The BUSINESS of video.....

[Bruce]

Happy Friday friends (although it might be Sat. morning for some).

I'm wondering if there's a desire (and support) for a specific category in LICENSED USERS forum where we share/discuss our knowledge and needs regarding the business markets, uses, and pricing of our services and capabilities. As I've commented in a post or two, I'm a talent guy, not a tech guy. And if push comes to shove, I'd rather be a part of great work than make a lot of money HOWEVER.... unless you and I are wealthy hobbyists who just love buying stuff and playing with it (which I'm not) it might be a good forum topic to discuss how do we justify all the expense of this technology. I'd be happy to provide more specific examples (I work in the training industry) but I'd be interested to see what reaction I get from others around this idea.

Respectfully,

Bruce Almighty :-)

[Icersman]

+1 from here. I'm considering setting up a sports video biz similar to Tom Sinclair's soccer operation. It would be nice to have some ideas from others here.

BTW Bruce, the links in your sig open to a new email addressed to Q740@1.73GHz and 530@2.93. Am I correct in assuming they're supposed to be links?

[Bruce]

Hey Steve!

I was unaware there were any links in my signature.... just cleared it to be sure. Thought there might be more interest around this topic but perhaps not. Maybe if we have specific questions we should post them and see if there's an answer. The reason I suggested the licensed user forums is that group has stepped up and invested in the product and consequently made an investment in their business (unless it a hobby).
My purchase of the product was for production, not live streaming. Recent years have seen a huge growth of E-learning authored with programs like Articulate or Captivate. Unfortunately most of it is like a bad Powerpoint presentation on steroids and even with more polished use of those of those tools, video is really underutilized. I'm working on setting up a small studio area for green screen stuff, and a configuration of gear to produce in the field. As that progresses establishing competitive but realistic rates will be vital to sustainable work.

I'm sure there are a few people here (like Tom) who'd be helpful with the kind of business you're considering. I'll keep an eye out for your posts to see how you're making out.

Best,

Bruce

[EdEstes]

I have been exploring streaming monthly luncheons and other local events as a business model. These would be remote broadcasts, so I to am interested in what setup people have that they take with them on location. (verses running VIDBlaster from a studio)

--Ed

[Bruce]

Morning Ed!

There's a good example of potential discussion.... not just what equipment and streaming service, but how much would someone need to charge for this to make it worthwhile, and is there a viable market from businesses at that price.

I didn't originally intend to stream but I think we can all see it's a huge part of present and future communications.

I'm experimenting with a few things at both our ASTD Board meetings and Chapter meetings.... will be happy to share once I get a few kinks worked out.

[wiav8r]

Hi Ed and Bruce

I currently use Vidblaster to stream and record our Lutheran worship services. I built the system from scratch and I believe I started with VidBlaster studio ver 0.39? (that was a long time ago, whew).

I have always had an interest in running a remote video streaming business and am very interested in any discussion on that topic here.

I would probably start equipment wise with mobile production box(s) with a beefy Core I7 PC and Osprey 450e and then hard wire (coax or cat5e) in one or 2 cameras.

Overhead that I can see would be power, lighting, camera operators/director and of course, internet connection. Oh, and can't forget, would need ad-free CDN as part of package.

I would also offer live DVD recording also as an option.

I thought maybe offer 2 or 3 different packages depending on quality of stream desired with recording to DVD option and maybe bill it hourly.

Well just my thoughts. I am not a marketer so I need some help there.

Looking forward to more discussion

[Pj]

+1
Count me in.
I'm in the AV rental business.
It's hard to determine what rate could be charged for a job.
And it's hard to get the right jobs.. I'd like to read and share any thought about this

[Adninjastrator]

Hey all,
Thought I'd just chime in on this subject.
Intended or not, I've already had the great experience of sharing a wonderful business/video experience with another member of this Forum, so I whole heartedly support the idea.
Last August, I traveled from Seattle, WA to near Berlin, Germany to work on Live Streaming the 2010 Barefoot Waterski World Championships. There I had the privilage of working with Silvio Jahnke. Dispite the language problems, he was very gracious in sharing and the end product was a huge success. We sweated together, cussed (Silvio in German, me in English), argued, shouted.. but in the end, always worked toward producing the best possible show for our viewers.
And now, 6 months later, I run into Silvio here in the Forum! He's not just a faceless name, but we have agreed that he could serve as a European arm of my Live Streaming effort! I say grab onto this networking opportunity if at all possible!
I'd also like to share a little bit about how Live barefoot waterskiing is broadcast (ooopps... I mean Barfuss Wasserski, Silvio). It may inspire some of you other broadcasters to "Unleash" your cameras!
At Barefoot Waterski tounaments a video camera is mounted in the tow boat. That camera is then connected to a wireless transmitter (RF) and transmits the video signal to a reciever on shore. Typical boat speeds are 40-45mph, yet video turned out just great. In fact, at this last Worlds Championships, for the very first time, judging of the skiers run was done on shore, as the judges watched the wireless video, being transmitted to our receivers. We Live Stream the exact same view that the camera in the boat sees.
I have now mounted this wireless transmitter on my walk around "Roving" camera and can send it out into the spectators/other athletes for comments/interviews without the constraints of that darn cable.
Still not sure where this will all go... just wanted to share.
Best wishes
Lynn Johnson

[Bruce]

Great to have these responses. I couldn't help but think there were others interested in the topic.

I was trying to get an idea of what streaming service to use if I decided to try streaming, and ran across this.... http://www.todocast.tv/

Anyone have any experience with these people? Any idea what the cost is?

[StogTv]

Hope you'll share brand, model of RF equipment for wireless transmission.

[Adninjastrator]

A set like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2-4G-2W-Wireless-AV-Audio-Video-Transmitter-Receiver-/350439048946?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5197cb86f2
is currently being used for a number of our barefoot ski tournaments. Range varies a little but is usually 1/4 mile or so (line of sight). Placed in the middle of a ski run gives approx 1/2 mile coverage.
I just put together a set like this for a "Roving Reporter" cam that I can use at live events. My reporter can mill around out in the crowd, getting interviews and unique camera angles. The reporter carries a small backpack with a small 12volt battery for transmitter power. Antenna is mounted on a short pole sticking out of the backpack, just tall enough to get the antenna up above the crowd (giving clear line of site back to receiver).
If range is a problem, the use of a directional antenna will really boost effictive distance. I'm putting together a set with a set with a little more powerful transmitter and a directional antenna using an antenna something like this
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=374&name=Antennas%20and%20Accessories
I'm having my long distance antenna system designed by a local antenna expert so I can't really be specific.
Best wishes,
Lynn Johnson

[wiav8r]

Lynn
Looks great! I will be bookmarking this post for sure. Any interference from 2.4 ghz transmitters and say wifi wireless network? That maybe ... wait... I run 80211 g and n... so should work for me also!

[Mike]

I have something like this and although it works nice for such a cheap solution, the range (indoor) is limited and it completely shuts down any WLAN in the vicinity.