Biographical Information
Larry Bouthillier
Media Technology Architect
Larry Bouthillier is the Media Technology Architect at Harvard University, where he guides University-wide software initiatives that impact the academic experience. These solutions include secure tools for publishing video content directly within the Learning Management System (both user-generated content models and formal workflows), video sharing and annotation, secure streaming, and integration with best-of-breed vendor and open-source products.
Prior to that, Larry was the Director of Educational Technologies and Multimedia Development at Harvard Business School, leading an interdisciplinary team that provides the tools, infrastructure and production expertise for supporting and enhancing learning through cutting-edge instructional content development and the innovative technology tools that make such development sustainable. His team won several awards for its work, including a Codie Award and was a Webby Award Honoree. Larry also led research and development for advanced simulation and communication technologies at HBS’ learning and collaborative technology lab, which piloted augmented reality applications, 3D visualization, and video conferencing technology.
A pioneer in the use and management of streaming media, Larry has been a contributing editor to StreamingMedia.com. He has served as a member of the technical advisory board for Context Media, recently acquired by Oracle. In 2004, he was named one of the Digital Media 100, the industry’s “top leaders, influencers, and innovators” by Digital Media Magazine, and was one of StreamingMedia Magazine’s 2009 Streaming Media All-Stars.
Larry works with leading companies researching and authoring white papers, articles and tutorials for publication. He travels world-wide as a teacher and consultant on the effective use and deployment of digital media and is a sought-after speaker on topics related to creating and managing dynamic multimedia.
Although an effective part of the senior leadership team, Larry is still a techie at heart, and still works regularly with Java, Javascript/AJAX, Flash/Flex, PHP, and more; and keeps his hand in the details enough to know what’s what.
Larry holds a C.A.S. in software engineering from Harvard University and a B.A. from the University of Rhode Island.
Articles for Larry Bouthillier
How to Synchronize Slides for the JW FLV Player
25 May 2010
The free SlideSync and SlideScroller plugins for the JW FLV Player offer a drop-dead easy way to synchronize slides with on-demand video.
How to do Dynamic Streaming with Flash Media Server
25 Mar 2010
Dynamic streaming with Flash Media Server isn't difficult, but there are a few details to be aware of to make sure your efforts are successful.
How To Get Started With Amazon Cloudfront Streaming
22 Feb 2010
Amazon Cloudfront offers a new, flexible low-cost CDN solution, particularly for users with relatively small or intermittent streaming delivery needs. Here's how to get up and running.
Streaming Media Metafiles
15 Feb 2007
A look at creating functional metafiles for Real, QuickTime, and Windows Media files.
Streaming Media's Success Story
04 Oct 2004
With technical obstacles gone and costs dropping, rich media makes more sense than ever for the enterprise market.
Flash Powers Comcast.net's Innovative Video Browser
19 May 2004
When Comcast.net needed a way to bring easy, interactive video to its broadband customers, it turned to Macromedia's Flash and built "The Fan."
Product Review: A Bandwidth Simulator for Testing Streaming Media
28 Apr 2004
Learn the tools that helps you test your streaming content by simulating low bandwidth connections.
Product Review: RealProducer 10 Competes On Features, Codecs
14 Apr 2004
We take a look at what's new in the the preview release of RealNetworks' latest.
Creating Windows Media Download Packages
31 Mar 2004
Windows Media download packages bundle up an entire playlist, a collection of media files, and a custom border into one downloadable file. With a single click, the Windows Media Player will unpackage the contents, add the playlist to its Media Library, and begin playback of your program.
The Windows Media ActiveX Control – Not Just for Internet Explorer Anymore
17 Mar 2004
Embedding Windows Media player in a Web page can be challenging. Now, the Mozilla/Netscape team has built ActiveX support for Windows Media directly into their latest browsers. Here's how to sniff for Windows Media browser support and embed your video for everyone.
VCR's for Streaming
04 Mar 2004
Streaming media is a great way to receive multimedia over the Internet. But it doesn't help you when you're on a plane, in traffic, or in your ice-fishing hut in Minnesota. Help is available-StreamDown and SDP can record streaming media programs, letting you watch or listen at your convenience.
The MPEG Video Standards – from 1 to 21
18 Feb 2004
There's more to MPEG than just audio and video compression. There are five MPEG standards–MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, MPEG7, and MPEG21–spanning all aspects of compressing, authoring, identifying, and delivering multimedia. Here's a quick look at each one and where it fits in the digital media landscape.
Screen Recording – An Enterprise Approach to Streaming Media Publishing
05 Feb 2004
For software training, demos, or even Powerpoint slideshows, a narrated screen recording can be a simple & effective way to get your point across. In this article we'll look at the industrial-strength Screenwatch & see how it handles presentation authoring for educational institutions & enterprises.
