Abstract: A system, computer program product and method for automatically presenting a link to a media file is described for a server. The method on a server begins with receiving over a network (114) from at least one client device (122, 125, 126), a plurality of parameters related to media play-back capabilities of the client device (122, 125, 126). The playback parameters includes any of type of media player (432), the device brand and model, player format compatibility, device player compatibility, device protocol compatibility. The method continues by using one or more of these playback parameters for calculating at least one optimization factor based on the parameters which have been received from the client device (122, 125, 126). Next at least media file representing an identical media production but having differing media play-back qualities is selected based on the optimization factor.

Abstract: A method for playing back video files optimizes display viewing while minimizing file size. On of a plurality of video files representing the same video production is automatically selected for viewing based on multiple criteria, such as network bandwidth, the type of video players available to display the video file, the format of the video file and the platform used to display the file. The width and height of the image displayed from the selected video file is adjusted to match the resolution of a display screen, or a user specified image size. A system for transmitting and displaying large media files uses an online streaming service to upload full-length movies and other video and audio files to a wide array of viewers. The system includes a robust, scalable, and fat upload technique that allows files of any size to be uploaded to customers' accounts by the customers. It is specifically tuned to handle hundreds of uploads per second of files which are typically several hundred mega bytes large.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and displaying large media files uses an online streaming service to upload full-length movies and other video and audio files to a wide array of viewers. The system includes a robust, scalable, and fast upload technique that allows files of any size to be uploaded to customers' accounts by the customers. It is specifically tuned to handle hundreds of uploads per second of files which are typically several hundred mega bytes large. Increased scalability is achieved by clustering servers behind a front-end server than gives customers a relative level of distribution transparency.

Abstract: A method for playing back video files optimizes display viewing while minimizing file size. One of a plurality of video files representing the same video production is automatically selected for viewing based on multiple criteria, such as network bandwidth, the type of video players available to display the video file, the format of the video file and the platform used to display the file. The width and height of the image displayed from the selected video file is adjusted to match the resolution of a display screen, or a user specified image size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating and sending video emails containing video and graphics, and optionally text, animation, sound, attachments and links. The graphics are produced as a skin on the computer screen and the video plays in a defined location on the computer screen within, preferably, or without the skin. An intelligent video streaming server stores the video emails and sends them when instructed.