HTML5 Player: Let’s Get Video on Wikipedia!

As the world’s largest online encyclopedia, free Wikipedia has been working hard to bring registered users new features of videos uploading. This could almost be true now, due the cooperation of Wikipedia, Google and Kaltura. Wikipedia video has taken years to realize this  with  the launch of TimeMediaHandler.

In 2010, a campaign called “Let’s Get Video on Wikipedia” launched by the Open Video Alliance aiming to encourage users uploading relevant educational video content to Wikimedia Commons.

Earlier in 2008, Wikipedia began the partnership with open source video platform provider Kaltura for getting Wikipedia video-supportive. Actually, Wikipedia Theora Player has been put in to application since 2007; however, till now only about 15500 videos shown on Wikipedia, it still remains largely text-based.

To provide better video uploading service, there are problems mixed with technical and licensing issues, which finally delay the launch of such function. 1. Proprietary technology for video such as Flash is not the perfect option, HTML5 enables video playback right straight in the browser. 2. Wikipedia’s changes have to be consensus of tens of thousands of volunteers.

Thus the transition towards video playback absolutely is a main change. Kaltura is developing encoding and uploading tools for the HTML5 video player to make it possible for video playback in Wikipedia. In addition, to successfully get through the transition gap, Wikimedia collaborative video editing tools like sequencer by Kaltura is applied. This, meanwhile changes the internet video as static medium, with numerous volunteers’ editing and improving.

Thanks to the player’s WebM support, freely licensed videos from YouTube can be uploaded to Wikipedia. This function seems to be much intentioned to educational videos as Wikimedia Foundation said last Friday: "A new video player has been enabled on Wikipedia and its sister sites, and it comes with the promise of bringing free educational videos to more people, on more devices, in more languages."

Will the existence of HTML5 video player finally give Wikipedia a new outlook? Hopefully, this will improve and enrich the text-based Wikipedia in a vivid way. Let’s get HTML5 video player on Wikipedia!Soon, this will be available on mobile phones.

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Top 10 Free Websites to Watch NBA 2012 Online (Live)

What's the hottest news for 2012 NBA SEASON lately?  Have you seen Kobe Bryant's DEATH STARE on yestoday's NBA game? Where to watch the NBA Games Live online to catch such special moment?

Well, as the regular season has kicked off for a while, are you still struggling searching for a good online video player/website for better viewing? This period will last long enough as it usually does, during which time over 1,000 games will be put on show. These websites below will allow you enjoying the big NBA season and then the playoff, the finals! NBA fans, cheers!

Some Official Websites for NBA Games:

1. NBA TNT Overtime

This website is provided by Cable network TNT; yet, this time you can watch NBA streaming without cable subscription, only broadband connection is required.
This online streaming NBA differs from TV as the games are broadcasted on an interactive 4-screen interface, with each of the 4 providing a different camera angle.

2. YouTube NBA Channel

This could be another option for NBA games. But there is in great need of more uploads of latest videos.

3. NBA.com

It's updated official website for NBA Games of regular season, playoffs and the finals. Or change for the old video player for NBA games since the new updating seems to be less than satisfactory.

4. ESPN NBA

ESPN shows a live NBA every Wednesday night and a double-header every Friday night. WatchESPN.com is free to viewers who log in with an active and paid-up cable TV subscription. NBA games on WatchESPN are available to re-watch on demand for 24 hours after the game has ended.

Some other Websites for NBA Games:

5. Wiziwig.tv

Wiziwig is a site specialized in schedules for all kind of Sports. You can watch Live Sports by using the schedules. It is fully free. You only need some clients to download and then you're ready to go. Prepare to watch a lot of Football, MLB, NHL, NBA, Cricket, Tennis and many more.

6. Frombar
It shares videos of many sports: football,hockey,baseball,golf,basketball-NBA, etc. The only thing you have to tolorate is the ads.

7. Streambeam

It is similar with Frombar, also provides different sports videos, NBA live online streaming videos included.

8. NBA Live Online
NBA Live Streaming, it shares great similarities with the previous two ones. Enjoy basketball in this website.

Some NBA Apps for Mobile

9.Desktop app: vipboxsports

10. Mobile App

WatchESPN:  for iOS system from app store; while for Android system, on Google Play: NBA Game Time 2012-13

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How to Enable More Video Formats Playback on iPhone?

Won’t it be a mood-killer when you are planning to watch some videos on your iPhone and suddenly realize that it only supports that few video formats while travelling on the train or bus? That’s no big deal; you can get rid of such awkward moments either by downloading some universal media player, or by converting the formats.

How to enable your iPhone play more videos of various formats? There are several solutions to get this solved.

1. Free video players:

FlexPlayer

FlexPlayer is free media player for iPhone and iPod Touch as well as iPad.
Video formats it supports: AVI, MPEG, VOB, MKV, MP4 and MOV, FLV DivX, Xvid, and even Webm, etc. Playback of HD videos for QuickTime formats up to 1280x720 is available.
It possesses a user-friendly interface without ads. But it lacks of multiple audio track support and only hard subtitles allowed. Actually, you may encounter WMV video format, which may be a big flaw for it.


