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We’re always looking for ways to make sharing videos easier, and realized the long URL attached to each video was less than convenient.

So two months ago, as a first step, we introduced a shortened Post Link URL to be used when embedding a video. While results were promising, the URL converted to original length during video playback, limiting its functionality. After several weeks of tweaking, we’re proud to introduce an even shorter, more serviceable URL.

Short URLs are particularly handy when using Post Links.  Additionally, you or your recipients can copy and paste the link from the address bar for easy forwarding, and Short URLs can be used with any video from your video library.

Example: Previous ‘Long’ Playback URL

Example: New ‘Short’ Playback URL

If you have questions about using Short URLs, contact us at support@covideo.com.

Covideo is excited to announce we now have a downloadable desktop recorder for Mac users!  The new Mac version allows Snow Leopard 10.6 and Lion 10.7 users to download the recorder from their Covideo account back office.  Desktop functions include: Record, Preview, Save and Email much like the web version but with higher video quality, for better results.  Users can also access their Mac address book instead of loading all their contacts into our system for ease and time-savings.

Watch a Video Demonstration!

Thank You!

This has been an exciting year for Covideo and our customers! We introduced a whole host of new features including: Email Marketing Integration, HotSpots and Exit Link reporting, Android App, Video Outlook, Multiple Video Uploads, Link Sets, Social Links, Website Overlay, Mac Version, Snapshot Email Icon, Desktop Recorder with auto updates, Template Preview, Vault Feature and much more! We were able to do all this through the support and feedback of terrific customers like you! Thank you for trusting us to be your video email provider.

Video Message From the Covideo President!

The CoVideo offices will be closed December 26th and January 2nd in observance of the holidays. While customer phone support will not be available those days, we will be responding to any support tickets submitted. Please be aware that turn around time on those days may be slightly longer than normal.

Happy Holidays and best wishes for a great 2012!

Sincerely,
The Covideo Team

‘How-To’ videos are a great way to share your knowledge on nearly any topic and demonstrate the steps involved in completing a project. Whether your how-to is about tying a scarf or proper tree pruning methods, the same basic planning and implementation approach applies.

Preparation
1.    Items you need: Gather a video camera, tripod (optional-depends on type of demonstration), items to accomplish demonstration (tools, recipe ingredients, art supplies, etc.) and friend(s) to shoot video and/or participate in demonstration.
2.    Choose a topic: Make sure your how-to video is on a subject you are familiar with and can easily demonstrate.
3.    Plan your demo: Determine the best way to present your topic by breaking it down into manageable steps.
4.    Write a script: Start with an introduction and work through all the steps required to complete the project.  A brief follow-up summary of the steps can be part of the conclusion.
5.    Memorize script: If you do not have access to editing software or are uncomfortable speaking off-the-cuff, memorizing your script will give you confidence and help move the demonstration process along more smoothly.  If the demonstration does not require your face to be on camera, a voice-over recording of the script can be added as an audio track on editing software.
6.    Choose a location: Pick one or more locations for your video, making sure there is adequate space and lighting available.  Watch out for busy or distracting backgrounds and check for echos when inside a large or somewhat empty room. 
7.    Plan your shots: Decide how each step will be shot (angles, zoom, special effects)
8.    Place your props: Have everything you need for your demonstration in place prior to recording.
9.    Walk it through: Do several walkthroughs of the demonstration and make final tweaks before shooting begins.
10.  Time it: Instructional videos are generally most effective when completed in 2-6 minutes.  Longer demonstrations can work if the project is more complicated, but keep the process moving along to hold viewer attention.

Producing Video
1.    Speak clearly: Enunciate your words and clearly explain the process
2.    Avoid excessive zoom: While close-ups may be appropriate for certain segments of your video, repeated zooming in and out can be dizzying to the viewer.
3.    Be creative: If your initial shot plans come off a bit mundane, look for ways to add interest.  Remember-your video needs to be just as entertaining as it is informative.
4.    Be engaging: Infuse personality and charisma into your demonstration. Develop a style that sets you apart from other presenters and helps you build a following.

