Streaming Video Hosts/Files

I have two questions.

Can anyone recommend a simple, cheap streaming video host? I wouldn't require lots of active connections at one time; usually two or three, maybe as many as ten on occasion. And I wouldn't need to host a bunch of different videos, maybe three or four half-hour length videos. I'd just need something very basic.

My second question is about optimal file settings for streaming video. I haven't tried using true streaming video yet; I have experimented with a video .mpg file on a web site and the FreeView TV. For both me and a friend, the video would reset back to the beginning a lot, like every few minutes. I was using the Toran movie controller to sync the playing of the .mpg, but it was annoying to have to sync it up continuously. My guess is that perhaps the movie file was just too big, and a smaller file would have worked better. What would be optimal for frame rate, resolution, and kbps for a smooth stream to Second Life?

1.. try viodia.com ..

I was able to get a free account .. only a few weeks ago .. worth a try .



2.. This all depends on your availlable upload speed .. even a single stream needs a consistent bandwith and is intolerant of drop outs.

The more compression you apply at base the less width you need to upload to a stream server .. adversely your final image quality will be affected.