It is done!!!
Premiere Global will be providing the teleconferencing part of the DAD2007 solution this year.
With several global offices, contract with several Tier 1 telecomms suppliers and multiple bridge sites, we are confident that they will deliver what we require for the project.
Zoe and I are going to meet Farrukh Nasiri, Lyndsay Cook and one other on the 27th July in London.
If you have any questions re teleconferencing, then do not hesitate to contact me on 0845 174 6060.
What have I contracted for:
30,000 minutes of inbound calls on a Norwegian Freephone number 800 13458
10,000 minutes of inbound calls to UK/International DDI on +44 (0) 208 602 0835
5,000 minutes of inbound calls from the project team
3,000 minutes of dial out calls to performers
Recording of the event
Multiple operators for the project team and listener queries
Marketing materials
(free umbrella if I can get one!)
The inbound and outbound calls are linked via a 'bridge', hardware which allows multiple telephone lines from multiple locations to be connected together in one virtual room.
Subconferences are where the bridge is used to connect two or more people outside the main conference and then allows them to be transferred seamlessly into the main conference.
For example:
Prior to each performance, one of the project team and their operator go into a sub-conference. Looking at the schedule, the project team member asks the operator to dial out to the next performer. Once connected, the three of us have a chat about the performance, how it will be introduced, and the wrap up. When the current performer finishes in the main 'auditorium/concert' to which the listeners are connected, the operator transfers the performer into the main auditorium/concert, introductions are made and the performance begins.
From a concert/performance point of view, think of the main teleconference as the auditorum, and the sub-conference as the backstage dressing room where performer get ready. Audio streaming is the equivalent of a live radio broadcast.
Until next time
09 June 2007
What computer!
This is where I encourage the green eyed monster or PC envy.
Seriously, when we started the project I figured that I was going to run Skype and the overhead projector from my laptop, and recording and audio from the Small Form Factor (SFF) Asus unit I built in December.
Reality is that as a tech wallah, and with prices going down on pc components I had already decided to upgrade after 6 months.
Why?
DAD2007 needs a stable platform which can guarantee:
High bandwith delivery through the Kommune LAN infrastructure
Simultaneous processing of incoming audio and conversion to multiple streams for audio streaming via the web.
Backup recording of the whole event
Possible IP Webcam support
Updates to the presentation being projected
Monitoring of the webstream users
As a total anorak, and like the boy in the sweet shop, I figured I might as well make the pc look sexy as it will be in plain view, so expect lots of modding, UV, flashing lights, glowing bits and so forth.
In spite of all this it will not be able to make a decent cup of coffee!!!!
Initially I was hoping to take the base unit onto the aircraft, however....................................SAS seems to be the only major airline that imposes a cabin baggage limit. 8kg, how useless is that!!
Nearly all other airlines including EasyJet allow unlimited weight as long as the size is legal.
This is very useful if you are transporting gold bullion as the size to weight ratio is very low.
Anyway not only do SAS not have a decent hand luggage weight, but also seem incapable of carrying anything fragile or providing stickers. Thought this was the 21st century.
So if I cannot carry the unit onboard as hand luggage it will either need to be shipped or go in the hold. Both of these options will be expensive and carry an element of risk.
At the moment I am thinking about taking the hard drives etc in my hand luggage and putting the rest in the hold.
BACK to the spec.
There is only one case on the market that a) fits where I need it to fit in my office, b) is the right height to have a cup of coffee sitting next to you, and c) has the ability to hold two separate computers in one case. It is the Thermaltake Mozart TX case.
The Mozart TX holds the main computer with ATX motherboard in one section, and the second computer in another section based on a micro-ATX board.
I have ordered an alternative pc at a cracking price with a view to cannibalisation into the TX, but haven't decided in full.
The baseline spec is as follows:
Intel core2duo processor E6700 running dual channels of 2667MHz
Asus P5W wi/fi motherboard
4GB RAM either Pc-6400 running at 800MHz or 4GB PC-8500 RAM running at 1066MHZ. (The latter is Kingston HyperX)
1 x 400GB HDD for operating system and software SATA II 300 8 or 16MB buffer
2 x 750GB or 1TB HDD for recording of the concert and RAID backup SATA II 300 8 or 16MB buffer
Nvidia GTX 7900 Graphics card (I am not a great gaming enthusiast) 512MB RAM
550W power supply for main ATX board
Zalman cooling
Integrated heatpipe
8.1 multichannel audio (designed for mutiple audio streams input and output)
2 x Gigabit LAN connection for direct connection and LAN creation
Various modding including cold cathode lighting, UV sensitive cables, fans, HDD coolers etc.
