Media Studio

Below is a proposal being developed between May First/People Link and Abya Yala Nexus to build a robust media streaming server.

Create Live and Archive Media server for Indigenous media-makers

Abya Yala Nexus is a non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize the sharing and exchange of resources in support of Indigenous peoples' self-determination and human rights. Abya Yala Nexus is an affiliate of the Seventh Generation Fund for Indian Development, Inc (​http://www.7genfund.org).

Needs

Indigenous media-makers need a media broadcasting system built on free software and open protocols and codecs that will:

• Provide an ongoing stream of media (audio or video) that is accessible from a web browser.

• Originate live video from a firewire connected video camera or a USB web cam. It must work on Linux, Mac, and Windows Computers or provide a lowcost network box that will accept firefire/composite input and output via a network card to the streaming server directly (details need to be worked out).

• Originate live audio from a USB mic or an analog mic plugged into a computer. Must work on the following operating systems: Linux, Mac, Windows.

• Allow producers to be able to switch the ongoing stream back and forth between pre-recorded and live media

• Allow producers to be able to add overlays to the live stream to add titles, logos or translations.

• Allow producers to record what is being streamed and save the recording for playback on demand on the web site

• Allow producers to upload pre-recorded audio and video clips and have them available for playback on demand. The site should accept media from all major operating systems and common formats currently in-use. The video and audio should be displayed in free and open source formats and codecs. The clips should be searchable and displayed in a way that facilitates easy browsing.

• Provide an english and spanish language interface

• Scheduling / calendar: provides display of all available streams shows in calendar format.

• Chat available: every live stream has a web-based chat available

Technology

• Client side: html5/javascript/getUserMedia()
• Switching technology (gstreamer)
• Web server side: Drupal module

Phases

• Phase 1: Research alternative models for webcasting and livestreaming that will suit our needs and future partners; write, test, document (important as the model we are creating will be good for other causes and organizations too). Develop a concrete plan with technical details about how the remaining parts will be implemented, including updated cost estimates. 20 hours.

• Phase 2: Build a basic website where audio and video clips can be archived, play (loop), and be accessible on demand and where members can contribute materials. 20 hours (design) + 40 hours (develop)

• Phase 3: Provide client-side livestreaming software for Linux, Mac and Windows either through documenting existing software that usable for the task, enhancing existing software or writing new software. 80 hours.

• Phase 4: Create a webcast studio for single source (camera/mic) for live streaming. This system would provide the basics for someone to create an account and start sending a live video stream out to the world. 20 hours.

• Phase 5: Add the sophisticated features such as overlays, logos, source-switching etc. 150 hours.

• Phaase 6: Training, Debugging, Fixes: 40 hours.

Project management: 80 hours

Total hours: 450 hours * $75/hr = $33,750