Any recommendations? I need someone who can create a video on demand website. I don't need them to be in the same country as I am. Preferrably someone who's work you know. Through google I'm finding a lot of people, but I have no way of determining which ones provide a good service and which ones don't. Help appreciated, references will get repped.
Your question sounds like you are unclear on the fact that VOD is distinct piece of software that you implement onto your website. I don't really think you WANT someone to design this application from the ground up. It also don't seem clear to me about your role in the site. Are you wanting someone to maintain it, adding content, or will you be doing that? That would be a whole other set of services you would need. A website designer's job is to provide you a layout within the framework of html, css, javascript, but once you get into the mysql or database design that is a whole other level of design. And even within the website you have logo designers (graphic designers), etc. What I am saying is you need to be more specific about the parameters of your project.
Probably easiest to work with a video on demand solution that offers paid premium packages and then just integrate those streams in to your website (such as WordPress). Building a video on demand back end would be a HUGE investment of time, money and resources. LiveStream, JustinTV and ustream all offer good solutions. I personally think LiveStream is the best one, but that's just me.
You are right, I don't know much about it, which is why I'm looking for someone very experienced and helpful. This website is in Arabic, but in terms of design only is fairly close to what I am looking for: cinemoz.com
Is there a difference between livestream, ustream, justin tv and things like Joomla and JW player or are they all essentially different brands offering the same thing? I don't want to build a VOD back end. I'm happy to use other software. I do however want something where the uploader can charge the viewer through paypal or something to watch the video. I THINK this is important because I don't want there to be a workaround for example if I use Vimeo to host the videos then people can just go to vimeo and watch for free. Is there a website which is really good for learning the basics of this stuff? I'm really uncomfortable not knowing more about all this.
