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New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 6:12 pm
by ThomsonMA
It looks as though the new webcasting solution has gone live as of this week and the old solution with the webcast communicator and software is being "deprecated". See https://www.lds.org/help/support/meetin ... t?lang=eng

We are being asked to move to the new solution as soon as possible.

Is there a new forum where questions about the new solution are being taken and responded to? Or is this the right place?

With a stake conference coming up soon, I have a few questions:

1) The session at the recent LDSTech conference on the new solution indicated that multiple methods of encoding/transmitting would be offered, including the Terekek VidiU, Matrox Monarch HD, Telestream WireCast, and a software update to recent models of the Webcase communicator. However, all that is listed in the new instructions is the Teredek VidiU, along with a reference to buy it through store.lds.org. However, as noted in another post, it's not available there. Will other options be offered or must we buy the VidiU? Will this change over time?

2) Does the new solution provide the ability to offer streams to individuals as well as named receiving locations? We have historically provided the URL to shut-ins (we have many of these) and some couple missionaries serving from our stake around the world. We once had one of our Bishops who watched our stake conference while travelling on business in India. If so, how does this work in the new scheduling system?

3) Have the internet bandwidth guidelines referred to from the MHTECH page been updated to reflect broadcasts from HDMI sources? How much upstream bandwidth would really be required with a 1080p source?

I'm sure there will be plenty more questions as this new solution rolls out.

Thanks for any feedback!

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 8:42 pm
by russellhltn
ThomsonMA wrote:It looks as though the new webcasting solution has gone live as of this week and the old solution with the webcast communicator and software is being "deprecated". See https://www.lds.org/help/support/meetin ... t?lang=eng
Interesting. I read though it and got an idea of how it works. One of the frustrations I've seen reported here is current systems that test well but die during conference. It looks like this is set up to avoid that and have full real-time monitoring so you can see just where any problems are happening - including server CPU load.

I did notice that the church is pushing for single-camera operations. They're discouraging the multi-camera and titling.

ThomsonMA wrote:Is there a new forum where questions about the new solution are being taken and responded to? Or is this the right place?
At this point I don't foresee a new forum for the new system, I don't think it's that radically different. If that changes, then messages will be moved as appropriate. So this is fine for now.

ThomsonMA wrote:Teredek VidiU, along with a reference to buy it through store.lds.org. However, as noted in another post, it's not available there.
I suspect the store is just a bit behind in getting updated. Let's see what next week brings. (I'd like to see the cost of the Teredek.)

ThomsonMA wrote:Does the new solution provide the ability to offer streams to individuals as well as named receiving locations? ... If so, how does this work in the new scheduling system?
Reading though the instructions, it's clear that it does. However, "Webcasting to locations other than Church buildings should only be done under the direction of the event's presiding authority."

If the meeting is public, they just log into portal.ldswebcast.org with their LDS Account and they'll see events in their stake. If the meeting is private, they'll need a Event Code.

ThomsonMA wrote:How much upstream bandwidth would really be required with a 1080p source?
According to this review 5mbit/sec.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 11:06 pm
by ThomsonMA
Thank you, russellhltn! You are always very helpful!

I'd still like to know if encoding/transmitting solutions other than the Teredek VidiU will be supported any time soon. I investigated the options listed above, and found the Telestream Wirecast to be the best suited for our current environment. I already have a very powerful PC to run it, and it can make use of the way-over-priced Osprey video capture card we bought at the recommendation of the Church.

It's interesting that while you can't currently find the Teredek VidiU on the store.lds.org page, you CAN find the license for Telestream Wirecast. But unless I have some assurance that it will be supported by the new system, I won't spend the Church's funds to purchase it.

Actually that same objection applies to the VidiU. Why should I buy that now, only to find a better solution offered in a month or so?

Our broadcasts do use multiple cameras and overlaid titles, so I'm hoping this new solution does not require us to take a giant step backwards in production quality.

Unless there is a lot more information about plans and directions coming in the very near future, I expect I will do my Stake Conference next month using the old system.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2015 3:19 pm
by rolandc
Read a little closer and you will see the 5 MB upload is locked out to preserve resources.

You can use your current gear with a Composite to HDMI scaler, it is also discussed on the Mhtech tech site. the Teradek device is simply an encoder attached to the internet.

They are working on a software solution, not ready yet. but its called Wirecast.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2015 4:05 pm
by russellhltn
rolandc wrote:Read a little closer and you will see the 5 MB upload is locked out to preserve resources.
Ah, so it is. So at this time, the church servers are limited to 720/2.2Mbit.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2015 10:20 pm
by craiggsmith
ThomsonMA wrote:Our broadcasts do use multiple cameras and overlaid titles, so I'm hoping this new solution does not require us to take a giant step backwards in production quality.
I don't think there is a technical issue with using multiple cameras and overlays; the Church is just discouraging spending a lot of money on webcasts.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:38 pm
by gizmotek
Anyone else having issues selecting a broadcast profile for the West-US area in the new LDS Webcast portal? I figure since the majority of webcasts will come from Utah and surrounding areas (I'm in Colorado), I think this region will be the most used. However, when you select it, you don't get an option to choose a profile, but the other regions do. I assume this is due to the fact that they just opened it up. Thoughts?

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2015 4:49 pm
by russellhltn
gizmotek wrote:Anyone else having issues selecting a broadcast profile for the West-US area in the new LDS Webcast portal?
I saw that as well. I'm not sure if it's a show stopper or not. My big complaint is that the button for saving everything is a shade of blue that doesn't appear to be grayed out. I had problems trying to figure out how to make it "royal blue" so it became clickable.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 3:42 pm
by gizmotek
Well, it appears the portal answered my question! Just use another region until it's fixed.

Re: New Standard Webcasting solution

Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2015 4:48 pm
by russellhltn
gizmotek wrote:Well, it appears the portal answered my question! Just use another region until it's fixed.
I don't remember "maintenance" but I do remember being told there was no available server in that region. So perhaps that's what happens if nothing is available.

I just wish there was a tool to help decide which region to pick.