The Mess and Magic of HTML5 Video

HTML is the language used to create web pages. Version 5 is a complete re-write of the specification. It introduces several new features, including a geo-location API and a database API. But the feature that has received the most buzz this year is easily HTML5 video.

Browsers that support HTML5 can display audio and video natively. That eliminates the need for plug-ins such as Flash, QuickTime, or Real.

Who is using it?

Video sharing site Daily Motion launched an open video web site in 2009. But HTML5 really heated up when both YouTube and Vimeo launched experimental players in January, 2010.

That said, not every online video site is migrating to HTML5 just yet. In May, 2010, Hulu.com launched a new player — one built using Flash.

So is HTML5 video ready for prime-time? Almost. Here’s what you need to consider.

Browser Support

Most browsers — current versions of Safari, Firefox, Chrome, and Opera — support HTML5 video. Internet Explorer, the world’s leading browser, does not.

IE9 will support HTML5 video. But Microsoft has not announced a release date. Once released, widespread adoption could still be 3-5 years away.

If your user base is still heavy with Internet Explorer users — most sites are — you will need to use a Flash video player.

That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t use HTML5 video in addition to Flash for users whose browsers support it. Whether or not to do so depends on your needs, your audience, and your budget.

When not to use HTML5 video

If audience measurement, ad support, and rights management are part of your business requirements, stick to Flash exclusively. HTML5 video does not yet have the ecosystem of services for ad serving, analytics, or streaming that Flash video does.

Keep in mind, however, that Flash video locks mobile users — including iPad owners — out of your content.

Cost is another concern. A Flash video player offers the most bang for your buck if you want control over the video player’s look-and-feel. Most users have Flash installed, even if their browser supports HTML5 video. This means you can build one player for multiple browsers and platforms. Customizing native HTML5 video players could well double your development time and cost.

Browser vendors also support different video formats. Apple currently supports H.264 exclusively. Opera and Firefox support Ogg Theora exclusively (though VP8/WebM support is coming). Flash also supports H.264. To support the widest range of browsers, your video must be encoded in two different formats. Tools like FFMPEG and Miro Video Converter make the process easier, but they don’t eliminate the cost completely.