Videos
This page describes the requirements and best practices for posting videos on EERE. Videos present a unique challenge to the Web site, due to the variety of formats and sizes available for videos and the requirement to make them compliant with Section 508 accessibility standards.
Requirements
The following standards are required for all videos hosted on the EERE servers.
Video Formatting Requirements
Unless otherwise approved, all videos hosted on the EERE servers must be in Flash Video Format (.FLV)
Some video types will not convert easily to FLV. These files may be posted temporarily in their native file format until they can be converted.
Video Captions and Text Versions
All videos hosted on the EERE Web site must have either synchronous captioning or a text version. This is required by the Section 508 Accessibility standards.
Synchronous captioning is always preferred. See the W3C site for more information on synchronous captioning.
If you would like to use synchronous captioning with the EERE video skin, but cannot insert it yourself, submit your video along with a transcription of the audio content to Elizabeth Spencer.
If you cannot caption your video, then you must write a text version. Read about how to write text versions. In order to meet Section 508 Accessibility requirements, video cannot be posted on the EERE Web site unless it has either captioning or a text version.
Integration with your Site
All videos must be embedded on a page. Do not place videos in pop ups or link to them directly. This page should follow EERE Web Content Guidelines and have a standard header and intro text.
Any text version should be linked in the caption beneath the video.
If you have many, short, related videos, or would like to break a single, lengthy video into chapters, you may package them together. See FEMP's Super ESPC video.
The EERE Video Skin
All videos hosted on EERE will be put into the EERE video skin. A video skin is the graphical "shell" of a video, including the "click to play" and control buttons (such as start, stop, and pause.) For an example of the EERE video skin, see the Industrial Technologies Program's Super Boiler video. Only videos in FLV format can be placed in the EERE video skin.
Download the EERE Video Skin (FLA 1.17 MB). If you intend to use synchronous captioning, see an example captions file (XML 9 KB).
Please note that using these files requires moderate knowledge of Flash scripting and proficiency with XML. Send your video and the text version to Elizabeth Spencer if you want your video prepared for you.
Compression
Compression is a process where video files are reduced in size through the removal of unnecessary and redundant audio and video data. While there is a small loss in quality, a compressed video does provide sufficient quality for the Web and reduces the file size for faster delivery.
Please compress your files to 50 MB. If you cannot, your files will be compressed before posting, if it is possible to do so.
Directory
All videos should be placed in a /media/ folder, which should be placed at your site's top-level directory. If a video has any ancillary files, these must be included in an /includes/ folder. The SWF file should be placed in /media/ and all additional files, such as any FLV or XML files, should be placed in /includes/.
Best Practices
These standards are not required, but are encouraged for all site owners who would like a higher quality product for their sites.
Compression
Compression is a process where video files are reduced in size through the removal of unnecessary and redundant audio and video data. While there is a small loss in quality, a compressed video does provide sufficient quality for the Web and reduces the file size for faster delivery.
Please compress your files to 50 MB. If you cannot, your files will be compressed before posting, if it is possible to do so.
Formatting
If possible, your video should be:
- No larger than 50 MB
- At a bit-rate that does not exceed 500-600 Kbps. All videos should ideally be under 300Kbps.
Length
All videos should be 7 minutes in length or less. This Best Practice reflects studies that show that viewers watching videos online have an attention span of approximately 3-5 minutes. Making short videos, or breaking long videos up into chapters, will mean more people watch your entire video.
Video Captions and Scripts
While only one is required, all videos should be accompanied by both synchronous captioning and a separate text version of the video.
Branding
Clearly show DOE's, EERE's, and/or the program's ownership of your video through the content, dialogue, or by attaching a watermark.
Examples of Video Formatting
For an example of a video with synchronous captioning, see the Super Boiler Overview video.
For an example of a text version script, see the Wind Power Animation (Text Version).
For an example of using small, connected chapters instead of a single, long video, see FEMP's Super ESPC video.
