When I first started this blog my intention was to focus on video sites like YouTube, Metacafe, etc. But, since Ustream.tv has arrived on the scene I’m going to include tips to improve your live streaming video as well.

My first tip is on how to embed your current Twitter status in your Ustream video. I spent a few days obsessing on how to get this done and finally figured out how. I’m sure this isn’t the best technique, but as far as I know it is the first… and it works.

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If you have been uploading your videos to YouTube and other video sharing sites raw and unedited, you need a slap in the face. Take a little time to edit and spice up your videos and it can make a big difference.

The best way to edit is to use an offline editor such as Sony Vegas or Adobe Premier. If you don’t have the budget for professional video editing software you are still in luck - there are several online video editing solutions where you can edit your videos online. This will be the first installment of a series of reviews of the many online video editors out there.

The first online video editor I tried was Eyespot. Eyespot is pretty basic and easy to use. Upload your video, give it a title, drag and drop video effects and transitions and add royalty free music or your own music or audio. Once you think you are finished you can mix and preview it. You can then remix it if you think it needs more editing or you can publish the video if you are satisfied with it.

Each video you upload and edit then becomes a “mix” which you can always remix at any time. The original raw videos you upload are saved as “clips”. You can publish your videos to be viewed on the eyespot web site or you can save them if you would ilke to upload to other video sharing sites. Download formats include Mac, PC, Ipod, PSP and Divx. Eyespot definitely lacks with downloading - they email you the video file and every time I tried it it took several minutes to receive the file. I would like to see them have the option so you can download directly - or just faster downloads!

The drag and drop features of Eyespot are very nice - simply drag video clips, audio files, video effects, transitions, titles, trims and photos where you need them and preview to see how it looks.

Overall, Eyespot is a good online video editor but will seem a bit basic to seasoned professionals. If you just need a few simple edits for your video, Eyespot will work fine. But, they really need to speed up the file download feature. I started downloading a mix at the beginning of this article and still haven’t received it.

Visit Eyespot

Ok, I think the Joost Haiku Contest has gone on long enough, so I hearby declare Betsy Devine to be the winner!  Congrats!  Here’s her entry:

Mmmm, it’s the sweet new
Tele-visionary app…
Gotta get Joost juice

Have you ever seen those nifty little video intros some of the YouTube A-listers have and wanted one of your own? Well, look no further - Kevin from RHComics.com is the man for the job. Drop him an email for a quote. He has done work for Nalts, Xgobobeanx, SXEPhil and more. Here are bunch of his other video intros if you’re curious.

A few weeks ago I posted about a homemade steadicam you can build for around $20 from materials you can find at your local Home Depot or Lowes. I finally built one of these, only I used PVC caps for the ends of the pipes instead of steel as they are much easier to drill.

The homemade steadicam definitely makes things smoother, but it takes some time to master it. From the official Poor Man’s Steadicam site, Johnny gives this advice:

How you use it is 80% of the smoothness…Don’t expect this thing to perform miracles, you have to practice using your arms and body to create a smooth motion…Keep your legs bent and learn how to “glide”. Getting good results is not so much about the equipment, but how you use it.

Are you still waiting for an invite to Joost?  Well, here’s your chance to win one for free!  Simply write a haiku about Joost in the comments below and the best haiku wins an invitation to Joost!

To refresh your memory a haiku is basically a 17-syllable verse form consisting of three metrical units of 5, 7, and 5 syllables.  See the Wikipedia entry on haiku for more info.

Good luck!