Multimedia of Independent Lens
For a site that focuses on video and film, effective use of multimedia is a must. Independent Lens makes use of streaming technology. Horton and Lynch describe streaming technology this way: “Streaming technology sends data to the desktop continuously but does not download the entire file…Based on this information, the server adjusts the data stream accordingly and sends just enough data to the client” (Multimedia).
An added benefit of streaming video is that the user can jump to any random point in the video stream. Another benefit of this technology is the lower storage demand on the user’s machine because it isn’t downloaded and stored on the hard drive. In order to allow the user to get the educational material they want, Independent Lens does not automatically stream the video. This ensures that the user won’t simply close the window if they don't want to watch the video at that time.
One problem with Independent Lens is that it doesn’t give its audience different options on how to view the main videos. According to Horton and Lynch, "the best approach is to offer a range of choices and allow the user to select the one that best suits his or her environment and preferred access method" (Choice) The site does make sure that all of the links to the videos include the run time of each. There are different viewing options, however, for some of the full-length films. This page gives you the option to watch the videos online at hulu or SnagFilms, or to download the films from Zune or Xbox by simply clicking on the links under each film heading. The nice thing about being able to download this content is that you can transfer it to another device and the quality of the media is a lot better than that of streaming video. The drawback to downloading, of course, is the size of the file and the space it takes up on the user’s machine.
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Jennifer Sawyer
Clayton State University
Updated: 13 April 2009