning to consider how Web video and social media can revolutionize marketing your business, Fairfax Video Studio is here to assist you every step of the way.

Not only will Fairfax Video Studio produce high-quality online video that's perfect for uploading to YouTube, we'll also help you understand the changes that are taking place and teach you how to benefit from these changes.  Contact Fairfax Video Studio at 877-477-STUDIO to learn more about this big change for YouTube users and how to continue making online video a key part of your business marketing strategy.

Successful Video Campaigns in Clubs

Washington, DC area nightlife is as vibrant and eclectic as anywhere else in the world. Washington's nighttime entertainment scene has launched the careers of the Grammy-winning DJs and music producing team Deep Dish, as well as the seminal post-hardcore band Fugazi. While there is no replacing the power of individual musical talent, there is little doubt that a club's visible presence and accessible schedule of events can have an equal impact upon building an energized local fan base. This enables successful DC clubs to book better talent more often, keeping people lining up around the corner every weekend.

 

Successful clubs will take a bold approach to stimulating all the senses, including inventive appetizers and exotic drinks, state of the art sound systems, and lighting and decor that tie the whole experience together into a unique, memorable aesthetic. Producing Web video as a part of an ongoing marketing campaign is an excellent way to share what your club brings to metropolitan nightlife. When it comes to five senses in 360 degrees, there is no medium more expressive than video.

 

• Web video presentation gives potential patrons a dynamic view of your dance floors and bar areas. The opportunity for visitors to see what is in store for them can make all the difference when picking the spot for a night out. Without intimate marketing exposure, people may be inclined to pass on a new destination in favor of a place that is more familiar.
• Putting your video online is perhaps the most efficient way to reach today's tech-savvy, smartphone-friendly, video-oriented clubbers. Online music fan clubs and social dance groups are forever on the lookout to meet new people at new clubs.
• Sports bars and establishments big on team theme can also turn Web video marketing into success. Tickets and concessions at professional sporting events can be prohibitively expensive, and fans are always looking for friendly, affordable places where they can root their team to victory. Online video will vividly showcase your big screen televisions, food and drink specials, unique memorabilia and fan-friendly atmosphere.

 

Let Fairfax Video Studio use its state of the art video technology and creative experience to showcase your club's personality. Using devices like the Nikon D7000 camera and the latest in-studio video editing equipment, our production professionals will highlight your club's unique contributions to DC nightlife. Call the creative experts at Fairfax Video Studio at 877-477-STUDIO to begin making quality online video for your DC area nightspot. 

 

Find Out What it Takes to Create Quality Online Video for Facebook

The advantages of advertising with online video through Facebook are both numerous and unique.  Businesses have the opportunity to reach their target audience with efficiency like never before.  Yet, putting any old ad on Facebook is not a guarantee for success by itself. The first step toward a successful Web video campaign will always remain the production of interesting, quality video. 

Bring your video to life by following these tips:

• Make sure you have the best tools of the trade at your disposal.  Video cameras are affordable and they’re everywhere – wrapped up inside today’s smartphones and bundled in with the new computers for your office.  But there is little comparison between the results of filming your own video and using cutting-edge video recording technology in a green screen studio.
• Know what works. The ideas you have for eye-catching imagery can only be improved upon when working with an experienced cinematographer. A professional with an understanding of visual composition and an eye for blending subject with background will help bring a real sense of artistry to your ideas.
• Don't feel bad if you don't like to be on camera. Not everybody is comfortable being on camera, and those who are may not necessarily be good at it. If you’re not ready to jump in front of the camera yourself, or if you don’t have the time to take away from your own day job, Fairfax Video Studio employs professional video spokesmodels who will deliver your message comfortably and effectively.

The experienced team of video production professionals at Fairfax Video Studio has the creative know-how to get you started as well as the latest technology to make your ad a success. Get in touch with one of our DC video production specialists today at 877-477-STUDIO to begin creating quality online video for Facebook.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of the report, Nine Nifty Tips for Effective Video Clips!

Verizon To Release 5 Million Apple iPhones

What impact will the 5 Million Verizon iPhones have on video?
For the average attorney, reaching clients can be challenging.  Video has become a cornerstone of online communication – a uniquely personal way to speak to potential customers face to face.