For the secondary system if I install it for Projection, stats etc
Micro ATX board
Athlon x2 5200+ dual core processor running at 2667MHz
2GB PC-6400 RAM running at 800MHz
1 x 400GB 7,200 rpm HDD with 8MB buffer
256MB Graphics card probably Nvidia
400W power supply
7" built in LCD touch screen (I want one but haven't decided yet if I can reconcile it)
It is highly likely in view of the RAM requirements that the main unit will be using Windows Vista Ultimate 64Bit. The secondary unit will be on Windows XP Pro SP2.
The laptop spec is fixed at:
Intel core2duo running at 1.83GHz
2GB RAM PC-5300 running at 667MHz
Nvidia 7900 GTX graphics with 512MB RAM
100GB 7,200rpm HDD
Windows XP Pro SP2
It should be pointed out that building a system is so much cheaper than buying one. I reckon the top spec PC in PC World retailing at about £2,000 can be built for about £700-£1000 with better components each carrying 3-5 year warranties.
Anyway the debate about carry on, shipping or hold luggage continues on for the moment.
Make sure you come and see 'the beast' if you come to the venue, and I will don my anorak for a few minutes.
Seriously, when we started the project I figured that I was going to run Skype and the overhead projector from my laptop, and recording and audio from the Small Form Factor (SFF) Asus unit I built in December.
Reality is that as a tech wallah, and with prices going down on pc components I had already decided to upgrade after 6 months.
Why?
DAD2007 needs a stable platform which can guarantee:
High bandwith delivery through the Kommune LAN infrastructure
Simultaneous processing of incoming audio and conversion to multiple streams for audio streaming via the web.
Backup recording of the whole event
Possible IP Webcam support
Updates to the presentation being projected
Monitoring of the webstream users
As a total anorak, and like the boy in the sweet shop, I figured I might as well make the pc look sexy as it will be in plain view, so expect lots of modding, UV, flashing lights, glowing bits and so forth.
In spite of all this it will not be able to make a decent cup of coffee!!!!
Initially I was hoping to take the base unit onto the aircraft, however....................................SAS seems to be the only major airline that imposes a cabin baggage limit. 8kg, how useless is that!!
Nearly all other airlines including EasyJet allow unlimited weight as long as the size is legal.
This is very useful if you are transporting gold bullion as the size to weight ratio is very low.
Anyway not only do SAS not have a decent hand luggage weight, but also seem incapable of carrying anything fragile or providing stickers. Thought this was the 21st century.
So if I cannot carry the unit onboard as hand luggage it will either need to be shipped or go in the hold. Both of these options will be expensive and carry an element of risk.
At the moment I am thinking about taking the hard drives etc in my hand luggage and putting the rest in the hold.
BACK to the spec.
There is only one case on the market that a) fits where I need it to fit in my office, b) is the right height to have a cup of coffee sitting next to you, and c) has the ability to hold two separate computers in one case. It is the Thermaltake Mozart TX case.
The Mozart TX holds the main computer with ATX motherboard in one section, and the second computer in another section based on a micro-ATX board.
I have ordered an alternative pc at a cracking price with a view to cannibalisation into the TX, but haven't decided in full.
The baseline spec is as follows:
Intel core2duo processor E6700 running dual channels of 2667MHz
Asus P5W wi/fi motherboard
4GB RAM either Pc-6400 running at 800MHz or 4GB PC-8500 RAM running at 1066MHZ. (The latter is Kingston HyperX)
1 x 400GB HDD for operating system and software SATA II 300 8 or 16MB buffer
2 x 750GB or 1TB HDD for recording of the concert and RAID backup SATA II 300 8 or 16MB buffer
Nvidia GTX 7900 Graphics card (I am not a great gaming enthusiast) 512MB RAM
550W power supply for main ATX board
Zalman cooling
Integrated heatpipe
8.1 multichannel audio (designed for mutiple audio streams input and output)
2 x Gigabit LAN connection for direct connection and LAN creation
Various modding including cold cathode lighting, UV sensitive cables, fans, HDD coolers etc.
