This is part 2 of a series of posts providing details of some of the new functionality being added to my WordPress plugin YouTube Embed.

During this article any reference to YE is indicating YouTube Embed (and, more specifically, the currently unreleased version 2).

Part 2 : Profiles & Lists

Profiles Options Screen

Profiles

With previous versions of YE you had a default profile that you could modify. If when embedding a video you didn’t specify any of the parameters then the default would be taken from this profile.

With the new YE you can now create multiple profiles – each having their own set of specific values. When embedding a video you can then say which profile to use.

So, you may have a standard default profile but another for widescreen videos, which is just the same but has a different size ratio.

There are a good few options available for each profile – everything from video size to whether you want (and how deep you want) a drop shadow on the video. The screenshot to the right shows some of what is available, but this is a partial list (and may change before the plugin is released).

Lists Options Screen

Lists

YE already supports YouTube generated playlists. However, you have little or no control over them (especially if they’re not your own). With the new version of YE you can now create your own lists of videos.

You simply supply a name for your list and then a list of video URLs or IDs – you can’t save this list until all the videos are checked and validated. Once done, instead of embedding using a URL or video ID you simply use the list name. By default, each video will then play in turn. However, parameters exist to allow you to play them back in a random order OR play just one video, but a random one.

A screen shot is to the list but may change as the plugin is completed.

This is part 1 of a series of posts providing details of some of the new functionality being added to my WordPress plugin YouTube Embed.

During this article any reference to YE is indicating YouTube Embed (and, more specifically, the currently unleased version 2).

Embedding Options (may change!)

Part 1 : Embedding Options

YE has the same embedding methods as before – PHP function call, widgets or the shortcode [youtube]. However, there are now a number of extra methods that can be used, many of which are to allow easy migration from other plugins.

In a later article I’ll talk about the multiple profiles that you can set up. In the meantime, it’s worth noting that for each of the following methods, a default profile can be specified allowing each to display differently.

Embedding with a URL

WordPress, by default, allows you to embed YouTube URLs simply by specifying them on their own line in a post. This uses some built-in oAuth functionality but there is no ability to tailor the output.

With YE, you will be given an option (switched off by default) to override this functionality and allow YE to take over. Any YouTube URLs then added to posts will then be shown using YE and any defaults you’ve assigned.

Embed in Comments

If you’d like your users to be able to embed videos within comments, activating an option in YE (again, defaults to off) will allow specification of a URL (as per the previous method) to create a YouTube video. With its own default profile, you can assign a video size that fits neatly with your comment output.

Further Migration Options

This is the big one. The bad boy. It allows you to migrate to YE from other plugins – the aim is to be compatible with 25 of the most popular alternatives. For further details on which plugins are supported and how to go about it, I’ve set up a dedicated page.

There are 2 ways to allow this…

1. Alternative Shortcodes

Many plugins simply work by using a different shortcode than YE. Some have multiple shortcodes – often one for defining HD quality video. Therefore YE offers you the ability specify 1 or 2 additional shortcodes.

So, as an example, if you’re migrating from WP YouTube Player, you simply set up an alternative shortcode of tube and you’ll find that any posts that worked under your previous plugin will now work with YE.

Some plugins have alternatives names for parameters that YE uses – e.g. the ID may be specified as url or youtubeurl. YE will automatically use these alternatives.

2. Non-shortcode Embedding

I couldn’t think of a better name for this but, essentially, some plugins use embedding methods which isn’t a straight URL and it’s not a shortcode. An example is Smart Youtube which uses a modified URL format – essentially, adding an extra letter to the protocol name at the beginning of the URL.

Turning on this option will activate detection of these embedding methods.

As it adds a slight performance hit – searching each post for all these different embedding types – this is switched off by default and should only be used if you’re migrating from one of the plugins that this works with.

The pocket video camera Creative Vado HD is available from Amazon at the price of £55.90 (P&P of £4.23).

It has garnered quite a few positive reviews. Even the negative points, however, can be ignored when you consider the current selling price – it has a RRP of £179.99!

It has 8GB of memory (not expandable, but enough to hold 2 hours of video), records at 720p resolution, a 2″ screen, HDMI connection and a built-in USB connector. It comes with a  silicon case and editing software.

Why so cheap? Simply because it’s not a current model. It’s still supported by Creative, however, and if buying one the first thing I’d do is head to their site and download the latest firmware and applications.

But that doesn’t stop it from being a bargain – if you’re in the market for a pocket video camera, I’d get one now!