The iPhone is a phenomenal device with many features.  However, one aspect embroiled in controversy is Apples overt refusal (labeled everything from “greedy” to “extreme” by critics) to support the Flash platform.  Websites that rely on flash technology - most notably YouTube- would have been inaccessible to iPhone users. 

YouTube “Shines” on iPhone
Whatever your viewpoint on who currently occupies spot #1 in the never-ending battle for “Supreme Evil Empire”, YouTube is pretty much a universally acknowledged online video powerhouse.  It comprises an estimated 40% of all online video. 
 
But WAIT (before you go burning Jobs in effigy): the technical juggernaut has made one huge exception to its iron-clad anti flash stance.  A special app has been bundled on every single Apple device--JUST for YouTube access.  The Apple website boasts that its devices offer “perhaps the best YouTube discovery experience” ever.

What does this mean for the 5 million people about to stampede stores for new Verizon iPhones?  It means that YouTube—already the shining star of online video—will only get bigger.  (And shinier.) 

So - if each one of those 5 million potential clients will be on YouTube…

Where Should You Be?

Fairfax Video Studio can help you capitalize on the most potent form of web-driven client interface—online video.  For more information, give us a call at 877.477.STUDIO. 


Be sure to order a FREE copy of the report, Nine Nifty Tips for Effective Video Clips.

3 Web Video Predictions for 2011

What are your marketing goals for 2011?  First on that list should be web video, along with email campaigns, direct mail and making sure your web presence is up to par.  (If you think you need a little help with SEO and link building, click here.) 

As 2011 gets rolling, you probably have lots of ideas about building your business through the web.  Our first advice would be to write them down!  Where do you want to be on December 31, 2011?  If you think video is hot now, wait until this time next year.  Video is the most sought after media on the web, which is the #1 source of information in the world.  If potential clients aren’t finding you on YouTube, you could very well be missing out on customers.   Here are three things you can count on in 2011:

• YouTube Will Make More Noise Than Ever – It’s growing faster than anyone can keep up with.  More people post and watch videos than ever before.  They are just now becoming profitable which means they will invest in bigger and better video capabilities.  You need to be there!
• Indexing of Videos – We expect to find out in 2011 that Google and YouTube will be able to index video based on a transcription of the audio in it.  This will be huge for SEO and will make searching for video fast and accurate.
• Web Video and Television Become One – It’s already in the works, but this time next year millions of people will have Internet on their television.  Video will soon be comprised of both web video and traditional television.
  

Not only is web video a marketing method that is here to stay, its become commonplace.  Businesses are interacting with potential customers with video and using it to make money.  Will you get on the bandwagon this year?  Call the Fairfax Video Studio at 877.477.STUDIO to get started today!

Do I need to bring scripts to my video shoot?

The truth is that some people are better on camera than others.  Some people insist on reading off the teleprompter, while others are happy to have their script in their head and rattle it off.   We have a great process set up that works great for both types of people and has resulted in videos loaded with great information and some unplanned stream-consciousness one-liners. 

We have compiled a list of the most common questions Web visitors of lawyer websites tend to ask for every practice area.  Remember that your site and your video is about your potential clients and not you.  Also, keep in mind that they are not lawyers and are looking for information that you learned the first day of law school. 

Here are two really good reasons you won’t need a script when you come in for your video shoot:

1. Jim Folliard is just as skilled at making you feel comfortable as he is with the camera.  We bet you’ll crack a smile after being in the studio for just a few minutes and once he starts asking you questions, which will be very easy for you to answer, you will be on your way to making a video where you look very natural and relaxed.  People want to hire a lawyer who is a regular person, just like they are, so it’s important not to talk like a robot.
2. Our current process, without scripts, has been very successful.  Lawyers rave about how easy it is once they get started.  If there are topics you want to cover that aren’t on our list, we’ll add them.  We’ve streamlined the operation to make it quick and easy for you.

If you really don’t feel comfortable on camera or just don’t have time to come to our studio, you can hire one of our spokesmodels to take your place.  You need video on your site to keep up these days, so no more excuses, let’s get it done!  Call the Fairfax Video Studio at 877.477.STUDIO or contact us online.