Category: Live Stream

Here’s a quick update on my planned budget and how it’s tracking. Planned

Actual (so far)

Yes, I’m already over budget. Wirecast has two versions, standard and Pro. It turns out that the Pro version is required to control A/V sync properly. It costs $995. I contacted their sales department and got a %15 discount. Total cost: $845. I decided it was worth the extra cost since that feature was specifically one of my stated goals, especially with the discount. The camera I bought has the perfect features for this live streaming project and retails for close to $600 new. After shopping on ebay for a bit I ended up with a used one for $365. The other miscelaneous items are to connect a microphone to the new camera. There still may be a few small items yet to purchase, but I’m hoping to get by with what I already have, or can borrow. I was hoping to stay under budget enough to squeeze in a Pelican case to protect all of the equipment during travel. Alas, that may have to wait until next time. I’ll post a budget update if I acquire anything new. Thanks to everyone who has donated to the fundly campaign. Now you know exactly where the money is going.

In my initial request for help streaming AFO 2014, I set a goal of making it the best live stream ever. So, what does that mean? Well, I am starting with very lofty goals. I think they are doable, but they will take alot of of work. So, don’t be disappointed if only some of this comes to fruition. If we don’t make it for AFO, there’s always the next big event. Here they are in a nutshell:

Improved Software: Since FPA 2013 I have been using open source (free) software. While it works, it is not as fully featured as a paid software package. I’m planning to purchase Wirecast. This will allow me to keep audio & video in sync and to support multiple quality streams. It also opens the door for better graphics embedded in the stream.

Better Graphics: Ryan Young is working on an electronic judging system. As part of that effort he will output a screen that includes scores, players names, and other information. I will be able to pull that into the stream.

3rd Camera: Most events I have streamed use a single camera because it is the easiest to produce. However, for major events I like to setup 2. It gives better viewing angles and a more professional feel. So why a 3rd camera? 2 reasons. 1st, I want the 3rd camera to be fully wireless. This way it can move in the jams and find the best viewing perspectives. 2nd, I’d like to add post routine interviews to the stream. A mobile camera, with microphone will make this easier.

Commentators: Most professional sports broadcasts have commentators. My hope is that commentary will help keep new viewers tuned in and maybe turn them into fans. All I need a 1 or 2 extra mics, a better mixer, and 2 knowledgable people willing to add commentary. Anyone want to volunteer?

Audience Audio: I’ve had numerous requests to mic the audience. Viewers like to hear the cheers as a team shred. I’ve been trying to figure this out since FPAW 2013. I almost had it working at FPAW 2014, but the software I had was too limited and I had to turn it off. With the new software, I will try again at AFO.

Better Promotion: I know we have a good product. And I believe the more people who see Freestyle Frisbee, the more people who will become fans or even become players. So, getting the word out about the live stream could be the most important aspect of all this. Exactly how to do this, I am still figuring gout. Any ideas? Perhaps this is a good topic for future posts.

So, what do you think of the list? Will these items improve the stream? Think we can really pull it off? Which items are the most important? Let me know in the comments, or by sending an email. And if you want to help, don’t forget to donate at my Fundly campaign.

A few weeks back, I submitted a Spread the Jam Grant to the FPA to help with the cost of professional live streaming software called Wirecast. This software is integral to making the stream better. It allows for controlling A/V sync, managing multiple cameras, producing multiple quality streams, and much more.

Well, today the FPA approved my grant request. So, I now have Wirecast up and running on my streaming laptop. I am learning it’s ins and outs and preparing it for use at AFO 2014.

In the next day or two I’ll share a little more about my grand vision for live streaming AFO 2014. But, this software is a key component. Thanks to the FPA for supporting this endeavor!

Also, thanks to everyone who has donated so far to my fundly campaign. It’s just shy of 40% of my goal.

The AFO team has asked me to live stream the event. They want to make this the best live stream to date. Of course I said yes! I love that I can help bring my jamily closer together and maybe even spread the jam.

But, I can’t do it alone. It’s truly a community effort. Tournament directors pitch in money, equipment, and internet access. Jammers on site volunteer to run a camera or man the computer system. Other jammers and friends donate their cameras, tripods, microphones computers, and more. And, of course I put in lots of time and money as well.

Knowing that we are such a community oriented group, I am making the call out for help to make the live stream at AFO be the best live stream to date! If you will be at AFO and are willing to run a camera, help with setup, or anything else, please let me know. Also, if you happen to have a video camera, tripod, microphone, or audio mixer, and are willing to bring it along, let me know what it is. I’m hoping to setup a 3rd camera for AFO…the first 3 camera freestyle frisbee stream.

For AFO I am also trying something new. I have started a fundly to give more people the opportunity to help out. Funds will go directly towards covering the costs of doing the live stream.

If you enjoy the live streams and want help make them continue, please do what you can to help. Or, share the link and spread the word.

One last thing. I don’t want to inundate everyone on this list with regular status updates and continual requests for help. So, if you want regular updates, check the blog at www.heinsville.com.

Thanks. I’m looking forward to jamming with everyone at AFO and sharing the competition with everyone who can’t make it.