Putting a video in a website is as easy as copy and paste an embedded code from YouTube or alike. Many times this is sufficient, but sometimes:

• we need more videos in one player to save screen space (a playlist)
• the content does not comply with YouTube's policy
• we don't want the content to be on a public domain
• simply don't want to depend on a third party
• we want to customize diplaying options to our needs

The viewer (Lightbox2) as described before, besides images can also be used for displaying video content. If a playlist integrated in the player is necessary we use JW media player or dashplayer if you want complete integration with your site (view counts, theming, dynamic playlists).

Video content must have a .FLV (flashvideo) or .SWF (shockwave flash) extention. If you want user be able to upload also other formats to be rendered (.AVI, .MPEG, .DivX), we us a server with an application called FFMPEG. This enables automatic conversion of the format. In most cases it's more convenient just instruct your users how to convert files themselves with free easy-to-use on- or offline software or by opening a YouTube account. YouTube offers one of the best conversions available (quality / size ratio). Just upload a video and then download  the converted version. Their converted files render the best, even in your own web applications.

P.S.: Lightbox2 can even display other webpages dynamically within the actual page, but we reccommend using the normal popup window for that.