OMwiki:Gear
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==Distribution== | ==Distribution== | ||
- | *Plan on having 300-kbps-up 'dedicated'' bandwidth for each video stream | + | *Plan on having 300-kbps-up ''dedicated'' bandwidth for each video stream |
*Mobile broadband can be used if necessary, but Ethernet connections are more reliable | *Mobile broadband can be used if necessary, but Ethernet connections are more reliable | ||
===VLC + Icecast=== | ===VLC + Icecast=== |
Revision as of 16:14, 19 March 2010
Contents |
Speaker
- Properly attired, light makeup if heavy lighting is used
- Helpful to have the speaker tour the room beforehand and try a test run
- Send notification of archival video publication
- Recommendation: >200mW green laser pointer, carefully wielded
Presentation Laptop
- Presenters' laptops are not generally available beforehand, but it is helpful to send instructions on signal output expectations.
- Carry several different cable converters: Mini DisplayPort to VGA, DVI-to-VGA, miniDVI-to-VGA, etc.
- Recommendation: Thinkpad-style laptops; stay away from HDMI
- Special notes: In-room wireless bandwidth traffic spikes during presentations, so it is best to have on-podium Ethernet connections.
Splitters
VGA Splitters
- Powered via outlet power or USB
- No fancy features beyond signal duplication; these are hardware-only devices
- Recommendation: Gigaware 2-Port USB Powered VGA Splitter or similar
Composite A/V Splitters
- Powered via outlet power; signal-copy only
- Also, carry plain RCA Y-cables and RCA female-to-female couplers
- Recommendation: Distribution Amplifier or similar
Audio Splitters
- Carry minijack Y-cables, XLR Y-cables, TRS connectors, and 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch headphone converters
- Audio splitting is also possible from the soundboard
Scan Converters
- Many scan converters do not support higher resolutions commonly used with high-end projectors; UXGA (1600x1200) support or higher recommended
- Custom menu options available, such as border cropping, freeze-frame, zoom, etc.
- Recommendation: Kramer VP-501xl (4:3 NTSC) or VP-701xl (4:3 or 16:9; not yet tested)
- Special notes: these devices can warm with usage; be mindful not to tape over ventilation holes
Monitors
- Can be used to check and configure scan converters; "monitor" is not used in the "computer monitor" sense
- Often can be set to record audio/video input
Recommendation: Cowon A2 (records to WMV) or Cowon A3 (not tested)
- Special note: A/V input cables must manufactured by Cowen
Mixers
Audio
- Also known as a soundboard, hopefully already present and mic-tested
Video
- Generally these are expensive, bulky devices. Technically optional, they offer clean video switching (read: transitions)
- Aspect ratio switching and picture-in-picture may be possible
- Recommendation: Edirol LVS-400 or similar
Auxiliary video
Secondary cameras
Cameras
- Must have composite video-out
- High-definition vs. standard
- Tape vs. solid state; all-day recording
- Backup recording
- Audio-in
- Time drift problem
- Zoom range
- Suitable tripod
Cameraperson
- Present vs. non-present
- Approachability
Audience
- Mic'd vs. non (for audience questions)
- Wireless connectivity, competition for outlet power (gaffers tape)
- Reserved areas, tablecloths
- Pan-ability
Online audience
- Question/feedback submission mechanism and designated #hashtags
- Back-channel communication ("move the camera that-a-way")
- Use Herdict to report video loading problems:
Encoder
- Needs to have a video capture mechanism: FireWire input or a composite video capture device
- Dedicated internet bandwidth, firewall ports open to inbound traffic for Flumotion and SSH
- Laptops (USB/FireWire video) vs. mini-machines (USB/FireWire/PCI capture cards)
- Recommendations:
- Shuttle SG31G2V2 running Linux with an Osprey 210 Capture Card (bttv insmod args set to 'card=89'; no audio support here)
- >2.2GHz ThinkPad laptop with a USB video capture dongle (not tested)
Distribution
- Plan on having 300-kbps-up dedicated bandwidth for each video stream
- Mobile broadband can be used if necessary, but Ethernet connections are more reliable
VLC + Icecast
- Documented at TheoraCookbook
- Commercial Icecast hosting is available [evaluating best options now]
ffmpeg2theora + Icecast
- Currently, ffmpeg2theora only accepts FireWire audio, so this is non-viable for streaming composite video
Flumotion
- Not an easy DIY option due to software complexity, but a good custom option if working with Flumotion directly
Page embedding
- Load balancing: client-side vs. server side
Projectors
- Expensive
- Recommendation: Something quiet and reasonably bright
Lighting
- Fill lighting is easy to accomplish, but stage lighting is difficult
- Heavy, fragile equipment: sandbags, tall stands often needed
- Liability concerns with heavy equipment
- Recommendations: Arri 650 Watt Plus Tungsten Fresnel or similar; better yet, hire a professional lighting and stage crew