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Phone audio backup sync

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 3:13 pm
by DenmarkJensen70
We are planning to use phone audio as a backup of the live internet video stream for Stake Conference. In the past we have always ended up using the backup at some point, and the problem is that when we switch over to the phone audio, of course we lose about a minute or so because of the streaming delay, which is very distracting to those trying to listen to a talk.

I am thinking that a possible solution would be to use a computer with some sort of digital audio software in each of the receiving buildings that was constantly recording backup phone audio and then if/when the internet stream fails, start audio playback from the backup audio stream at exactly the point where the internet stream was when it failed. This would require a setup that was capable of continuing to record to the end of an audio stream while playing back from somewhere in the middle at the same time (would this require two sound cards?)

Anyone know of any good software tool for this, or have a better idea of how to swap over to phone backup when an internet stream fails without losing part of the meeting?

Thanks.

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:03 am
by harddrive
Denamrk, I don't know of any software that can help. I do know that I have one stake that is doing something similiar, where they are using a laptop to take the audio in and then the other building connects to it to get backup audio.

My plan is to start using Personal Video Conferencing (PVC) to stream the conference in "real-time" and then use something like an audio bridge to do the backup audio. This way the two of them wouldn't be that far out of sync as you indicated.

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:14 pm
by russellhltn
DenmarkJensen70 wrote:Anyone know of any good software tool for this, or have a better idea of how to swap over to phone backup when an internet stream fails without losing part of the meeting?

I think you'll have the same problem when you go to switch from the phone back to the broadcast. I believe that re-starting a broadcast minimizes any delay. Chances are, the delayed phone will now be behind the restored broadcast.

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:00 pm
by johnshaw
I've been thinking about this also. Is there a way that a broadcast might also include an encoded audio-only stream. 1 URL is the video/audio - if a site is having an issue, what about switching them to a 2nd URL that is audio only.. .something like http://stream.lds.org/UNIT-XXXXXX/Audio or something like that. it's in synch that way, and if the receiving site has a problem with local internet... also might be supported on a mobile phone or something if the stream were different.

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 5:22 pm
by russellhltn
I would image that after about an hours time, if you were to start a new stream, you'd find it out of sync with the old one. I'm not sure by how much. It might be more less difference then the phone line option.

Check Policy...

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:11 am
by Gutknecht
I do not believe your procedure is authorized. Unless something has changed recently you are prohibited from recording...

Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:02 pm
by russellhltn
All I can find is Handbook 2 - 21.1.33. "Church members should not record the talks or addresses that General Authorities and Area Seventies give at stake conferences, missionary meetings, or other meetings."

Posted: Wed Apr 25, 2012 8:09 am
by Gutknecht
The following is on the Meetinghouse Webcast Policy WIKI

Recording

The policy on photography and video recording in chapels does not apply to streaming events, such as Stake Conference. It is acceptable to stream events using the Meetinghouse Webcast Communicator or Meetinghouse Webcast Software; however, Stake Technology Specialists should ensure that events originating in the chapel are not recorded. An event that includes participation from a General Authority should never be recorded. Some cameras have the capability to stream videos without recording, while others do not (see requirements for Meetinghouse Webcast cameras). All meetinghouse cameras must allow recording to be shut off.