Screen Recorders for Streaming
14 Jan 2004
With visual communication over the Internet an essential business and educational tool, screen recording can provide a simple means to create presentations of software demos, data walk-throughs, or even traditional slideshows. Let's face it, nothing beats the "Show me, don't tell me!" approach.
Interactive MPEG4 – Who Will Lead the Way?
10 Dec 2003
The MPEG4 standard for interactive video has facets that attract attention, enthusiasm, and investment. Both the Web and broadcast industries salivate at the possibility of a standards-based solution for authoring and delivering rich media content, but differ in their approach to driving adoption.
Creating Interactive Video With MPEG4
26 Nov 2003
After a long build-up, MPEG4 is finally roaring out of the gates. Read on for a look at the frontier of MPEG4 video - interactive video capabilities that will leave you oohing and ahhing. We'll look at the basics, then walk through a complete XMT/SMIL code example that shows how it's done.
Case Study – University of Cincinnati
12 Nov 2003
Streaming media has become an integral part of the communications toolset at the University of Cincinnati. What started in 1999 as an experiment in streaming technology has transformed the classroom environment and expanded the reach of the school's academic and public service programs.
How To Brand Your Video With A Watermark
28 Oct 2003
Inconspicuously floating over the bottom-right corner of a video, a watermark logo provides viewers with recognition of the program's source, as it builds brand awareness. We'll show you how to grace your videos with an interactive watermark that brands your content and drives traffic to your site.
Creative Commons Licensing Toolset For Digital Media
11 Oct 2003
Isn't the phrase "copyright restrictions" a misnomer? Restricting the use of a work is just one side of what copyright law can do for creators and distributors of content. The Creative Commons project gives content creators a toolset for adding carefully-crafted copyright protections to their work.
Hinting For Quicktime And MPEG4
01 Oct 2003
"Think different". The writer in me always wants to correct that to "Think differently." But, mangled adverbs notwithstanding, Apple does tend to do their technology differently than other companies. Here's what you need to know.
Microsoft Opens Windows Media 9 Codec to SMPTE
17 Sep 2003
Microsoft recently submitted its WM9 codec to SMPTE for consideration as an official standard. Is it bold move or desperate measure in an effort to make Windows Media the standard for video compression in consumer electronics and broadcasting equipment?
Streaming Media Metafiles
Part Three: QuickTime
10 Sep 2003
QuickTime offers a variety of ways to connect your users with your streaming media content. This tutorial looks at three text-based metafile formats for streaming QuickTime movies.
Streaming Media Metafiles
Part Two: ASX files
26 Aug 2003
Streaming metafiles give you control over the presentation and delivery of your streaming media content. This week we continue our look at the basics of metafiles with an overview of the Windows Media ASX format.
Streaming Media Metafiles:
When And How To Use Them
05 Aug 2003
Streaming metafiles - .ram files, .asx files and Quicktime Reference Movies - can be both a hassle and a powerful feature of streaming media systems. We’ll explore why you need them, when you don’t, and how they can do more for you than you may think.
Streaming vs. Downloading Video: Choosing The Right Solution
22 Jul 2003
Streaming and downloading are distinct methods of delivery, each with its own benefits and limitations. We'll take a look at the difference between the two methods, and make some suggestions about when you should choose one or the other for your projects.
Detecting Streaming Media Players and Connection Speed Tutorial
18 Feb 2003
Learn how to create the code that will let you determine which players your users have installed, and what bandwidth they have available on their Internet connection to stream your content.by Larry Bouthillier
TUTORIAL: AUTOMATE ENCODING WITH SCRIPTS
11 Oct 2001
Take advantage of the command-line capabilities of the major video encoders with contributor Larry Bouthillier's latest tutorial. Learn how to set up scripts to achieve a more scalable and efficient encoding process.
Encoding with Scripts
31 Aug 2001
Take advantage of the command-line capabilities of the major video encoders with contributor Larry Bouthillier's latest tutorial. Learn how to set up scripts to achieve a more scalable and efficient encoding process.
Corporate Streaming with RealSystem iQ
24 Aug 2001
If you’re planning to deploy an enterprise streaming system, and hope to keep your CEO smiling and staff headaches to a minimum, RealSystem iQ might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Contibutor Larry Bouthillier takes us through it step by step.
Using RealSystem's Event Streams
11 May 2001
Possibly the most powerful feature of streaming media systems is something that does not stream. Sound paradoxical? You can tie other kinds of web content to the timeline of your video presentation, which allows you to create complex and personalized experiences for your viewers.
Layouts in SMIL
30 Mar 2001
Learn basic layout structures and how to use HTML with SMIL to control the layout of complex integrated designs that include HTML and elements of dynamic content.