WHAT IS A DIGITAL MEDIA MIX?

I get asked this all the time by customers, so here goes:

A digital media mix is using a combination of video, multimedia and web to deliver your message, whether marketing or training.

As an example, we often find that customers who’ve initially asked for a video actually require a multimedia cd presentation, perhaps with the addition of video clips and web links. This digital media mix gets their message across much more effectively than just a video.

The reasons for this are:

• Multimedia cd is very flexible. Unlike video, slides can be skipped, or extra sections added later, which users can produce themselves as required. And of course, viewers can still play video clips on-demand. Whole presentations can be tailored to the precise needs of audiences.
  
  
• A digital media mix offers greater interactivity for the user. Whether your mix is DVD-based or CD-based, you can have menu-driven chapters which users can select from.
  
  
• Multimedia cd with voiceover and animation is very colourful and impressive. Because of this it often has more chance of being remembered, than video alone, which can look quite plain if the sets are offices and plants.
  
  
• Multimedia can link direct to specific pages in your website, allowing users to dig even deeper by going online. Or they can send you an email direct to enquire or ask a question. So if you need this “digging deeper” facility, then you probably need a digital mix in preference to just a DVD.
  
  
• A DVD player and a room isn’t always available. But a PC capable of playing a multimedia usually is. So when deciding your digital media mix, you have to consider the advantages of different playback situations, whether PC, laptop or TV screen.

The obvious conclusion is that a digital media mix allows you to think bigger and better than just a video or just a powerpoint. You can now offer users a much more effective and satisfying experience.

Examples scenarios for using a digital media mix can be found here

www.rossiterandco.com/Training.htm

www.rossiterandco.com/Marketing.htm

HOW INTERACTIVE CONFERENCE DVD WORKS

Since their inception conference videos have been plagued by the same problem. It’s this:

> "If I record all my conference, I end up with a huge long video that no one will watch."

> "If I edit the conference down to an acceptable length, I lose too much good material that some specialists in my audience will want to see."

Interactive DVD provides the answer.

You can organise your DVD to play menu driven sections, for example:

• A Main Highlights Intro section so that anyone can get a grasp of the key issues in less than 10 minutes.
  
  
• Each speaker can be a menu option. The footage will be edited down to remove any unessential anecdotal material, delivering the maximum possible amount of information in the least possible time.
  
• Delegate voxpop interviews can be included. Feedback from delegates can be added in an extra section, allowing the viewer to check out the audience reactions and comments on the event.

You can find more information here:

www.rossiterandco.com/ConferenceDVD.htm

MAKING FLASH EFFECTIVE ON WEBSITES

To flash or not to flash? That is the question.

Often we see pages full of flash that look like they’re crawling with insects. Or we come across whole websites built in flash that have unfamiliar navigation, and force us to surf differently.

The objective of a great flash is to Engage and Compel.

We know that people don’t read websites in detail, that they quickly scan down pages, and often miss information we consider vital for them to know.

By using flash on these pages we can begin to engage and compel.

A well designed flash will catch the user’s eye immediately, because it moves. And in a fairly short time it’ll give them the essential messages they need in order to quickly decide whether the page is of any use to them. This usually happens inside a few seconds.

Of course, great design plays a large part, so it’s no good simply highlighting a key message in garish red. It has to look attractive. It has to look engaging. And it has be look worthy enough to occupy a prominent position on the webpage. Because if your flash looks plain or poor, then people will ignore the whole page.

If you have the opportunity to engage and compel using flash, then your key webpages will become more effective, and your organisation will perform better for it.

Flash gallery is here www.rossiterandco.com/FlashGallery.htm

But please look around as many of our pages use flash.

Q&A - THE TOP 5 FROM LAST MONTH

1 - Why do I need a corporate video? Answer here

2 - How do I start an email newsletter? Answer here

3 - Using Actors In Corporate Video Answer here

4 - How Do I Webcast? Answer here

5 - Using Subtitles for Foreign Language Videos Answer here

STUDIO NEWS IN BRIEF

Here’s a rundown of what’s going on this month.

Glasgow City Council’s Safetown project multimedia is in the process of getting its 3rd update, while constructor RG Group’s health & safety induction is in the studio for editing after a shoot using actors to depict the two main characters.

We’re busy preparing for Recruit Retail Services November ecast to 15,000 named persons in the retail industry, while the UK’s leading Electrical distributor, Bridisco, are about to take delivery of their new corporate multimedia presentation, and UK Mortgages & Finance Services’ website is near completion. Busy, busy!

THE JOKE - THEY MADE US SMILE

> Clones are people two

> Bureaucrats cut red tape, lengthwise

> How many of you believe in telekinesis? Raise MY hand!

> If evolution is outlawed, only outlaws will evolve

> If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done?

> Help Wanted: Telepath. You know where to apply

Oi!

USEFUL ROSSITER & CO LINKS

Where can I see examples of your work?

Marketing Gallery
www.rossiterandco.com/CorporateVideoExamplesMarketing.htm

Training Gallery
www.rossiterandco.com/CorporateVideoExamplesTraining.htm

Multimedia gallery
www.rossiterandco.com/MultimediaPresentationGallery.htm

Flash animation gallery
www.rossiterandco.com/FlashGallery.htm

What services do you provide?
www.rossiterandco.com/Services.htm

What will my video cost? Online quotations available here  www.rossiterandco.com/QuoteFrame.htm

CONTACT

The Multimedia, Video & Web Newsletter is produced by Rossiter and Co Ltd, www.rossiterandco.com

If you have any queries, questions or would like to discuss your next production, contact Kevin Rossiter on UK 01695 726887 / 556019 or click here to enquire.

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Newsletter copyright 2006 Rossiter & Co Ltd