Web Hosting Talk : Web Hosting Main Forums : Web Hosting : Streaming Video Hosting Providers

I have a client who wants to build a subscription online training site. This site will be hosting proprietary videos that need to be streamed (vs. downloaded).
Can anyone recommend a reliable hosting provider that:
- Supports ecommerce
- Supports streamed Flash video
- Provides a way to control user's access to videos (only access what they've purchased)
Thanks for any recommendations.

[Kaumil]

There are quite a bit of web hosting providers that provide FFMPEG capable web hosting, or is the files already going to be in .flv and you're just looking for a web host that will stream the content?
I know that LiteSpeed has FLV streaming built-in. Maybe should narrow down your search by looking for hosts that use LiteSpeed web server instead of Apache.

Thanks Kaumil. The files will already be in .flv and I just need a hosting service that will stream the content. Also, I need a solution that can restrict access to these files only to paid subscribers.

[Kaumil]

Also, I need a solution that can restrict access to these files only to paid subscribers.
I would definitely speak to a programmer for that or use one of the ready made ffmpeg video sharing web sites, that may have functionality for subscription based services.
However, if you want to be unique, I suggest hiring a programmer and doing something custom, if your budget allows for it.

[SiberForum]

I suppose that you are in need for shared web hosting account with media streaming allowed. On this forums I have seen Cirtex offers that. They seem have solid reputation here.

[isparky]

dear exo12,
IMHO go for a VPS as on a shared solution you may reach quickly your limits, what is more you shoudl indeed try to find a programmer or eventually an ISV [related to your streaming tools] for access control as this is something hosting providers generally do not provide.
on the other hand, you may also consider back-up solutions as well as bandwdith requirements.
best,

You can host your website with any company on dedicated server only!

[Dawizz]

I can think of mddhosting (http://www.mddhosting.com)
MikeDVB is on the forums here and I have seen excellent reviews about him. Give them a try...

[MikeDVB]

I have a client who wants to build a subscription online training site. This site will be hosting proprietary videos that need to be streamed (vs. downloaded).
Can anyone recommend a reliable hosting provider that:
- Supports ecommerce
- Supports streamed Flash video
- Provides a way to control user's access to videos (only access what they've purchased)
Thanks for any recommendations.
It sounds like you may need to have a proprietary script developed to meet your needs. If you want to convert the videos to Flash format before upload them to the server then just about any host with MySQL/PHP (linux) ASP/ASP.net/MSsql (windows) would work depending on which type of developer you choose to use.
If you want to convert the videos to Flash format on your site (more common with user-uploaded videos) then you would want a host that supports FFMPEG or some other sort of module that converts videos between different formats.
Being that it sounds like you (or your organization) would be uploading the videos yourselves and not allowing user submitted videos likely you could get by without having FFMPEG or a similar module.
You are entirely within the shared hosting spectrum at least at a starting point, you can always upgrade later. I recommend that you find a host that has a solid upgrade path from Shared to Dedicated hosting.
Best of luck!