.mov is generally not available for Linux (with the exception of using Codeweavers wine ($$) to run Quicktime for Windows in Linux). .mpg works well (as it does in Mac and Windows). Only some .wmv and .avi files will play (not sure what the distinguishing factor is) in most of the players available. Real media stuff is available, but generally a pain as you have to install a proprietary binary player, so they aren't well supported by distributions which makes it difficult to upgrade. Flash is available for Firefox in Linux, but once again there's the binary install issue. I also know lots of people installing the Flash blocker for Firefox which replaces Flash content with a button (says a lot about how Flash is regarded in general, not just in accessibility circles).
I'm only a video consumer, not a producer, so I can't comment on ease of creation of these formats, but .mpg seems to be most widely supported across platforms.
Damian
Within QuickTime there are are many codecs available, including AVI, MPEGs 1 & 2 and MPEG 4, etc. This is what I've found (the hard way) when dealing with video:
AVI is an old MS codec that they haven't supported in years that thrill Windows users because of the small file sizes. IMHO, the quality is terrible. Windows Media player is available for both Mac OS 9 and OSX and some of us Mac users secretly harbor this player, although we never display it on our hard drives! As Terrence said, the size issue is great, the quality can be good, if you know what you're doing. I've used QuickTime Pro and MPEG 4 with the most success with both audio and video across platforms. The sizes aren't bad, but it does require the user to have the latest QT 6 plug-in. Either format would work with some experimentation. As far as Linux is concerned, I haven't a clue.
I don't know about the sleaze factor of Real, but I do know that special plug-ins are required in order to convert to Real. Besides, the Real interface is, let's face it, real bad...
Flash is an alternative, but will require someone with a very good understanding of how to use the program as it can be a slow and tedious process. I've mixed QT with Flash for some good results. So much depends on what exactly is involved in the "small video." If you're talking just video or audio/video and/or special effects etc. There is no easy, simple answer without knowing what exactly you need. And even then, there is no easy answer.
Wayne Godfrey President, Creative Director Outgate Media, Inc. <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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