I run an actors website. They wish to have their showreel on the site not only in Flash format so it plays in a browser, but also so that people can download it and keep it should they wish.

 

Which is the best format to have the video file in? Which format will work on both Mac and PC and not require the user to download anything extra. Ideally I guess a file that opens with Windows Media Player and Quicktime.

 

Is there such a thing or will there always be someone who has to download something extra etc?

There are serveral formats you could use, .mpeg and .mp4 are pretty universal.

Why dont you just make 2 versions for the site, one .wmv (for windows) and the other .mp4 / Quicktime Movie (for mac)