Internet shopping for the holiday season is extra convenient if you're buying movies or other digital programs. Buy the product online, and download it instantly instead of paying for shipping and waiting a few days.

Amazon, iTunes and Netflix have offered this service for a while, and now Best Buy will start selling digital downloads in addition to physical DVDs. The electronics megastore announced last week that all internet-connected devices sold in its stores will include software that allows users to download hundreds of movies, including some new releases on the same day they come out on DVD.

Personally, I love digital delivery. It's more environmentally friendly, often less expensive, and a whole lot more convenient. My husband, though, is very attached to having a physical collection of his favorite movies, and swears that the quality of DVD is better than streaming. Sometimes that's clearly right, but most of the time I don't see a difference.

Do you have a preference for DVDs or digital downloads? Leave a comment and let me know which format you prefer, and why.

I've been working on a dream job setting up a new client with the equipment they'll need to set up an in-house video department. To say there's no budget is to exaggerate, but this is one of those large companies that has no problem seeing a lot of zeroes.

So I've been set loose to find a camcorder, microphones, editing software and accessories for $10,000. And it's not even like we're talking about super-professional equipment; they're looking for quality stuff that staff can use without a lot of training.

It's nice to take price out of the equation - especially since I'm so keenly aware of it when shopping for my own video equipment. I've spent all morning on the B&H website looking at cameras, tripods, mics, teleprompters, backdrops and lights, with my focus entirely on quality and function, not cost. I wish shopping were always like this!

There are two new commercial contests for you to enter; you can win up to $7,500 as well as some other cool prizes. Good luck.

• 2009 AKC/Eukanuba Commercial Contest. Contest ends: November 30, 2009

• Best Idea on Two Feet Contest. Contest ends December 4, 2009 (The Z-CoiL "Best Idea on Two Feet" Commercial Challenge ("Contest") is open only to individuals who are legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, who are 18 years of age or older.)

Go to Online Video Contests to view all of the contests featured on our site.

Should you host your videos on YouTube, or pay the fee to sign up for a dedicated content delivery network? Let's break down the pros and cons.

Cost: YouTube is free; CDNs charge a monthly fee. YouTube wins.

Services: YouTube offers only streaming video; CDNs offer streaming video, live video casting, video conferencing, pay-per-view video downloads and more. CDNs win.

Customization: YouTube videos are limited in length and play in Flash in a standard, branded player; CDNs allow you stream any length video in customized video players in various formats. CDNs win.

Video Quality: YouTube is getting better about converting video, but the quality can still be sketchy; online conversion quality varies between CDNs, but you can always use your own video conversion software before uploading. CDNs win.

Popularity: When your video is on YouTube it's instantly in front of millions of eyeballs, and indexed in Google; some CDNs offer video syndication, but mostly you'll be self promoting your videos. YouTube wins.

In the end it comes down to your purpose for uploading videos in the first place. If you're trying to make viral videos that will appeal to all audiences, go the YouTube route. If you're trying to communicate a professional message to a specific audience, using a CDN to stream the videos through your website is probably best.

• Top Content Delivery Networks for Streaming Video