For the secondary system if I install it for Projection, stats etc
Micro ATX board
Athlon x2 5200+ dual core processor running at 2667MHz
2GB PC-6400 RAM running at 800MHz
1 x 400GB 7,200 rpm HDD with 8MB buffer
256MB Graphics card probably Nvidia
400W power supply
7" built in LCD touch screen (I want one but haven't decided yet if I can reconcile it)
It is highly likely in view of the RAM requirements that the main unit will be using Windows Vista Ultimate 64Bit. The secondary unit will be on Windows XP Pro SP2.
The laptop spec is fixed at:
Intel core2duo running at 1.83GHz
2GB RAM PC-5300 running at 667MHz
Nvidia 7900 GTX graphics with 512MB RAM
100GB 7,200rpm HDD
Windows XP Pro SP2
It should be pointed out that building a system is so much cheaper than buying one. I reckon the top spec PC in PC World retailing at about £2,000 can be built for about £700-£1000 with better components each carrying 3-5 year warranties.
Anyway the debate about carry on, shipping or hold luggage continues on for the moment.
Make sure you come and see 'the beast' if you come to the venue, and I will don my anorak for a few minutes.
To webcam or not to webcam - that is the question?
Hi
One of the thoughts we had was that if we are audio streaming, why not look at streaming video of the venue.
Being able to see the Stavanger venue whilst listening to the audio stream may be fun, and also give depth to the online experience.
You will also be able to see the project team running around like looneys, and place bets on who wants to go for a break first, or how many cups of coffee I drink.
In theory there are many IP Webcams on the market, ranging from £30 to £3,000, and it really is hard to figure out what we would require.
Having researched this a bit, I figured we need a pan and tilt (Myself or the viewer can move the camera) without sound (because I can use the audio feed) and the ability for up to 30 simultaneous viewers.
A good quality range such as the Panasonic BC models will do the job, so why are we still debating?
Its about servers and cost.
Transmitting a videostream is a highly intensive process. The higher the frame rate, the better quality, the better the quality the higher the bandwidth needed, the more users allowed, the more bandwidth needed and so on and so forth.
For example transmitting at 30fps (30 frames per second) on an average resolution which means the picture is smooth requires a lot of processor power and hard disk space.
I looked at 6 simutaneous users at 16fps for 24 hours and the spec was as follows:
1TB hard disk space with a processor capable of delivering 3.6MHz speed.
It can be done, but I do have to think about the fact that the processor/server also needs to support audio streaming, recording of the audio stream, and the output to the overhead projector.
See the proposed server spec and be amazed, however we remain unsold on the IP webcam at this present time.
One of the thoughts we had was that if we are audio streaming, why not look at streaming video of the venue.
Being able to see the Stavanger venue whilst listening to the audio stream may be fun, and also give depth to the online experience.
You will also be able to see the project team running around like looneys, and place bets on who wants to go for a break first, or how many cups of coffee I drink.
In theory there are many IP Webcams on the market, ranging from £30 to £3,000, and it really is hard to figure out what we would require.
Having researched this a bit, I figured we need a pan and tilt (Myself or the viewer can move the camera) without sound (because I can use the audio feed) and the ability for up to 30 simultaneous viewers.
A good quality range such as the Panasonic BC models will do the job, so why are we still debating?
Its about servers and cost.
Transmitting a videostream is a highly intensive process. The higher the frame rate, the better quality, the better the quality the higher the bandwidth needed, the more users allowed, the more bandwidth needed and so on and so forth.
For example transmitting at 30fps (30 frames per second) on an average resolution which means the picture is smooth requires a lot of processor power and hard disk space.
I looked at 6 simutaneous users at 16fps for 24 hours and the spec was as follows:
1TB hard disk space with a processor capable of delivering 3.6MHz speed.
It can be done, but I do have to think about the fact that the processor/server also needs to support audio streaming, recording of the audio stream, and the output to the overhead projector.
See the proposed server spec and be amazed, however we remain unsold on the IP webcam at this present time.
Audio Streaming - The technical side
Wilkommen, Bienvenue and Wotcha.......