AcePlayer

Aceplayer is compatible with iPhone/iPod/iPad. Just transfer the media files to your i-devices by iTunes File Sharing or through Wi-Fi, video will be played.
Video formats it supports: WMV, AVI, RMVB, RM, MP4, 3GP, XVID, MPG, etc.
Audio formats supported: MP3, RM, ACC, FLV, RM, etc.
Subtitles: .smi, .srt, ssa, .ass, .sub txt.
But from its website, it seems it is not always free.


2. Other Video Players

There are many other options available as well.
Some video players for iPhone 5 full screen playback could be your best choices, RockPlayer2, Azul Media Player, etc.
Well, actually, if you are lucky enough to download VLC Media Player mac version before it is pulled down form app store, that’ll be really perfect for you.
CineXPlayer, will also be good.

Or, you probably should also try some tools. I’ve searched the app store and found some really nice converting tool. That will be possible for you to play as many videos as possible, and not restricted by the video player. For example, you can get some video players that allow DVD playback, or you can always get DVD or VOB to other formats with some kind of DVD software.

Thus, there are less limitations for your iPhone video playback. You can thoroughly enjoy your trip video feast. You can either get a powerful video player, or get your video friendly to your player. Have a try.

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Classic Movies and New Movies for Christmas 2012

There are 48 days left before Christmas 2012 arrives. When talking about Christmas movies, I would always think about comedy movies while Home Alone series (I prefer only 1 and 2)are definitely the top classic Christmas choices.

Classic Christmas Movies:

1. Home Alone (1990)
DVD Release Date: October 5, 1999
Run Time: 103 minutes

As the youngest kid of the family, the 8-year-old little boy Kevin often feels like being the subject of ridicule from his siblings and cousins. He wishes "his family would disappear" and  he is mistakenly left at home while his big family heading to Paris for Christmas holiday. Home alone with little money and food, he has to fight against two idiotic burglars. With the help of the neighbor “murdererish” old man, the recidivists got caught.

It makes the Christmas Eve full of joy and laughs.There is a happy ending: family gathering and family reunion, both for Kevin and for the old man. Merry Christmas!

2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
DVD Release Date: October 5, 1999
Run Time: 120 minutes

Well, the sequel somehow shares the same plot line as the previous one, yet it’s still a good movie for Christmas.
This time, Kevin is left alone once again, one year later. He is in New York City with enough cash and credit cards. The two burglars are also hanging out around the Big Apple, planning their holiday heist just as before. Kevin once again plays with them and makes fun of the big holiday.

3. A Christmas Story (1983)
It is a 1983 American Christmas comedy film. The film has since become a holiday classic and is shown numerous times on television during the Christmas season on the network TBS, often in a 24-hour marathon.

4. Elf (2003)

More classic ones (on DVD already):
The 12 Dogs of Christmas (2004)
The Santa Clause (Widescreen Special Edition) (1994)
The Polar Express (2004)
Joyeux Noel (2006)
Die Hard (1988)

New movies for Christmas 2012
So This Is Christmas (2012)
Chilly Christmas (2012)
New Hallmark Christmas Movies 2012

Won’t that be awesome watching some nice DVD movies or movies on TV for Christmas with all your families gathering around? Merry Christmas!

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Great Videos for 2012 Thanksgiving Day

2012 Thanksgiving Day  is just around the corner. As is generally known as a day for celebrating the big harvest of the year, it is a time for family gathering together for a big dinner of turkey and pumpkin pie, which could be regarded as the symbols of Thanksgiving Day. Besides, you can also join the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC or in Detroit, or Philadelphia.

Thanksgiving Day:
What and when is Thanksgiving Day?

Thanksgiving began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year. It is celebrated primarily in America and Canada. In Canada, it is always taken place on the second Monday of October, while in the US; it is held on the fourth Thursday of each November. Historically, Thanksgiving had roots in religious and cultural tradition.

History of Thanksgiving Day

Besides the feast, there are movies about Thanksgiving Days and songs about it.

Turkey Catchers (1999)

Disney classic. Mickey, Donald and Goofy open a turkey catching business and their first customer is a pompous pilgrim. The three friends come up with the perfect plan, but when they finally catch their game, will they let their new-found friend become the main course? (from YouTube)

Thanksgiving song

From Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Come Darkness, Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas" album. I really love the beatiful song and the musci video. May we always be grateful.

In spite of US and Canada, there are many other countries celebrate such special times of the year. They are named in different names and held in different forms while they share similar meanings: celebrating the harvest and being grateful.

A day of Thanksgiving 

Here is a list of Thanksgiving in some other countries:

China: Mid-autumn Day Moon Cake Day on August 15th of lunar calendar. Mainly celebrates the harvest and family gathering.
Germany: early October festival, Erntedankfest.
Grenada: national holiday of Thanksgiving Day on October 25th.
Japan: Labor Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday.
Liberia: the first Thursday of Nov. is Thanksgiving Day.

