How long before we can start using WebM with HTML 5

[erunways]

I have to admit that I was pretty excited about switching to webm videos combined with the html 5 video player but I was rather disappointed when I found out there is not even one browser that supports it. Only few beta versions web browsers do at this point. I made a test page if you are curious to see WebM with HTML 5 but you need to download one of those browsers which I have listed on the test page. So I guess I am wondering optimistically speaking when will finally make the big step into webm? Here is a link to the demo page http://erunways.com/html5/WebM_VP8_video/

[mskinner]

Internet Explorer 9 will support WebM - IF the user has the codec installed.

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2010/05/19/another-follow-up-on-html5-video-in-ie9.aspx

Considering it is a very recent announcement, I think it's remarkable that there are already early/nightly builds of Firefox, Chrome and Opera that support it. It's too soon to consider using WebM exclusively IMHO.

[JAB Creations]

I'll only use a codec if it's entirely free to use. Microsoft is clearly playing politics with the HTML5 video element. Same markup same rendering my donkey.

Two or more free codecs is the way to go. I'll never use H.264 period and will advise all my clients against doing so unless they want more bills to deal with.