Ustream, Justin.tv, Vbrick???

[southerngent]

Originally Posted by jonereb

What about encoding? Are you using a realtime encoder card in your computer, an encoder appliance or encoding software?

We use Flash Media Encoder as well. We have done it without encoding it as well but the quality seems a little better if we encode first, but it's not a huge difference,

[jonereb]

southerngent, that's good to know. I assume the host computer would become sluggish if you were multi-tasking - live webcasting & capturing and AVI or MPG2 to the same computer for creating DVD's later. So you're pleased with Flash Media Live Encoder? Which version are you using? You think I can do this with a quad core laptops and two large harddrives (one for applications & one for media storage)?

[jonereb]

southerngent, also, how are you capturing: firewire, s-vid, RCA, BNC??? Using any particular card? I saw that Arlin is using an Ospry 210. I could simply use firewire, no other capture device needed, right?

[Arlin]

We are using a desktop unit for our streaming computer (see specs below)
Using FME 3.0. I have it set-up so that FME starts automatically in the background upon boot, so all the volunteers need to do is go to ustream, log in, and start the broadcast.
We are not recording through ustream or direct to the hard drive. I have heard that a direct recording to the hd is possible with FME, but don't need it.

Straming computer specs:
1 2GB RAM CORSAIR XMS2 (2 x 1GB) (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X2048-6400C4
1 Microsoft Windows XP Professional With SP2C
1 Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 Wolfdale 2.66GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model EU80570PJ0676M
1 Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
1 Shuttle SG31G2 Intel Socket T(LGA775) Intel Core 2 Quad / Core 2 Duo / Dual-Core / Celeron 400 serial support Intel G31 Barebone
1 Osprey 210 Video capture card

[jonereb]

Thanks for the specs, Arlin. I've copied and pasted this info in my personal notes. Which input are you using, s-video or BNC? And what camera(s)/switcher are you using?

[jonereb]

Arlin, I'll need to record to Watershed's server for On-Demand. I anticipate being asked to offer DVD's, so that's why I'll need to record...to the server and simultaneously to my local hard drive. That's why I'm concerned about freeze-ups, etc.

[jonereb]

I guess I can always record directly to an external DVD recorder. I'm all for cutting out unnecessary work. I may need more than one firewire connection.

[Arlin]

We use a Vaddio Production View FX 3-camera system and run the projection screen signal through a scan converter and into the Vaddio so we can switch straight to the screen too.

We run the s-video output from the switcher to a DVD recorder and into our projection screen switcher (for IMAG).

We run a composite output to the ustream broadcast computer (osprey 210) and to an RF modulator that supplies the video feed to our nursery.

I have little or no experience with firewire video feeds. BUT, I do know that delay and audio video sync can be a problem with firewire.
Before we got the Osprey, I was using a USB video capture device and capturing the sound through the sound card. This produce a BIG sync issue with audio somewhere around 2-5 seconds out of sync with the video.
At the time, Ustream & FME would not capture the audio through the USB/firewire capture device, only video. Maybe that has changed by now, though.