Inspirationaltv is an online alternative to television – a spicy mix of reality programming available only on the web. It is a Christian website with a difference generated from a partnership of around 600 Anglican, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian parishes and schools across the country. Its focus is not on the institutional church. Rather, its programme-makers aim to report on what people of every background and faith find inspiring. It is the world lived in the context of Christian hope that is the creative heart of this project.
Much of the mainstream news media exaggerates crime, shock, sensationalism and celebrities. Inspirationaltv aims to find passion and compassion in mainly simple things and non-celebrities, while celebrating diversity and social justice and avoiding negativity. Inspirationaltv currently has twelve different programmes touching on all areas of interest – including nature and the environment, technology, relationships, social issues, politics, the arts and culture, and spirituality. With new material every week, there is something here for almost everyone.
A non-profit organisation run by volunteers, Inspirationaltv is a high-tech, low stress way to relax and gain much-needed reassurance for people of all ages and backgrounds.
It is best to view the videos on a broadband connection. Here's some help if you are having trouble.
You need certain minimum computer specifications. Your system must meet the following requirements to stream videos on Inspirationaltv: Windows 2000, XP or Vista with latest updates installed or Mac OS X 10.3 or higher; Firefox 1.1+, Internet Explorer 5.0+, or Safari 1.0+ and; a broadband connection with 500+ Kbps
If you're having trouble watching streaming videos, please make sure that you have the Adobe Flash Player plug-in installed on your computer. If you don't have the Flash Player plug-in installed, you can install it at http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/alternates/. If you already have Flash installed, please try uninstalling it by visiting http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/knowledgebase/index.cfm?id=tn_14157. After you've uninstalled all versions of the Flash Player that may exist, restart your computer. Then, reinstall the Flash Player by visiting http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/alternates/
If videos still won't play in your browser, you may need to enable JavaScript. To enable JavaScript in Internet Explorer, follow these steps:
From the "Tools" menu, select "Internet Options". From the "Security" tab, click "Custom Level". Scroll down to the "Scripting" section and enable "Active scripting". Click "OK" twice to exit "Internet Options". Close all browser windows and relaunch a new browser window. To enable JavaScript in Firefox, please follow these steps. From the "Tools" menu, select "Options". Check the "Enable JavaScript" check box. We also recommend checking the "Load images automatically" check box. Click "OK". Finally, if you have ad blocker, popup blocker, internet security, or anti-virus software installed, it may cause JavaScript to malfunction. Many browsers and applications allow you to disable the blocking or security mechanisms for specific websites. Disabling these features for http://www.inspirationaltv.net and http://www.youtube.com will stop them allowing you to watch videos on Inspirationaltv.
If you video plays but doesn't play smoothly. There are many reasons why this might occur. Your bandwidth may be being used by another application (or another computer, if your connection is via a home/office network). Your viewing experience will be affected if our servers are unable to deliver data to your computer quickly enough because of network congestion on your connection. Downloading large files while watching video, for example, may prevent you from being able to receive enough data to maintain a constant video stream.
If you still can't view any videos. If you have ad blocker, popup blocker, internet security, or anti-virus software installed, you may want to consider checking that software's settings. These types of software may cause JavaScript to malfunction. Many browsers and applications allow you to disable the blocking or security mechanisms for specific websites. Disabling these features for http://www.inspirationaltv.net and http://video.google.com will allow you to access video on Inspirationaltv.net. Most ofices block videos so it may be you wont be able to view them at work.
If the video stops playing. If you're experiencing difficulty playing the entire video after clicking on the video's title, it may be due to your connection speed. Please note that a broadband connection with 500+ Kbps is required for continuous playback on Inspirationaltv. If your connection speed is less than 500 Kbps, we suggest that you try playing videos on another system with a higher connection speed. Or, please wait until the entire video finishes buffering before playing the video.
If the audio portion of the video isn't playing. If you can't hear the audio portion of a video, try the following: adjust the volume control on your computer. Note that your computer may have more than one volume control. Adjust the volume controls on other video players, such as Real Player, Quicktime, or Windows Media, which may affect your computer's volume level. Confirm that your system meets the minimum requirements. Play other videos. If the audio works for other videos, the audio problem you've experienced is likely related to a specific video, not your system. If you are using a Mac, please try the following: in your System Settings, locate the Mac OS X Audio MIDI Setu, make sure you have chosen "Built-In Audio". Change the Audio Output from 96000 Hz (this is default) to 44100 Hz. Additionally, make sure the volume bar for your Built-In Audio is not on "Mute".
Why not join the fun and make your own videos for screening on Inspirationaltv. It's easy, just follow the following four steps. All you'll need is a camera, a cord to connect the camera to a PC (fire-wire or similar) and a PC that has an internet connection.
To start with run through the four Ws and the H (what, who, when, where and how) to formulate your story. When you've got these basics roughed out you can get into some more serious planning.
To maximise the inspiration in each video and minimise the confusion in producing them very video should start with confirmation of basic details before you start:
Find an angle:
Plan to capture interesting footage that helps answer your question or develops your theme:
Show a result:
Here's a checklist of what you'll need before you go out filming:
If you are using a presenter, make sure your presenter is prepared:
So you're ready to film. If you are new to filming here are some tips:
When you are starting to get really good also be sure to:
Cutting is very satisfying. It's the point at which everything starts to come together and people take real pride from their involvement. It's wonderful to sit back at the end and be able to say "wow, we made that". We suggest you use Windows Movie Maker, it's easy to use and produces a good result. Most computers have it and if yours doesn't it can be downloaded for free at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=854898a9-1947-4bda-8963-bee13fa40980&DisplayLang=en if your PC is a Windows PC.
Ensure your tape is in the camera, make sure the camera is plugged into the electricity. Now connect the camera to your PC with the firewire. One of two things will happen either a diologue box will pop and ask you to capture the video, select OK or, you will need to open Windows Movie Maker. Capture the video from your camera, naming what you are capturing and selecting where it will be saved to. If you are asked for file format select "Digital device format (DV-AVI)" and capture the entire tape or stop the capture manually when you have finsihed getting what you need. The video will be in the top left of the page. Drag it down to the top line of the story board ("video") further down. On the story board there are plus and minus buttons. Adjust the size of the story board using the buttons to make cutting easier. Play to the point you want to cut. Use the razor blade (two squares with a dotted line between them at the bottom of the video screen) to cut, put your curser on the cut piece you want to take out and press delete.
Use the razor blade to cut down to the chunks you want for the video. Delete the chunks you don't want. Rearrange the chunks in the order you want them. When you have cut your video insert titles and captions. Use the menu to choose where you would like the title to appear. You will be given a range of options to choose from. Once you get experienced you can also add music and photos. Places for free music and photos without copyright restrictions include:
Finally, publish your video so that it is ready to load to the web. When you save the video you will be given a number of options on the form to save it in. The two key things to get right for ease of loading to the web are first ensure the file format is "AVI" so it will load easily and second make sure the file is saved as "compressed" otherwise it will take hours to load to the web.
You are ready to load your video to the web, offering it to the world of web TV watchers.
Open a free account with You Tube. Go to their web-site http://www.youtube.com/. Select "Sign Up" in the top right hand corner of their home page and follow the instructions you'll be given to set up your account.
Once your account is set up select "Upload" in the top right hand corner of their home page and follow the instructions you'll be given to upload your video file. As it is loading, which may take about 15 minutes on broadband, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to add descriptions alongside the video so that people can find it easily.
Once the video is loaded e-mail contact@inspirationaltv.net with a link to it and we'll take it from there.
Well done, you did it!