Editing Video
1.    Organize footage: Look over your footage and place it in the order that best explains the process.
2.    Include visual aids: Add onscreen numbers or titles to reinforce each step as it’s demonstrated, and include onscreen captions to emphasize important points made in the script. 
3.    Add music: Though not required, music can enhance a how-to video.  Add a track to your editing timeline and preview to determine if it works.  Keep the volume low enough that your voice is clearly heard over the music.  If the music is distracting try another selection or go without.
4.    Give credit: Create a name for your how-to video then design title and credit pages as visual bookends around the demonstration.
5.    Preview and render: Watch and listen to the completed video several times.  Once it meets with your approval, render it and you’re done!

Point of View (POV) videos are the rage with extreme sport enthusiasts.  Capturing the exhilaration of ski jumping, snow boarding, wind surfing and other adventure sports from the athlete’s perspective is a video thrill ride like no other.  Armchair viewers can almost feel the icy snow hitting their face as a extreme skier races headlong down a steep, rugged slope through trees and other hazards.  This part-of-the-action viewpoint has proven very effective for extreme athletes promoting themselves and their sports, with POV videos garnering views in the 10′s or even 100′s of thousands.

Cameras from GoPro and Contour are a large part of the POV success story.  Their compact size, quality HD video, durable encasement and waterproofing, make it possible to shoot great action videos in nearly any environment.   An excellent assortment of mounts is available for both GoPro and Contour cameras including: helmet, bike, flat surface, flex strap, hat, scuba, hand, surf and roll bar.  The variety of mounts give athletes greater freedom in choosing perspective angles, upping the interest level in videos.

Once the video is shot, the real tale is told in the editing.  Here are some suggestions.

1.  Select the right editing software.  Determine your needs then research software options before purchasing.  Top Ten Reviews offers a nice comparison of the latest video editing software.
2.  Watch video length.  Many videos are too long or have long segments from the same angle.  If viewers drop off before the video is over you haven’t done a good job of entertaining them.
3.  Switch up camera angles.  Make use of multiple-mount perspectives of the action.  Cut from one angle to another to inject visual interest.
4.  Tell a story.  Lay out angle shots to create sequences that unfold into a cohesive and compelling story.
5.  Match the music.  Carefully select music, then edit clips to match the phrasing and rhythm as closely as possible.  The final result will appear more polished when music and imagery are in sync.
6.  Review the video.  When you think you’re done editing, watch the video several times.  If something doesn’t hit you right, correct it.  If everything looks good, get it rendered and sent out!

POV videos not only spotlight amazing athletic feats, they are often set in awe-inspiring and majestic locations.  When the backdrop is as impressive as the sport, consider the surrounding terrain when choosing camera angles and mounting options to maximize visual intensity.

Here’s a great example of a POV Extreme Sport video using a GoPro Camera –

If your business markets to a more mature audience, they are less likely to be familiar with video marketing than other groups.  While adults in all age groups are actively using new technologies, the exposure to, and use of video by adults over 50 is still below that of other age demographics.  Because of this, businesses have a golden opportunity to energize mature consumers by using video in their marketing efforts.

Video email has evolved into a marketing dynamo by: quickly engaging viewers, reinforcing company branding and providing multiple calls-to-action.  These elements gain traction among all age groups but can be even more effective with an older audience that places greater value on brand loyalty and personal interaction.  Imagine the interest generated by a video email that demonstrates your latest product, or talks directly to a prospect about valuable services available from your company.  The WOW factor, so often talked about, is actually delivered!  Their attention is grabbed and your video message is more closely studied than a comparable text message would be.  (It is very common for viewers to watch a video, or sections of a video, multiple times.)

Once the video has been viewed and excitement built, direct viewers to your website ‘Product’ or ‘Buy Now’ pages with handy exit links located right on the video template.  There is even an option to play a video in front of a partially masked website.  When the viewer exits the video the website is automatically displayed – without the need for links!  This is a highly efficient method of selling a particular product or garnering seminar/event registrations.

Adults over 50 are embracing Facebook, Twitter and other social networks in ever-increasing numbers, so be sure to include social media links on your template to help build a following and further engage viewers.

