Video hosting platform or CDN with video streaming, what and why?

Question

I'm going to build a video-based subscription site and am currently exploring options. It seems I can go with a video hosting platform like Brightcove, Ooyala, Viddler, Wistia etc. Or go with a CDN, such as MaxCDN, and use their streaming services using Flowplayer or JW Player.

Now, it would seem that the CDN / Player route is much cheaper than the hosted solution. So what will I skip? What makes hosting platforms cost a lot more?

Ultimately, I need a video solution that provides fast streaming, html 5 for iDevices, analytics and some degree of security (i.e. RTMP for streams without iDevice, we are still trying to sell access to this material), Which solution do you would offer and why?

Answer 1

You will lose convenience if you are non-technical. Brightcove, bit-on-the-run, etc ... have all the tools available, including converting video to several formats to change the bitrate. If you go to Amazon S3 yourself, you will either have to buy plugins or create them yourself to meet your needs. It depends a lot on your temperament and how big you see it.

For huge video portals, I would go with the service, because the workflow is optimal. It is important to do this on your own and is time consuming. These services keep track of this, and if you are on your own, this is an additional burden that you bear. But there is a serious price tag, there is little flexibility, and you depend on the service, which can be difficult.

If you have a modest membership site with 1000 members or so, you can install WordPress or Joomla and work with the plugin to process video through Amazon S3. (FYI: most of the services you mention use Amazon S3)

With a JW player, you can add a number of plugins for analytics, etc., and also analytical tools in S3 assembler are available.

Hope this helps?