Well, right after Thanksgiving, Black Friday shopping tide is coming as millions of goods on sale for your best deals. 

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Family Movies 2012 on DVD for Family Weekend Night

Nowadays, people are always on the go, busy with never-ending work, even after work or on the weekends. How long has it been the last time you have some quality time with your family members? Well, you can try some warmhearted family movies with your family members. Below are some family movies 2012 released on DVD, get some and enjoy yourselves.

Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted

Theatrical Release Date: 06/08/2012
DVD Release Date: 10/16/2012
Run Time: 85min.

This 3D computer-animated comedy movie by DreamWorks is still about the story of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe, who are still fighting to get back home- Big Apple. A lion, zebra, hippo, giraffe, four penguins, two monkeys, three lemurs certainly would make the journey full of fun, and make your weekend night enjoyable.

Happy Feet 2

Theatrical Release Date: 11/18/2011
DVD Release Date: 03/13/2012
Run Time: 99min.

Happy Feet 2 is also a 3D animated comedy movie, as well as a sequel to “Happy Feet” which was the Academy Award-winning animated smash hit.

Mumble's son, Erik, is struggling to realize his talents in the Emperor Penguin world. Meanwhile, Mumble and his family and friends discover a new threat their home -- one that will take everyone working together to save them.

Puss in Boots

Theatrical Release Date: 10/28/2011
DVD Release Date: 02/24/2012
Run Time: 90min.

A story about the events leading up to the sword fighting cat's meeting with Shrek and his friends. Years before meeting Shrek and Donkey, the adorable but tricky Puss in Boots must clear his name from all charges making him a wanted fugitive.

Johnny English Reborn

Theatrical Release Date: 10/21/2011
DVD Release Date: 02/28/2012
Run Time: 101min.

Mr. Bean would always make you laugh hard.
Rowan Atkinson returns to the role of the improbable secret agent who doesn't know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller 'Johnny English Reborn'.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island

Theatrical Release Date: 02/10/2012
DVD Release Date: 06/05/2012
Run Time: 94min.

The previous 2008 worldwide hit “Journey to the Center of the Earth” is followed by the 2012 3D family adventure journey to the mysterious island. Sean Anderson together with his mom’s husband is trying to find his missing grandfather on an island.

Well, there are some other family movies like Hugo, Ice Age: Continental Drift (DVD release date: December 11), etc.

And besides, the 2011 movie Kong Fu Panda 2, 3 years later after Kong Fu Panda in 2008 is also a perfect family movie. Well, do you love this lovely fatty Panda? It is said that Kong Fu Panda 3 would be released in 2016.

So these are some perfect family movies 2012 I collected from different resource for your reference. Later, I would like to discuss more about classic family movies of all time. Enjoy your weekend night with some family movies! (information source: iMDB, etc.)

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Windows 7 to Windows 8:No DVD Playback and More

Windows 8 finally came to face the world on October 26th, with its several forms: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 RT, and Windows 8 Enterprise.

Are you going to update your Windows system from Win 7 to Win 8? If you are not decided yet, let’s check out how Windows 8 has changed compared with its previous version.

1. The “Start” button is removed. As an initial option for all its previous versions, this menu has been there since Windows 95. So is the “Start” menu. This is designed to fully support the “start screen” full-screen menu, which changes from still to dynamic icon.

2. Windows Aero is killed. The Aero Glass - the graphical centerpiece of Windows Vista and Windows 7 disappears in Win 8 as to support Metro start screen.

3. Flip 3D is replaced by Modern UI app. All those animations and transparent glass effects are gone as well as the disappearance of Flip 3D. For Windows 7 or Vista, (key) Windows + Tab allow you to view Flip 3D.

4. Windows update desktop notifications won’t appear on the desktop. All notifications about Windows updates will be shown on the login and lock screens.

5. Some desktop apps will not be available on the desktop. Or will only be seen on the Windows 8 “start screen”.

6. Windows backup and restore is also no longer possible in Windows 8.
 

7. Windows Media Center and DVD playback
As Windows Media Center won’t be pre-installed as a default program, Windows Media Player is not available as well. If you do not install Windows Media Center and purchase Media Center upgrade, no DVD playback is allowed. Even if you download the feature packs will you only be able to play DVD in Media Center, not in WMP. To play DVD in Windows Media Player, an add-on for DVD support from Windows Store is necessary. But for free option, you can try VLC Media Player, or some other video players for DVD playback. Besides, Windows DVD Maker remains no more.

The reason for this is mainly because of the rise on streaming online videos and the decline in DVD and other traditional/physical discs.

Well, there is some kind of tricks we can solve some of the dislikes in Windows 8. After all, it provides many more promising new features. It's technology, people move on! What do you say?

Related Articles:

DVD Playback is not Supported in Windows 8 Without Built-in WMC
Best Free Options for DVD Playback in Windows 8
Best Free Video Player Software for DVD Playback 

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