By incorporating video into your marketing blueprint you maximize product and service exposure, while minimizing small, difficult to read text.  Video also presents your message on two levels-visual and audio-promoting greater absorption and retention of the material.

Mature consumers are more likely to respond to a business that appeals to them on a personal level. Video messages offer opportunities for the owner, CEO, service representative and others to speak directly to viewers, conveying their enthusiasm, commitment and sincerity-building trust and familiarity more quickly than conventional ad layouts possibly can.

Revitalize your mature audience!  Make the move to video email marketing today!

Email newsletters are a staple of online marketers. They provide a more casual approach to sales by inserting articles and industry updates, in between event sign-ups, new product releases and special offers.  Add in a short overview by the editor, a couple of social network links and an image or two and you have the basis for a solid company newsletter. Solid, but in today’s competitive online marketplace…boring.

With the decreasing attention span of consumers, businesses have to make a big impression quickly to keep them focused. Adding video to your newsletter is just the trick. Wow people with a video message from the editor that briefly touches on all the main points of the newsletter, right at the top of the page. Convert articles into video messages that only require a short, catchy, text lead-in. Include video links demonstrating new products. Give a video review of current trends or extend a personal video invitation to an upcoming seminar, convention or sales event. In short, inserting videos into all aspects of your newsletter can pack the needed punch to engage recipients quickly, and hold their interest.

The most successful video newsletters maintain brand consistency, but keep things fresh by changing up the look and feel of their videos. Creativity pays off, so put as much thought and energy into your videos as you would written articles. Most importantly, relax and have fun! Viewers connect more quickly to someone who enjoys what they’re doing.

Start small (the message from the editor is a good beginning point) and expand from there. You’ll see magical results in no time. A well-executed video newsletter can become a focal point of your marketing, sales and customer retention strategy.

We’re in the process of redesigning our templates to create a more dynamic visual experience.  By using an infinite horizon-style background, templates encompass the entire space, regardless of screen size or resolution.  The resulting look is more dramatic and compelling.  Custom templates can now make full use of the background to reinforce company branding and create a more lasting impression.

The other feature of our redesigned templates is auto-detect links.  That’s fancy wording for link buttons that only appear if you have created a link.  Until recently, many templates had 7 customizable link buttons that were always visible, even if the button was empty.  Now, if you have two links set up only those buttons will appear.  Our other template style had 7 customizable text links that only displayed in the link area when set up, but remained static, leaving an awkward blank space when fewer than 7 links were visible.  Now, if you have two links set up, they will appear next to each other.  Both button and text links are automatically centered in the designated link area, maintaining balance to the template design.

Generic, Holiday and Special Occasion redesigned templates available in customer accounts include: White Generic, Red Generic, Teal Generic, From the Desk Of (see below), Laugh and Digital Tablet (see below) with more coming over the next several months.   Customers who previously purchased custom templates can (for a limited time) have our design team incorporate the new infinite horizon background and auto-detect link option to their template for just $99.  Contact graphics@covideo.com with questions and to place orders.

The two most common types of digital camera batteries are rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and lithium ion.  NiMH batteries can be recharged up to 500 hundred times making them fairly cost-effective and environmentally friendly.  They also work well in situations where a flash is being used. The main drawback to NiMH rechargeable batteries is they don’t hold their charge very long in storage – they lose approximately 1 percent of their stored energy every day.  For intermittent users, this could mean little or no battery life available after a month or more of storage.  Because of this, most higher-end cameras are designed to use specific lithium ion batteries that hold a charge longer while on the shelf.  Lithium ion batteries have a slightly longer cycle life than NiMH batteries but will start to degrade in performance after about 500 charge cycles.

Brand vs Generic

Contrary to most ads, third party or store brands offer nearly the same performance as expensive brand name batteries.  However, third party brands may have trouble communicating with your camera and therefore not able to display available battery power.  During important events (birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc.) this could lead to disastrous results.

For long shoots, be prepared with a fully charged back-up battery, just in case.  Conserve the battery by turning off the camera in between shots, when possible, and try to avoid using the LCD screen to view every image you take-it will drain your battery in no time.  If your AC adapter will reach a wall outlet, you can forego using a battery at all!

