Online Video Storage

[Mark Patoka]

I'm in the process of copying and converting 25 years worth of VHS and film home videos over to DVD and digital media. I used a Roxio device to record everything onto my computer. I'll probably use MS Moviemaker to do some minor editing, create title slides etc. and then burn DVD backups and create digital files.

For the digital movies, I'd like to put them online so the kids and their families can also enjoy when they want. Where is the best place to post them so I can still keep them private but allow the family to view them? I've used YouTube with the private video setting for some church videos we've posted so is that the best for this case or are there other sites that are better?

[Larry Browning]

Have you looked into using Plex media server? I believe it has a feature that allows you to share your personal video collection with others, without having to share it with the rest of the world. Most of the features are free to use, but if you really want to get fancy and the latest versions, you can get Plexpass and do all sorts of thing you never even knew you wanted, but realized how cool it would be.

[Alan Rutherford]

There are lots of options and I bet you're not going to find many people who really know more than one or two. Here's some food for thought to get you started.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_hosting_service
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_video_hosting_services
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_video_hosting_services

Be sure to look at what happens if you don't renew an account or if things are not accessed for a period of time. You don't want to lose it while you're not paying attention.

[Myk Rian]

Make a bunch of DVDs and mail them.

[Larry Browning]

Be sure to look at what happens if you don't renew an account or if things are not accessed for a period of time. You don't want to lose it while you're not paying attention.

This is another good reason to consider Plex. You are hosting your own media and have full control of it. I suppose the downside would be that your hosting computer would need to be online whenever you are sharing your content. This is not a problem for me at all, but it might be for you. (I think they offer a cloud storage service with their premium plan if you really feel the need to put your content in the cloud) Plex offers so many features, and viewing options, it just seems to be a no brainer. AND IT'S FREE!!!!!

[scott vroom]

I opened a Dropbox account to store family pics/vids. It's easy access for the family, and they have the option to either view or download content.