Judge Your Audience:
The Web is a floating, ever changing entity where technology continually pushes toward giving more ability to the viewer by regularly adding new programming to the browser that you use. That is why as a viewer, it's good to get the most current browser periodically so that you can get the most out of the Internet. As a presenter, it is important to know that people, generally are slow at upgrading their browser, so while the technology is providing streaming video, animations, sound, etc., it doesn't always mean that your audience is equipped to enjoy these things.

Even though upgrading your browser or getting a plug-in is relatively simple, the majority of people using the Internet today are using an old browser and either may not want to bother to upgrade, or may need to be guided as to how to upgrade. It is for this reason that you will want to be cautious as to which media you want to use in your Web site.

Using a Flash animation, video or sound clip should be for a specific purpose and not just to flaunt the technology. (You may flaunt away the majority of your audience!) If your audience is primarily home computer types, they may not be up to speed with the current state of the Web. If your audience is more corporate or involved with technology and computers then they may be more Web savvy.

In either case, the point is to do your research! You may lose people if your media is too advanced. But if your reaching a technical audience you may lose people if your lacking advanced media. With that said, the overall rule is to match your Web site to your audience but continue to add new media as your audience adapts to the technology.