Future high-definition video downloads

Walt and I are planning to distribute some high definition versions of video from PointBuzz. Because the file sizes are huge, and can make hosting cost prohibitive, we're going to distribute these files via Bit Torrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing system. Hopefully we can answer a few questions ahead of time on how to do this.

What do I need?
You need a Bit Torrent client. You can download one here:
http://www.bittorrent.com/download.myt

What does it do?
Bit Torrent downloads files by getting little bits of pieces from many different computers, instead of just one server. So if a file was 100 MB, and 100 different computers had the file, your client would download about 1 MB from each of the computers out there. It's more complicated than that, but you get the idea. Even as you download the file, other people can start to get pieces as you pull them down.

Isn't it illegal?
No, file sharing isn't illegal. Sharing files that are copyrighted or not licensed for distribution is illegal.

Will I really get anything out of this?
Well, if your computer is fairly new, you'll be amazed at the quality of HD video. It's like looking at a high resolution photo, only it moves. Indeed, it will be prettier even than all but the desktop photos we include here on the site.

I'm an HD dork. What are you distributing?
We're doing 720p, usually at 24 fps for that film look.

Can I try a file to download?
You bet. Try this one by clicking the link after you've installed the Bit Torrent client.
http://www.pointbuzz.com/torrents/cattest.torrent

It's going to be a fun summer. :)

Just out of curiosity, what are you guys shooting with?

Yes, please! BitTorrent rocks, glad to see you guys go that way. Expect a constant seed on most torrents this summer from me!

And thank you! I hope I speak for more than just myself when I say that this means a lot to us 'buzzers.

-nesdude

liek yay torrentz r cool!!11!1!~1

I'll be a frequent seeder as well :)

Make sure you take videos of the fireworks and such.

This should be pretty cool. I'm guessing that this is that media portion of the site that Walt was refering to a week or two ago...

*** Edited 4/12/2006 12:44:47 AM UTC by DBCP***

Oooh, most excellent Gents!

Looking foward to it! :-D

This is going to be fun... Wonderful idea Jeff/Walt! :)

What should happen when BitTorrent opens the file?

DBCP said:
This should be pretty cool. I'm guessing that this is that media portion of the site that Walt was refering to a week or two ago...

*** Edited 4/12/2006 12:44:47 AM UTC by DBCP***

It's you!
The dofus who didn't let me have his videos!

I'm assuming these are Quicktime videos.

Never assume.

MrScott

Should I say know since Jeff's test file was a .mov file. I can't wait for the summer. Walt and Jeff never disapoint us.

It certainly sounds good to me.

To Walt and Jeff, Is that program MAC Compatiable? I wish to thank you for it if it is!

Click on the first link he posted. There's a Windows version and a OS X version.

Jeff, is it you hitting me with the pop-ups? That's fine if it is, and I understand why, big files=big costs, but I want to make sure I didn't pick up spyware somewhere.

Post #999 *** Edited 4/12/2006 3:03:48 AM UTC by Fastball84***

Yes, the program comes in a number of flavors. Actually, I prefer to use this client...

http://azureus.sourceforge.net/

The video will be contained as QuickTime files, of course, seeing as how they're being authored on a Mac anyway.

The camera I'm shooting with is a Panasonic HVX200.

I'll start bittorrent up on my server in the Datacenter at work and seed these to help out.