FLV Playback - what should be the buffer time?

[asscripter]

Hi, I'm wanted to know if there is any ideal value for the buffer time for a video streaming. What factors determine the video player's buffertime so that the video plays soothly at the client end.

I'm using a buffer time of 6 sec.
My video is expected to be between 1 - 7 min. and
The player is be hosted on a public website,

which means the audience could be with varying internet bandwith. How do i know if 6 sec is perfect for my audiences or not. I want a smoth, non-fluttering video playback.

Is there bright idea?

[Paul Ferrie]

I am pretty sure there will be abandwidth check script round here somewhere. That should do the trick for you. Normally i set 10 sec's buffer time on all my videos.

[asscripter]

Thanks Paul!

I'll look for such stuff. Meanwhile any specific reason for 10 sec ?

[Paul Ferrie]

10 sec's because it's a nice round number.
I am on 2mb broadband connection so usually i dont see any stutter in video playback.

As for your other question.
You can get free forums from here (http://www.phpbb.com/)

[asscripter]

Thanks again Paul - for ur answers and the link.

[itsricky]

thats great, but what about a 30sec clip.. i have tried to run it woth no buffer, but with bad results. the movie either skips out of control, or the playhead behaves really eratically. can i reduce a 10 sec buffer to sat 5 on a 30 sec clip? or is the size of the clip irrelevant, you still need to buffer?