Given that audio streaming is a far cry from a simple teleconference type project, I thought I would explain a bit about how we need to approach the streaming of the concert to the web.
The main concert runs through the teleconferencing bridge, which links callers, listeners, inbound and outbound calls and the project teams with countries and technology to put everything in one place.
You wish to listen, you dial one of our numbers, 800 13458 for Norway or +44 (0) 208 602 0835 for anyone else, and you listen to the concert via your normal telephone handset, bluetooth, mobile or using Voip.
But telephone signals are of low output and quality, and as the performances are from all over the world, DAD2007 is unable to have a high quality desk and system as you would in a concert, so what do you do?
Firstly you need a way of capturing the audio signal from the concert, and for this you need a Telephone Balancing Unit (TBU). This is the type of equipment used by radio stations and TV stations for calls.
The TBU takes the signal from a telephone connection using a standard RJ11 connection, and cleans it up whilst simultaneously boosting the signal strength so that it is compatible with a mixing desk or PA system. FYI output is normally through an XLR connector
There are two types of basic TBU and two ways of handling the signal.
A basic TBU will only receive incoming signals, the hybrid version will allow you to convert incoming AND outgoing telephone calls.
Secondly as with speakers, there are two ways of powering the unit, active and passive.
Passive units draw power from the telephone signal, and convert the audio. They are massively cheaper than active units, but the signal output is low, and probably only suited for small operations.
Active units use an integrated amplifier to manage the signal and produce a higher quality and higher strength output.
As we need to provide sound for the mixing desk in the venue (so we can broadcast the sound via speakers at the venue), and then feed sound back to the audio streaming server, DAD 2007 will be using an active TBU.
Because Zoe is 'nice' and this is a new piece of technology with potential for the future for some of her projects, I am intent on trying to find an active hybrid unit within the budget so that we futureproof for other DAD events etc.
If you have any questions please add to the blog or give me a bell on 0845 174 6060
Given that audio streaming is a far cry from a simple teleconference type project, I thought I would explain a bit about how we need to approach the streaming of the concert to the web.
The main concert runs through the teleconferencing bridge, which links callers, listeners, inbound and outbound calls and the project teams with countries and technology to put everything in one place.
You wish to listen, you dial one of our numbers, 800 13458 for Norway or +44 (0) 208 602 0835 for anyone else, and you listen to the concert via your normal telephone handset, bluetooth, mobile or using Voip.
But telephone signals are of low output and quality, and as the performances are from all over the world, DAD2007 is unable to have a high quality desk and system as you would in a concert, so what do you do?
Firstly you need a way of capturing the audio signal from the concert, and for this you need a Telephone Balancing Unit (TBU). This is the type of equipment used by radio stations and TV stations for calls.
The TBU takes the signal from a telephone connection using a standard RJ11 connection, and cleans it up whilst simultaneously boosting the signal strength so that it is compatible with a mixing desk or PA system. FYI output is normally through an XLR connector
There are two types of basic TBU and two ways of handling the signal.
A basic TBU will only receive incoming signals, the hybrid version will allow you to convert incoming AND outgoing telephone calls.
Secondly as with speakers, there are two ways of powering the unit, active and passive.
Passive units draw power from the telephone signal, and convert the audio. They are massively cheaper than active units, but the signal output is low, and probably only suited for small operations.
Active units use an integrated amplifier to manage the signal and produce a higher quality and higher strength output.
As we need to provide sound for the mixing desk in the venue (so we can broadcast the sound via speakers at the venue), and then feed sound back to the audio streaming server, DAD 2007 will be using an active TBU.
Because Zoe is 'nice' and this is a new piece of technology with potential for the future for some of her projects, I am intent on trying to find an active hybrid unit within the budget so that we futureproof for other DAD events etc.
If you have any questions please add to the blog or give me a bell on 0845 174 6060
Summer is here, and my eyes arent the only thing streaming!
Apologies for anyone waiting for more tech blogs, strangely I feel more comfortable with 360 page technical manual or public speaking than with blogging, however it is time to make amends.
For those of you with hayfever like myself I sympathise, but DAD 2007 is hoping that we will be providing a positive streaming experience rather than the rhinitis type.
