or encode multiple bitrates and activate the bw monitor in jwplayer - that way, the correct bitrate for the end-user's bandwidth is constantly actively chosen.
eg encode @
350kbs
700kbs
1500kbs
that way, even the poor fart on a 512k connection still gets a constant, not buffering stream (the 350kbs one) and if a guy on 2Mbs gets the 1500kbs video and suddenly his bandwidth crashes to 500kbs for 10 seconds, the player simply swaps in gracefully the 300kbs video until his bandwidth returns - no stuttering, just smooth streaming.
imo, that is worth more points than HD video.... for those that can stream HD get HD, for those that can't they get the stream appropriate for them.
eg see here:
http://bw.borkedcoder.com/