Uvu.channel2.org express ideas and share your passions
Note: Site URL is http://uvu.channel2.org not http://www.uvu.channel2.org
uVu is a video sharing website and companion digital broadcast channel sponsored by WPBT Channel 2, South Florida ’s non-for-profit public television station. A video sharing website refers to any site that allows users to distribute their video clips to other users, a phenomenon known as "viral videos."
uVu operates as a multi-source video sharing service and hosting site that reaches out to and connects the South Florida community. The website consists of user-generated video along with content created and submitted to the site by community groups and cultural/educational institutions. Re-purposed video clips, previously aired on WPBT Channel 2, are also available for viewing and sharing.
History
It was founded in March of 2007 by WPBT Channel 2, a PBS station in South Florida .uVu is the first and only full-fledged video sharing site owned and operated by a PBS affiliate station.
Concept
The purpose of the site is to bring educational and cultural information to the local community through partnerships with community organizations and giving citizens an open forum to voice their thoughts and/or passions. It aims to bring the community closer and provides an easy outlet for local information.
Anyone can log on to the site, choose a video to watch, comment with others , send a video to friends, or upload their own, building on the dialogue amongst users. uVu also responds to local events in South Florida with the help of citizen correspondents, shooting and supplying their own view to the site.
To upload a video to the site a user must register for free as a VuFinder. By registering as a VuFinder, individuals are able to upload video content and participate in surveys to improve service and be eligible to receive updates about changes to the site.
Video Content
uVu is broken up into four main categories/channels:
The Classics
- The channel contains video clips of WPBT's original productions as well as nationally aired shows from PBS.
The Exclusives
- This channel contains videos produced specifically for the uVu website by the uVu producers. Videos can be from community and cultural organizations and topics can range from art and public affairs to nature and local community events.
Speakers Corner
- This channel contains video on university and political lectures, rountable discussions and local performances.
Vlogger Cafe
- This channel is for user-generated videos. Anyone can submit short films, video clips, visual essays or anything else.
Besides the four main channels users are also able to browse videos by categories, ranging from art and travel to history and culture.
Technical Details
Users may upload as many videos as they like. Videos for upload must meet the following specifications:
- Format: Videos can be submitted either Windows Media format (.wmv extension) or Quicktime format (.mov extension).
- Size: 320 x 240
- File Size: 60 mb
- Bit Rate: 384kbps – 768kbps
Videos on uVu are embedded on the site in Quicktime format, using H.264 compression type.
uVuTV
Because uVu is a video sharing service tied to a digital broadcast channel, users have the chance to see their own video creations appear on television. uVu uses WPBT Channel 2’s digital channel to provide a broadcast outlet for new ideas and content.
In October of 2007 WPBT launched a companion TV show called uVuTV. The weekly show highlights popular clips from the uVu website and is broadcasted on WPBT's digital channel. Using a ranking system of the most watched online segments, content is taken from the website and used as program elements on-air on the digital channel.
As of March 2008 uVuTV launched its first contest. The winner of the best video will have their video broadcast on air and will be invited on as a guest host for uVuTV.
Location
North Miami, Fl
Additional Information
Languages
- English
- Spanish
- Creole
Related Domains
Discussion
Featured Page Nomination
Uvu.channel2.org has been nominated to be a featured wiki page. Please discuss this nomination below: Uvu.channel2.org/FeatureDiscussion