The first Dial a Diva (DAD) project was quite rightly telephone based, and required a 'one stop shop' solution for the technical delivery using a global teleconferencing platform. In DAD 2007, we have agreed that it will be more fun, and more in keeping with modern times to offer greater accessibility to the concert using a range of platforms.
It was decided that audio streaming of the concert was a positive step, and on the surface seems quite simple. In reality it can be quite simple as long as you make sure that all the technical equipment can a) handle the processor demands of streaming for 24 hours, b) the technical architecture allows for high quality data transfer rates, and c) the web server has enough bandwidth to allow as many people as possible to log-on and listen.
Then Zoe threw me that perennial curveball! Can we do Ogg...................................................'Ugg' I replied as my brain froze, what the h**l is Ogg.
A bit of research, and another week of discussions with streaming companies appears to have provided a quite sexy solution that I hope to trial and put through UAT (User Acceptance Testing).
So here goes..............................what am I thinking we can do?
Simultaneous live streaming of the concert to the Stavanger and DAD2007 website.
3 or 4 types of stream including MP3 pro, MP3. WMA9 and Ogg.
Streaming can be sent to Shoutcast, Live 365, Windows Media, Icecast1 or 2 and P2P streamer.
If I have enough time, I will also be able to caption the stream, so everyone out there will know who is performing if they miss the introduction.
So welcome to streaming for DAD2007
For those of you with hayfever like myself I sympathise, but DAD 2007 is hoping that we will be providing a positive streaming experience rather than the rhinitis type.
The first Dial a Diva (DAD) project was quite rightly telephone based, and required a 'one stop shop' solution for the technical delivery using a global teleconferencing platform. In DAD 2007, we have agreed that it will be more fun, and more in keeping with modern times to offer greater accessibility to the concert using a range of platforms.
It was decided that audio streaming of the concert was a positive step, and on the surface seems quite simple. In reality it can be quite simple as long as you make sure that all the technical equipment can a) handle the processor demands of streaming for 24 hours, b) the technical architecture allows for high quality data transfer rates, and c) the web server has enough bandwidth to allow as many people as possible to log-on and listen.
Then Zoe threw me that perennial curveball! Can we do Ogg...................................................'Ugg' I replied as my brain froze, what the h**l is Ogg.
A bit of research, and another week of discussions with streaming companies appears to have provided a quite sexy solution that I hope to trial and put through UAT (User Acceptance Testing).
So here goes..............................what am I thinking we can do?
Simultaneous live streaming of the concert to the Stavanger and DAD2007 website.
3 or 4 types of stream including MP3 pro, MP3. WMA9 and Ogg.
Streaming can be sent to Shoutcast, Live 365, Windows Media, Icecast1 or 2 and P2P streamer.
If I have enough time, I will also be able to caption the stream, so everyone out there will know who is performing if they miss the introduction.
So welcome to streaming for DAD2007
01 June 2007
99 Days and Counting!
So the countdown is into double figures.
Greg is working on the telecoms deal, this has taken longer than expected, but soon that negotiation will be complete and we'll know who the tech provider for the event it. This will in turn give us the freephone Norway number and perhaps a UK number too and having that means the printing presses will role with the poster and flyers and the new look diva website will go live. Gill has done a wonderful, exhuberant design and James has built the site - just need that number...
In the meantime as Cat says she has been busy traversing the Northern Hemisphere - Russia is huge and finding contacts outside of the main cities, indeed anywhere to the east of the country, is not easy. There are some pretty exciting leads though including a canary singing competition (men only)... more details to follow on that one I hope.
One thing is for sure these next 99 days will be action packed and pass quickly!
Greg is working on the telecoms deal, this has taken longer than expected, but soon that negotiation will be complete and we'll know who the tech provider for the event it. This will in turn give us the freephone Norway number and perhaps a UK number too and having that means the printing presses will role with the poster and flyers and the new look diva website will go live. Gill has done a wonderful, exhuberant design and James has built the site - just need that number...
In the meantime as Cat says she has been busy traversing the Northern Hemisphere - Russia is huge and finding contacts outside of the main cities, indeed anywhere to the east of the country, is not easy. There are some pretty exciting leads though including a canary singing competition (men only)... more details to follow on that one I hope.
One thing is for sure these next 99 days will be action packed and pass quickly!
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