New batteries arrive in a low charge condition and must be fully charged before use.  Refer to the user’s manual for charging instructions.  New batteries need to be fully charged and fully discharged or ‘cycled’ up to 5 times before they are conditioned to perform at full capacity.  Once a month cycling of a battery will help to maintain optimum performance and is particularly recommended for NiMH batteries.  Quick chargers that claim to charge your battery in 15 minutes often do not bring the battery up to full charge and can reduce the overall life of the battery.  A complete recharge often takes up to an hour.

Once your battery is completely drained be sure to recycle it using the proper disposal method.  Contact your local, state or federal environmental agencies if you have questions.

Post links hold the code to embed videos in emails, websites and more. We’ve streamlined the post link feature to break-out the embed code from the other options.

Check out this quick video to see how easy we’ve made the embed process.  WATCH VIDEO! 

Keeping employees motivated in a sluggish economy can be challenging.  News reports of layoffs and production losses add to employee jitters and contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for their jobs.  Conventional wisdom tells us that communication, communication, communication is key in maintaining a positive, motivated workforce.  But, simply sending out multitudes of messages with dry facts and figures may not garner the results you’re after.
Other than physically meeting with the entire staff for weekly updates (not often realistic!) a video email can deliver the same personal, face-to-face message to each employee, right at their desk.  Whether it’s from the CEO, HR Director or Department Manager, a video transmits real emotion and clearly conveys important news.  Employees can share the excitement over a big order, better understand the scope of a project and realize the value of their individual contribution as described by company leaders.

Put rumors to rest by clearly stating:
• The company’s short and long-term strategy for success.
• Any restructuring plans
• Programs designed to sustain (or grow) revenue in a difficult climate
• The importance of each and every employee to the company’s overall success

No other communication tool provides direct contact and personal interaction on such a grand scale as video email.  It’s effectiveness lies in the ability to reach even a global workforce quickly and earnestly, infusing them on an individual level with a renewed commitment to the company cause.  Try that with a text email!

When I was asked to research video cameras for an upcoming office purchase, I was surprised to discover how far DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras have come since the first fully digital SLR camera was introduced by Kodak in 1991.  Their 1.3 mega-pixel DCS-100, was only available to professionals at a cost of $30,000.  Over the next nine years a number of companies began developing their own DSLR cameras.  In January of 2000, Fujifilm introduced the FinePix S1 Pro, the first DSLR camera marketed to the non-professional.  It was the beginning of the end for the 35 mm market.

Shortly thereafter, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Olympus, Panasonic and others began releasing DSLR cameras with higher resolution and lower prices.  In 2003 Canon’s 6.3 mega-pixel EOS 300D SLR, commonly known as the Digital Rebel was introduced to the consumer market at $999.  Other manufacturer’s encouraged by it’s popularity, stepped up production of affordable digital SLR cameras allowing greater numbers of amateur photographers to make DSLR purchases.

More innovation quickly followed.  In 2004, as Kodak ceased production of film cameras, Konica Minolta released the Maxxum 7D, the first DSLR camera to include in-body image stabilization.  The following year Canon and Nikon unveiled competing full-frame digital SLR cameras priced for consumers.

By 2008, the stage was set for the next big advancement-HD video.  Nikon delivered the first HDSLR with the D90, capturing video at 720p24 (1280 x 720 resolution at 24 frames/sec.).  Not to be outdone, Canon quickly released the competing EOS 5D Mark II, capturing video at 1080p30(1920 x 1080 resolution at 30 frames/sec.).  By 2009, consumer versions of both cameras hit the market.  Virtually every DSLR camera produced after that would have HD video capability.

For the professional (and amateur) movie maker there are now a number of HDSLR cameras that can shoot in standard/broadcast compliant resolution and frame rates.  This includes the Canon 1D Mark IV, Canon EOS 60D, Canon Rebel T3i and Nikon D5100 among others.  For the beginner, Sony, Pentax and Olympus offer entry level HDSLR cameras.

