Changes between Version 1 and Version 2 of live-video-streaming-support

Timestamp:

Jun 22, 2011, 11:29:14 PM (14 years ago)

Author:

Jamie McClelland

Comment:

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live-video-streaming-support

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-Since early 2010, May First/People Link has answered multiple calls to provide support for audio and video streaming for social movement events such as the World and US Social Forums and the Cochabamba Climate Conference. We show up, fully-prepared or just-in-time, to stream or support streaming in vastly different circumstances all over the world. From Bolivia to Senegal, Palestine to Mexico, we have provided some form of virtual interactivity through broadcasting. No two situations have ever been the same and we have learned a lot about what works and what doesn't; and all using Free and Open Source Software.
+= Live Video Streaming =
 
-May First/People Link wants to make it a priority to partner with organizations that are committed to opening participation to their events with live streaming with the use of Free and Open Source Software. Especially, we encourage our members to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about FOSS alternatives to live streaming video. This partnership will begin with a workshop, but we hope will continue in the form of membership with MF/PL and ongoing collaborative opportunities.
+Live video streaming has emerged as a critical component to face-to-face gatherings, particularly international events for which travel is expensive and environmentally destructive. With live video streaming, events that were previously exclusive to people who could afford to travel can be made significantly more inclusive.
 
-A two-day workshop will cover the landscape of available free tools for streaming, what we think works best and why. We will also go over on-the-ground logistical planning and equipment use such that workshop attendees will be fully able to stream and archive live video from any location with sufficient network connectivity.
+Since early 2010, May First/People Link has answered multiple calls to provide support for audio and video streaming for social movement events such as the World and US Social Forums and the Cochabamba Climate Conference. We've learned many of the ins and outs of video streaming in vastly different circumstances all over the world. From Bolivia to Senegal, Palestine to Mexico, we have provided some form of virtual interactivity through broadcasting. No two situations have ever been the same and we have learned a lot about what works and what doesn't; and all using Free and Open Source Software.
 
-The costs for a 2-day workshop include:
- * Trainer travel costs (trainers are based in New York City)
- * Trainer reimbursement for two-day workshop
+As a movement, it's critically important that we continue developing this technology, using open source and affordable technology.
 
-Equipment that should be purchased in preparation for the workshop:
- * Network connectivity (broadband ideally)
- * Laptop with DV input running Linux operating system
- * DV camera
- * bits and pieces (microphones, headphones, cables)
+== How does streaming work? ==
 
-Ongoing costs; other infrastructure:
- * Website (to display the video)
- * Server space (to "stream" the video)
- * ongoing support, upgrades, etc.
+There are several components to video streaming:
 
-At minimum, travel reimbursement is necessary for our technologists. Many of the equipment items listed can be found, rented, or purchased with help of the MF/PL technologists and trainers. The ongoing costs associated with the partnership are specifically for organizations that want to continue to use the live streaming set-up for future events. The costs of server space and ongoing support can be determined on a case-by-case basis.
+ * Planning. The first step is to assemlbe your team. You'll need people to handle the onsite work and the server work. Recruit well in advance to ensure you will have the labor you need.
+ * Audience: While debate rages about the mythical tree falling in the forest, a video stream that nobody watches is not very useful. People won't know about your video stream unless you tell them. Be sure to do outreach about your stream well in advance.
+ * On site:
+  * Internet connectivity: You will need some kind of broadband Internet connectivity. Cell phone data plans are a great backup, but not good enough to plan on as the primary Internet connection.
+  * Audio: You cannot live video stream an event that is not amplified unless you only have one speaker and will have no questions from the audience. The audio system should allow for an audio out cable that can be made available for the live video stream.
+        * Video camera: you will need at least one cam corder that has firewire output.
+        * Lapotp, with firewire/DV input, running Linux
+ * Server side:
+  * A server running software that can stream video (May First/People Link maintains two Iceast servers for this purpose)
+        * A web site with an embedded video player (also available through May First/People Link).
+
+A live stream starts with the video camera and audio input. The video signal travels over the Internet to the server running streaming software. 
+
+Meanwhile, viewers visit a web site that is running the embedded video player. Every person who connects to the web site triggers the embedded video player to connect to the streaming server. Every viewer sees the video as it is happening, live (there's a delay about 30 seconds to a minute).
+
+== How can we make this happen for my event? ==
+
+May First/People Link wants to make it a priority to partner with organizations that are committed to opening participation to their events with live streaming with the use of Free and Open Source Software. Especially, we encourage our members to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about FOSS alternatives to live streaming video. 
+
+May First/People is available for remote assistance, onsite support and multi-day workshops.
+
+If you are interested, please contact us at {{{info@mayfirst.org}}}.
+
+