How to Embed Videos on Your Facebook Wall

As a web developer who works with a lot of video content online, I'm often asked the question "how do I embed videos on my Facebook wall?", to which I answer "Facebook doesn't allow video embedding in profiles but I'll show you the next best thing."
The reality of it is, Facebook has become far more popular than MySpace now and at it's peak, the majority of MySpace users had at least one video embedded on their profile, whether it was a MySpace video or a YouTube video. Now that these MySpace users have jumped ship to the other social networking site with the little blue icon, they'd like to have the same privilege of embedding video on their Facebook profile page.
So how do you do it?
OPTION 1 - posting the latest music videos on your Facebook wall and in your friends' news feeds

• find a website that supplies free viewing of the latest, most popular music videos by doing a search engine search of the following terms: - "urban videos" - "free music videos toolbar" - "grime music videos"
• find the video of your choice on that website and make sure the video has a "share on Facebook" button. If not, then go back to the previous stage until you find a website that enables Facebook video sharing
• click the "share on Facebook" button and it will open up a Facebook window asking you to log in
• enter your login details and click the "post to profile" tab... Feel free to enter comments that will appear alongside the video on your profile
• click "post" and that's it, the video is on your profile! It'll also show up in all of your friends' news feeds

OPTION 2 - posting any YouTube video on yours or a friend's Facebook wall using the "share a link" method

• browse youtube.com for a video of your choice
• go to your browser address bar, select the entire website address (URL) for theYoutube video page and right-click/apple-click and select "copy"
• now log into Facebook and go to yours or a friend's profile
• click the "share link" tab near the top of the page, then right-click/apple-click and paste into the text box displayed
• click "preview" then "post" and VOILA... the video is now embedded on yours or your friend's Facebook wall

These steps in option 2 can be repeated using various free video websites other than YouTube, as long as that website is an official Facebook share partner.

IP Video Security - Buyers Guide to High Definition Video Security

IP Network Cameras have to be considered in any CCTV Video Surveillance project today as high definition IP Cameras are being introduced in the market at a rapid rate. IP camera systems starting entering the market at a significant level 2 years ago and today we are benefiting from severe price reductions and better yet, High Definition Video Surveillance has arrived in full force. With resolutions reaching 2560 x 1920 in 5 megapixel cameras for video surveillance, real-time High Definition Video has Finally Arrived!
High Definition means massive video volume and Network integration. The evolution of Hard Drive Technology (i.e., cost and performance) and the simplicity of Network Architecture in today's IP LAN world make IP Network Video technology a major step for Video Surveillance. The result is high definition video on Video Security systems just as you experience HD at home television. HD IP Video is the standard Video Surveillance system of choice for any mid to high-end professional CCTV deployment as we enter 2013.
The following is a basic recommendations and considerations you should have with Advanced IP Video Surveillance projects. The general design, integration, and installation of IP camera systems is very different than the old style analog systems. This guide objective is to highlight key considerations in IP Video Security technology.
IP Cameras
IP Cameras have the same fit and form as analog cameras. Basic camera types include dome, bullet-style, infrared, and Pan Tilt Zoom. The real difference is in the video resolution increase from 520 TVL (see old TVs) to 5 Megapixel Cameras that provide resolutions up to 2560 (H) x 1920 (V).
Consider:

• In 2012, Network-based Camera system will be approximately 20-30% more $$ than a comparable Analog Video Surveillance System (In 2010 it was about 50% with only 1.3MP resolution)
• IP Camera may replace up to 2 analog cameras dependent on the location
• A Panoramic 360 Degree Network Camera can replace up to 5 Cameras
• PoE Power Over Ethernet means standard Cat-5/6 cable and no more extra power supply boxes, thus reducing the installation time and difficulty by as much as 25%
• IP Camera prices will probably fall 20-30% in 2013
• IP Network Cameras will probably exceed 10 Megapixel resolutions in 2013
• Many IP cameras do not have the same low lux rating as analog cameras, so be careful in selection considering low light conditions
• Infrared is available in many IP Dome camera models
• Look for IP Pan-Tilt-Zoom(PTZ) Cameras prices to fall in the coming months as more vendors are releasing more models on the market. Many analog PTZ cameras complement an IP system with approximately 50% less cost.
• Audio is built-in to many Network camera models
• You should consider 2 megapixel IP Network cameras at minimum today (cost/performance). In 2013 I would suggest that 4 MP Cameras will be the norm
• Panoramic 360 Degree Cameras should be considered at any location that requires multiple cameras in target areas such as retail stores.
• In 2012, although standards are in place, you still need to be aware of IP Server compatibility with specific Network camera models. Obtain a certified Camera list from the NVR Vendor

Digital Video Recorders and Network Video Recorders
IP Camera Video Recorders or Network Video Recorders (NVRs) operate without the massive DSP hardware that processed the old analog composite video. No DVR hardware required, but fast CPU processors and large Hard Drive requirements are with massive video files and multiplexing high definition video has taxed more than one system in the last two years of early adopters to IP can attest.
Choices include Standalone NVRs and Computer-based NVRs and each, like their analog brother, meets different requirements and your decision is based on several factors. Standalone NVRs typically offer Linux-based OS that are closed architectures in that there are limitations. Computer-based NVRs offer flexibility in the number of monitors, resolutions, video storage capacities, and in a general sense are open platforms that can expand and be refined over their productive life.

Hybrid Video Recorders that will operate both Analog and IP video systems should be considered as you upgrade or expand your existing CCTV system. A Hybrid Video Recorder allows you to keep existing analog and upgrade to IP Cameras. So the analog and IP cameras coincide in the same system with the same user interface and remote access, and save money not having to scrap existing analog cameras in place.
Consider:

• NVRs typically require more Hard Drive Video Storage space. Calculating drive space as well as HDD allocation are critical decisions in the IP Video Security experience
• DVRs and NVRs both offer Remote Internet Access and iPhone and Droid Access
• NVR bandwidth problems basically occur in the HDD Write process. HDD allocation may require limiting high megapixel to 2-4 per HDD (Meaning you may need up to 8 Drives or more to operate and maintain 5 Megapixel camera video in a medium to large-scale CCTV Video Surveillance project
• Use Hybrid Recorders and plug in IP Hi-Def CCTV cameras in critical areas and where you need high definition video
• Be aware of recording speeds with IP Cameras. Although a camera may provide 5 Megapixel video feeds, it may only record at 5 FPS or so.
• Use as many separate Hard Drives (HDDs) as possible. Computer Hard Drives are relative inexpensive, so load up with multiple drives when possible
• Many IP Cameras have built-in micro storage devices that can record up to 10 GB of Video. Perfect backup on the device for temporary issues and/or problems with main Video Recording System
• Be aware of 3rd party camera license costs and limitations
• Require HDMI Output for any IP Video Surveillance system
• The iPhone, iPad, and Droid Remote Access applications are excellent and offered for both NVR and DVR systems today.

These are just a few tips on approaching any CCTV solution with high definition video security. There are many details, but clearly IP Network Camera deployments are typically less difficult than analog if performed correctly.
The technology in Close Circuit Television (CCTV) otherwise known as Video Surveillance or Video Security is undergoing tremendous changes from Analog to IP Camera systems. In 2012, the Video Surveillance manufacturers have embraced standards early and adopted them allowing you, as a customer, to benefit from an open platform standard. This standard adoption means that you mix and match components and vendors and not be so concerned about compatibility. The IP technology changes in the CCTV/Video Market in 201X parallels the IP technology advancements in VOIP and the telecommunications market in the 1st ten years of this century. Video Resolution and Video clarity is increasing as prices decrease with new and advanced IP Network cameras and video recording systems entering the market every month.
IP Cameras have presented other issues with the typical CCTV installation and integration. No longer can the technician plug-in coax video and adjust the analog system. Today the CCTV provider and integrator needs to have extensive IT and LAN knowledge and the ability to setup and manage network devices and video transmission within the network. However the IP Network Camera project for Video Security is no more complicated than analog camera installations, it just takes a different skill-level to implement and manage.
The end result of IP Network Cameras which high definition is the ability to say Goodbye Fuzzy Video, Hello 1080p in the Video Security world.

