Web Hosting Question - Web Hosting Forums Web Discussions on Hosting Webmaster forums Web Hosting Forums Domain Name Forums Web Hosting

Supernova2 · 07-13-2008, 12:23 PM

Hey!
I'm currently working on a couple of videos tutorial for a 3D modeling tool. I want to open a website which will host these videos and possibly some other related things as well. The idea right now is to have several shorter clips available for free streaming on the web site and a full download for a yet to be determined price.

The videos sizes will be quite large- ranging between 500mb-1GB each. If I want to make them available in one file the file size will obviously be even larger.

I'm quite new to the web hosting world so my questions are as followed:

1. Are shared web hosts sufficient for my needs (file hosting of large files, selling the video files online using paypal, streaming video etc.)
I looked into VPS but that just confused me even more. Take at Starlogic for example. On their homepage they promote 3 different deals. Looking at the ProLogic and VPSLogic I would think that Pro is better than VPS. For instance, they say they provide unlimited GB storage and transfer whereas the VPS deal provides only 20GB of storage and 1TB of transfer and for a greater price (30$ per month vs 6$ Per month).
I take it that storage space means how much I can upload and transfer means data transfer which would be used for downloading those files.
What's the difference between the two and what is required for my needs?

2. Would the desired process of selling the large file be complicated either for me to set up or for the consumer to download?

I'm going to get someone to help me set up the web site once I'm ready for it, unless I manage to pick it up on my own but I'll cross that bridge when I reach it.

Thanks in advance!

JetWash · 07-14-2008, 02:45 AM

Depends really on how much Space and Bandwidth you will be requiring. If the site is going to expand rapidly then a VPS or a low end Semi-Dedicated would be more for you.

It also depends on the space a host allocates to you, We all know oversellers have a limit to how much you can store even though they say Unlimited, Smaller hosts will most likely be able to give all this to you.

Also No host can offer Unlimited of Space and Bandwidth, Yes E-mails and general basics but not Bandwidth or Space - Just take that into consideration when choosing a host.

With the sizes of the Videos, If they are steaming on a webpage and thousands of people viewing then I would not suggest a Shared Host more of a VPS or Semi-Dedicated.

Hope some more people can shed some light on this one, I see it how it is above so feel free to correct me

Cheers

mister i · 07-14-2008, 06:08 AM

wow it seem you need alot of bandwith...
it will be smooth for long run if you get dedicated server... client easy to download..

JetWash · 07-14-2008, 06:11 AM

My Best Solution is a Dedicated for what he wants so .. Maybe a reputable host that offers some reliable dedicated hosting

best of luck

Supernova2 · 07-14-2008, 02:21 PM

Thanks for the replies!

I think it'll take make a least a week if not more to get the videos complete. I'm also going to compress these files into one installer file so the file size required shouldn't be as high as I first predicted. Say altogether 500MB-1GB for the one single file with all the videos.

You guys gave me the initial direction as to how large the file uploaded should be and what server would best suit my needs. I think the best thing now is to complete the video so I know exactly what needs to be done before I actually make the choice.

JetWash · 07-14-2008, 02:25 PM

I mean if the site is not going to attract that many viewers then maybe and maybe a Shared or Even a Reseller Plan. You do not need to use the Reseller service but you get more space and Bandwidth to meddle with

Let us know how much space and bandwidth you would need overell and then I am sure we can help you more dude.

Supernova2 · 07-18-2008, 11:59 AM

Hey again!
So I think I'm ready to find my web host and open the site as soon as I can. For the time being I have 3 files, ranging between 150-200MB(not compressed in a zip yet). These videos will be available for free. Therefore, I will use file hosting for the download (using a mirror) and I'll also upload them to a site such as divshare and embed the video onto my site.
However, I will be creating a larger video which will be available for a price. My estimate is that it'll range between 500MB-1GB, plus I'll have to use protected file hosting for it.
Finally, I plan to open some kind of file exchange (textures and models, not heavy files) and possibly a small forum where people can discuss, share and get help from other members.

So my question is as followed-
What is the best web host for the needs of my site? Is Bluehost any good?
What is the best file hosting service which will allow me to upload numerous rather large files(100-200MB with on exception of a larger file) and that will allow me to mirror the download and in the future protect the file for sale?