Video tutorial about using video in SL

Using video in Second Life can be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it so I’ve put together this short lesson that covers the basics. I explain how video works in SL and also show you how to create a very simple video screen object that you can use to play videos on your own parcel of land. I also show you how you can grab free videos from the Internet Archive to use in SL without violation anyone’s copyright.

Check out part two of this tutorial where I show how to convert your own videos for use in SL.

A couple of quick notes:

If you are trying to watch a video and don’t see the little video controls at the bottom of your screen (next to the audio stop and play buttons) you can enable the video feature in your Preferences settings.

It’s also a good idea to upgrade to the latest version of the Quicktime software to avoid a nasty little bug that could allow hackers to access your SL account using a specially formatted video. This bug has been patched but you need to make sure you’re using the latest version of Quicktime. It’s free and only takes a few minutes to install.

Please leave suggestions or questions in the comments. My next tutorial will show you how you can encode your own videos for use in Second Life.

I just saw this posting on the Pontiac/Motorati Site, they are packing up and leaving SL.

Why? Pontiac is one of the very few RL coorporations that came in and actually did something fun and interesting. They became a part of the community. They allowed residents to be a part of their efforts. Even in their farewell post they say “We feel strongly that Motorati Island has set the bar high for how any brand, of any size, should approach Second Life”. So why are they leaving?

Doesn’t make a bit of sense to me. The only thing I can think of is that maybe they are gonna launch their own self-branded virtual world or possibly partner with another virtual world company. Or I suppose some upper executive could have pulled the plug becasue there was no visible, monetary ROI.

I can understand why a company like American Apparel would leave SL. They came in and set up shop…then did nothing. No interaction, no real content, no participation. They might as well have been buying an ad in a magazine rather than setting up in a cutting edge virtual world. I guess this is just another sign that the mainstream still doesn’t get Second Life.

Whatever the reason, I will miss Motorati.

Northern California Redwoods in SL

I’m putting the finishing touches on my latest Second Life landscaping gig. It’s a patch of northern California Redwood trees for a new shop in Caledon - the Trillium Gallery and Frame Shop. I’m very happy with the results. I’m especially fond of the ground, undergrowth, and overall texture of the place.

AutoPilotPatty took a quick trip down to California to take photos just for the project. Then I massaged, manipulated, and cajoled the photos into shape for use in SL. There are lots of custom sculpty shapes for the undergrowth and the giant stump that is the centerpiece, as well as custom ferns, ground cover, and trillium flowers. There’s also a cozy room hidden under the roots where the gallery and shop will be located.

Miss Poppy is still filling up the gallery, but the spot is ready for visitors. See you in the Redwoods. :D