How to Write a Video Game Script

Writing a video game script offers a challenge that goes well beyond the normal realm of writing. But it is also something that can be tremendously rewarding in the scope of its creativity. Here are some guidelines and tips for writing a video game script.
Today's video games are based in complex worlds and they tell stories. No longer does a player simply advance through repetitive screens slaying goblins and ghouls in a quest toward the goal. A player now expects to progress through a world where there is a rich history and a plethora of decisions to be made. This adds to the complexity of writing a video game script and it also adds to the richness of the creativity involved.
The first thing you need to think about is that writing a video game script is that it is not the same as writing a movie script. The two processes are similar and you do write a movie like script for your video game but that is only part of the process. There is a whole host of accompanying materials that you need to write for your game script. Here is an overview of what you need to write and why.
Write An Executive overview of the story in prose
This is the most important part of your game script and this is what will sink or float your script. This overview has to tell a compelling and unique story and it should tell the complete story from the opening scene of the game through the major steps all the way to the completion of the game. An overview like this can be almost any size and it would be very easy for this to be ten written pages or more. Remember that today's video games are very complex and the stories can be very complex. This overview is also the most important part of the script. You would shop this to game developers to see if they are interested in developing it into a game.
Write a History and Background of the world
Video games are complete worlds and game designers need to know what the world is like and what kind of history it has. This will help the designers to visualize what the world will look like.
Create a Flowchart for the entire game
Your game is going to be very complex and there will be many decisions that the player will have to make and each decision opens up a whole new path for the player to take. Creating a flowchart is the best way to keep track of all the possible paths through the game.
Create sub-quests and write a prose overview of each quest
Sub quests can be simple or complex but each one is a story in itself and you must tell these stories.
Create character descriptions and bios for all the major characters in the game.
Game designers need a complete picture of the characters in the game. Many of the non-player characters you create will pop up time and time again. And their story is woven deeply into the fabric of your world. You need to describe this relationship in detail to the game designers.

Write interactions with non-player characters
Your game will probably involve interaction with non-player characters (NPC's). You should write out the dialogue and flowchart the choices the game player can make. These interactions are often critical to the story and they can take the player on very different paths toward the conclusion of the game.
Write Cut scenes
Cut Scenes are short animations or movies that come before or after major plot points in your story. A cut scene should always be written to enhance or describe the story. A cut scene is also a reward given to the player for achieving a major milestone in game play.
Writing the actual storyboard script
This is the final step in the whole video game script writing process and it is the most detailed. You do this step last because you need all the supporting materials to understand and describe this correctly. This part is very similar to that of a movie script. You progress through each scene of your story and you detail all the necessary information. Here is an example:
Scene 1:
Location: A dark cathedral with stained glass windows. An NPC is kneeling before a stone casket in the center of the main room
Music: background music of an organ playing introduces the scene but subsides
Characters: Main player, NPC named Thomas, seven were creatures
Player Goal: Discover the location of the underground lair
Action: Player must initiate discussion with Thomas, upon first contact we activate cut scene (1) where Thomas morphs into a were-creature and summons his were-minions. Main character must battle the were-minions then re-initiate discussion with Thomas.
Flowchart: No decisions made at this point: If battle is completed Thomas reveals the entrance to the underground lair and player advances to that level. If player is defeated in battle revert to death cut scene (11) and move to try again screen.
Notes: Player is locked in the cathedral and there is no exit. The only viable way out is to initiate contact with Thomas. Random were-creatures can be activated if player explores cathedral before talking with NPC.