Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with webcasting

PowerPoint via iChat?

fourcheesemac — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:27:30 -0800

What's the best way to webcast a PowerPoint presentation over iChatAV? I have to give a talk via webcam to a conference in Asia (from NYC). The options available on their end are iChatAV (or WebEx conferencing, which I'd rather not deal with).

I need to show a PowerPoint presentation that has embedded video and audio files, and because of the nature of the material, I am not willing to send them a copy of the PowerPoint of the AV files to store on their local computer. (My presentation specifically concerns the protection of indigenous cultural property in the digital domain, and my best practices mandate includes not sending digital copies of AV materials that wind up on other peoples' hard drives in pristine condition; yes, someone could record my talk, but a certain lowering of video and audio quality provides the level of protection I need.)

iChat works, over a relatively fast connection, if I share my screen with the other party. I can speak and be heard, while they can see my Powerpoint full screen. But even on a fast connection, it takes 5-10 seconds for each slide to fully resolve, and there's no way that I can figure out to directly route the audio from my PowerPoint into iChat's audio feed, meaning I have to play the audio loud over speakers on my end so that it gets picked up through the microphone, which seems lame-assed.

Is there a piece of software -- for which I am willing to pay -- that allows you to "stream" a PowerPoint, AV media files included, while connected over iCHat, AIM, GoogleChat video, or Yahoo Messenger video?

Webex works much better for sharing the video and slides, but has *no* audio capabilities; one is teleconferenced in over a phone connection. I could hardwire my audio output into the phone, but that seems stupid.

If I convert the PowerPoint to Keynote, does that change any possibilities?

Sorry to get complicated. Webcasting is sort of new to me. I sort of thought it would be more advanced than it is, with bandwidth the major problem even when we're both on high speed university connections.

How do I deliver live training video online with interactive Q&A?

nicknd23 — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:57:50 -0800

How do I broadcast live (video) training online? Most webinar solutions focus on sharing slides + webcam + teleconference. I need streaming video (primarily) + interactivity... not slides. I provide live training. Trying to figure out what it would take to build/buy a way to deliver live training to 20-30 attendees in various locations. Would also like to archive the session for on demand viewing.

My biggest challenge is navigating through the jargon/technology... googling is an endless loop of mystery.

Most solutions (webex, yugma, gotomeeting, etc) tend to focus on sharing powerpoint with audio and a webcam. My primary content is me with a flipchart. Seems like I would need to stream live video + incorporate a way for people to ask questions + record for viewers to watch at a later time.

People really enjoy the Q&A part of the training -- which is why I don't want to just film for on-demand viewing.

Really need help getting started in the right direction.

Thanks!

Webcasting for public access TV station

Pinwheel — Wed, 16 May 2007 14:30:35 -0800

I'm a volunteer for a local cable access TV station and they're now considering building out a webcasting and VOD system. We're in the process now of seeking competitve bids but it's hard to know exactly which vendors to send the requests to. If YOU were a community access television station with a decent budget (say, $15,000 - $50,000), which systems and vendors would you consider? Are there open source options?