TechnoStones

Technology Review

Archive for November, 2007

DivX and MainConcept join forces

Nov 21

Posted by Technostones in Video, Web | No Comments

Earlier this week it was announced that DivX purchased MainConcept for some pocket change. MainConcept is the distributor of the H.264 codec, along with other technology used by Adobe, Corel, Sonic, Sony and Panasonic. I am sure the stakeholders at DivX see additional market penetration in the mobile and HD market.

DivX has made its living licensing its codec, mostly for DVD Players and the web. I hope that H.264 does not fall under that mindset. H.264 is how ever an open standard based codec, but with this acquisition, DivX could bring it under its licensing umbrella.

For more information visit MainConcept

One Man Video Band!

Nov 13

Posted by Technostones in Video, Web | No Comments

In October’s issue of INC. Magazine there is a good article on Video and how YouTube has created a “good enough” mentality for posting videos on the web.  YouTube style “run and gun” type productions are perfect for the teenager with a skateboard, but as a Company, there is an image to uphold.  Because of that image the typical “run and gun” style of shoot should not be used.  A little more thought should be put into what you are going to upload.  Ask your self one simple question:  Is this what my customers are looking for? 

Training videos, or product demonstrations need a little bit more finesse.  Not all companies have the budget to hire a video production house to write, shoot, edit, and deliver your video, but at least take the time to research your options before beginning your project.  If you have a smaller budget look for smaller post houses like TechnoStones or a gorilla video expert versed in all aspects of video.  If you still would like to use YouTube after your final product is complete, you will be steps ahead of 95% of the YouTube content submissions.  An old saying comes to mind – Garbage In, Garbage Out! Let’s keep the web a clean place for all.

Package Web Solutions

Nov 9

Posted by Technostones in Web | No Comments

Can web site solutions be sold as packages?  Similar to this:

  • 10-12 pages
  • Domain name purchase
  • Hosting
  • Website Design
  • Logo Development
  • $200

    • In the 10 years TechnoStones has been producing web work, we have never come across 2 different client sites that need the same solution.  Other than the hard costs of Domain name and Hosting, 10 pages of content will vary depending on clients needs.  Here is an example of how a single website page would differ in costs, assuming no content exists.  We will use the standard “about us” page.

    Sample A:

    The Need:Informational page about the company and their mission statement.  How they work, when they were founded.
    The Solution: Copywriting is the only person needed to generate content for this sample.

    Sample B:

    The Need:Information page about the company and their mission statement.  How they work, including wireframe structure of personel  and facility workflow.  Include a photo of the building and the president behind her desk.
    The Solution: Photographer to take the pictures of the building and President.  Graphic Designer to create the workflow wireframe with personel legend.  Copywriter to generate copy for the page.

    As you can see a single page can differ quite a bit from client to client.  In the end it is still only an “about us” page.  By providing an all inclusive package for a website would be a disservice to the client and the design firm.  In the end your project will cost more than the original package price.  If it doesn’t cost more, your site will be sub-standard because the design/development was driven by “this is what you get for this amount of an investment”. 

    With the web you can provide 31 different options on a single request.  Make sure you select the option that is right for your company and your customers!