Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Essay
Section: MW 11am
Prof. Richards
2/10/10
Agarwal P
Today technology has become a key element in any communication medium. Video streaming
on the internet is one such technology that is prevalent in every means of advertising. Finding
videos in almost any website, from educational to recreational sources is quite common. There
are many powerful advantages to using video streaming but this technology can also be used in a
way that defeats its purpose. Attributes of an effective video include high quality production
values, such as clear images or clear sound, natural and fluid performances from the actors,
successful communication of its message, and purposeful rather than distracting sponsored
An effective video should have a clear image quality, even in its full screen mode. The video
should not be pixilated, with appropriate contrast settings as well as a tolerable combination and
usage of colors. In addition to the visual aspects of its production value, the video’s sound
qualities should be audible and in synchronization with the images, without abrupt noises that
could potentially affect the clarity of the dialogue. For example, in the GE Locomotive
commercial (Link 4) video on YouTube, the colors are cool and soothing to the viewer’s eyes
which make the video more visually appealing. Further the camera angles focused on both the
locomotives as well as the employees delivering the dialogue. The angle was successful in
maintaining the viewer’s attention on the spokesperson as well as the product being advertised
without high angle shots or close ups. However, the images appear pixilated in full screen mode.
The video also includes visuals and graphics, such as locomotives, and the uniforms of the
employees that effectively promote the company as well as contribute to its positive institutional
identity. In comparison, the video for the Habitat for Humanity (Link 3) has a clearer image
quality when viewed in full screen mode. The colors of the video seem so natural that the video
feels real. The behavior of the people in the video seems fluid, open and engaging as compared
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to a generally staged appearance in the GE Locomotive commercial video. The Habitat for
Humanity video touches its audience as it really brings out the satisfaction one gets by helping
others leaving its audience inspired and motivated. However, a major drawback to this video is
Yet without an impactful message, the production quality of the video cannot alone be sufficient
for the video to be effective. A message is conveyed effectively when it is not too lengthy and
when it is presented in a way that is engaging or inspiring. The video from Wharton’s website
(Link 1) which informs the viewer about its Executive MBA program is a good example of video
that is not only lengthy but also insipid and uninspiring. Consequently, the video clearly detracts
from its seemingly obvious goal to attract individuals to use their video archives as a good
resource for obtaining information on their program. In spite of these drawbacks the video was
successful in conveying a broad range of information that may be relevant to the target audience.
The detailed information provided can really benefit the viewer in answering many questions.
While IBM’s advertisement - “Show and Tell” (Link 2) may not be as detail oriented as the
Wharton video, it is very effective in achieving its aim which is to reflect the innovative
solutions developed at IBM to make the “world work smarter”. This advertisement also
addresses a diverse target audience and reflects the perspectives relevant to different sections of
an audience that could be interested in a company like IBM. This aspect of IBM’s advertisement
really helps connect the audience with its message and leaves a sense of personal connection
with the company. Further, at the end of the advertisement, the viewer is truly inspired by IBM’s
innovations.
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On the other hand, there are several videos that may be accompanied with advertisements and
sponsored messages. Can such advertisements be a distraction for the audience? A good example
of such a video is the video on CNN’s website (Link 6). This video offers comprehensive
coverage of the protests in Iran. It encompasses all the relevant issues pertaining to these protests
in a manner that evokes the empathy of the viewer. In addition, the advertisements for
educational programs and green technology in transportation presented at the beginning of the
video cater to the target audience that includes students, policy makers and other professionals.
The advertisements are unobtrusive, informative and very brief, making them less distracting.
Moving to the video, it’s most striking positive aspect is its availability and easy access. The
video also displays the geographical locations of the areas discussed, the flag of Iran, people
dressed in traditional Iranian wear and pictures of the individuals relevant to the situation to
reinforce its content. This video however did have its share of flaws. Being a multi-clip video,
the transitions between the different visuals and shots don’t seem to be smooth which negatively
impact the coherence of the programming strategy. Additionally, even though the individuals
being interviewed in this video projected their voices well and articulately expressed their
opinions, their voices did not seem very natural and had the appearance of being a passive
monotone reporting style. Overall, the video seemed convincing and the clips used in the video
appear to be authentic and hence persuasive to the viewer. Although the next video did not have
any advertisements, it is easy to find and is well-integrated into the site. When viewing
“Performance at the White House: A Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement”
(Link 5) at the website for the White House, the viewer can exercise his or her discretion in
viewing the video and it streams onto the screen quickly with a strong delivery platform.
Furthermore since there are no streaming delays or dropped frames in this video, it appears that
the server capacity is not strained. The background location for the speech made it befitting to
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the website for the White House, with ambient indications such as the red drapes in the
backdrop, the president’s seal on the speaker podium and the elegant atmosphere of the hall.
Needless to say, President Obama’s appearance was impeccable with the perfectly groomed
Having explored different videos it is evident that there are aspects of a streaming video that are
crucial for effectively communicating the message to a target audience. Without strong
production quality, appropriate performances from the individuals, effective video length and the
relevance of the sponsored advertisements to the video and the targeted audience, the video will
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Links Cited
1. http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/videos/?dvid=rplContainer2
2. http://www-03.ibm.com/employment/index2.html
3. http://www.habitat.org/videogallery/default.aspx
4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQjQxMVz9P4
5. http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/performance-white-house-a-
celebration-music-civil-rights-movement
6. http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2010/02/09/sayah.iran.prisoners.cnn
7. http://www.youtube.com/user/harvard?
blend=1&ob=4&rclk=cth#p/c/129DFCA141A94A81/0/bxYfkEwQjho
8. http://www.youtube.com/user/officialpeta?
blend=1&ob=4&rclk=cth#p/a/u/1/7ehF08Ni790
9. http://www.youtube.com/user/whitehouse?blend=1&ob=4&rclk=cth#p/u/0/7iIXOTJYGIU
10. http://www.youtube.com/user/pepsi?blend=1&ob=4&rclk=cth#p/u/0/pY6VeWtRgxw