For those wanting something slightly different, Panasonic has developed a Micro 4/3 camera, the Lumix GH2.  It looks and operates the same as a DSLR camera with one difference.  DSLR cameras use a moveable mirror as part of the image sensor whereas the Lumix GH2 uses a solid state chip.  What does that mean?  Well, DSLR cameras seem to have the advantage when it comes to still photos, but Micro 4/3 cameras may have better video quality.  Also, the GH2 has an important feature DSLR cameras do not- it never overheats.  DSLR cameras can only shoot video for about 10-12 minutes before they overheat and must be shut off to cool.  The GH2 will stay cool and can shoot video until the battery goes dead or it runs out of memory.  Here’s a great review by Web Video University. Panasonic Lumix GH2 Review

If you are in the market to purchase an HDSLR  or Micro 4/3 camera, determine your price range (prices vary widely) and carefully compare features and functionality.  Read or watch reviews and join forum discussions to gain insights from the experience of other movie makers.  Then buy your camera and go make videos!

This week’s updates include:

1.  Capture Pages – Requirements set for information entered into the capture fields.  Reduces invalid or incorrect entries and improves quality of leads captured.

2.  Email Icons - Video Snapshot now viewable as an option on the Email Icon page.

3.  Video Library – Users can now delete multiple videos at one time.

4.  Manage Groups - When deleting a group, contacts within the group can be deleted as well or kept in the Contacts list.  Users may delete individual contacts or select all contacts within a group to delete.

5.  Join Broadcast Page – Instruction text has been condensed so the Join Now button can be viewed without scrolling on Internet Explorer.

A cool feature of our video email product is the viewer notification option.  CoVideo users can be notified by email every time someone views a video email they sent from our system.  This option is highly effective for timely follow ups and time-sensitive offers.

For example: a real estate agent sends a video email of a property to a client. When the client views the video email, the real estate agent immediately receives an email notification informing them who is viewing the video and which video it is.  The agent can pick up a phone and call the client while the video (and the property) are still fresh in their mind.  

Users can request viewer notifications when sending a video email from the desktop recorder and web-based recorder, or from the video library.

For users who forget to check the notification box when sending a video, or those who are overwhelmed with notifications from multiple recipients, we now have a solution!  In the Video Library next to each video title, one of the options is Views.  This has traditionally been where users can see number of views and viewer information for a video.  The new Notify check boxes allow users to request notifications from some or all recipients of the video, after it has been sent.  Conversely, notifications may be discontinued for a few or all recipients by unchecking the boxes.

Request viewer notifications when sending a video email from the desktop recorder or the website:

When sending a video email from the desktop recorder, click on the More Options button and check the box “Notify me when recipient views this video” at the bottom of the window.  When sending a video email from the website, the notification message and check box mentioned above appear in the top right corner of the send email window.

Request/Discontinue viewer notifications from the video library (website only):

From a specific video in the video library, click on Views.  Check the box next to the word Notify to receive viewer notifications for every contact receiving that video, or check the box next to an individual contact you wish to receive viewing notifications for. 

To stop receiving all notifications, uncheck the box next to the word Notify.  To stop receiving notifications for specific contacts simply uncheck the box next to that contact’s name.

Notification settings may be changed at any time.

This week’s upgrades include:

1. Request viewing notification(s) after video email is sent. Click on the Views option from the Video Library or Dashboard and check the notification box. Users may select individuals or all contacts when requesting notification(s).

2. Search option added to Viewers table.

3. Page help (?) added to the Viewers table, Create New Broadcast page and View Broadcast page. Hover over the question mark and HELP text appears. Additional page help will be added with future updates.

4. Status and search messages added to the following pages: View Broadcasts, View Slides, View Contacts, Video Library and Featured Broadcasts. Messages appear if no information is available or a search returns no results.

5. Two new broadcast training videos have been added to the Help area. They are, ‘Custom URLs’ and ‘Locked Broadcast Option’.

6. Bug Fix: The Quick Access option for broadcasts now correctly pulls the broadcast name or user firstname/lastname.

7. Bug Fix: Changes made on the Manage User page will now save.