New talk show using Skype, chromakey, effects and more

[Sinc747]

My new show, Talking Soccer TV, will air in two weeks at www.TalkingSoccerTV.com (http://www.TalkingSoccerTV.com). We'll be using the new Skype version that supports multiple callers to host a soccer coaches rountable and a call-in segment for players. College coaches will be our special guests each week.

Starts February 10 at 8 pm CST USA. Show will be available live, video on demand, & audio podcast.

More details to follow.

[EdEstes]

Excellent! We look forward to seeing it and hearing all about your settings/learnings.

Best of luck.

--Ed

[damn2good4u]

Personally, I am looking forward to the show... just to learn from the master... All the best...

[Sinc747]

Rottimmy,

Thanks for your kind words, but please don't have too high expectations. I'm moving out of my element (action sports) into a more static environment. We'll see if we can pull it off. It's probably like anything else new, the more you do it, the better you get.

Feedback is greatly appreciated.

[icon]

My new show, Talking Soccer TV, will air in two weeks at www.TalkingSoccerTV.com (http://www.TalkingSoccerTV.com). We'll be using the new Skype version that supports multiple callers to host a soccer coaches rountable and a call-in segment for players. College coaches will be our special guests each week.

Starts February 10 at 8 pm CST USA. Show will be available live, video on demand, & audio podcast.

More details to follow.

Hey Tom, we've been using Skype for our live shows since the multi-video conference (beta) version was made available. Seems to work the best of what we've tried (we've tried quite a few, including ooVoo). We just aired our 51st live show last week w/ a live guest from Australia. Our next live show is tonight at 6pm PST. Let me know if you need any assistance ... heck, it is *you* who would probably teach me! ;-)

- Brian

[Adninjastrator]

Nice show tonite Brian and Kathy!
Good SEO info as well as a good example of the multi Skype connections.
I do have a question though, how did you create the red background and title for some of the other shows, with just two people having a discussion? Instead of just a black background surrounding the two speakers, you have a red background and some text. Is it really a background or is it an overlay with two cutouts in it for the two people having the conversation?
Best wishes,
Lynn Johnson

[Mike]

Very nice Brian, I can see you put a lot of work in it. If you can get your audio syncs in order it would not be different from the real thing.

Reading all these posts I wonder if Tom is ever going to release his show, the bar has been set way high :)

[Sinc747]

Mike is right. With all these great shows out there, I don't know if I want you to see my amateur production. :)

[Tony]

skype is making you pay for that feature sadly. :(
My new show, Talking Soccer TV, will air in two weeks at www.TalkingSoccerTV.com (http://www.TalkingSoccerTV.com). We'll be using the new Skype version that supports multiple callers to host a soccer coaches rountable and a call-in segment for players. College coaches will be our special guests each week.

Starts February 10 at 8 pm CST USA. Show will be available live, video on demand, & audio podcast.

More details to follow.

[icon]

Very nice Brian, I can see you put a lot of work in it. If you can get your audio syncs in order it would not be different from the real thing.

Reading all these posts I wonder if Tom is ever going to release his show, the bar has been set way high :)

Thank you Mike! Regarding the audio syncs ... that's a Skype issue. Each time we use Skype Vid Conferencing it's like rolling the dice ... we never know if things will go smoothly from one week to the next. All 3 of us had high speed internet (our guest had the fastest available here in the U.S. ... FIOS by Verizon).

We've tried many different Vid Conf services, Skype is the best we've found thus far.

[icon]

Nice show tonite Brian and Kathy!
Good SEO info as well as a good example of the multi Skype connections.
I do have a question though, how did you create the red background and title for some of the other shows, with just two people having a discussion? Instead of just a black background surrounding the two speakers, you have a red background and some text. Is it really a background or is it an overlay with two cutouts in it for the two people having the conversation?
Best wishes,
Lynn Johnson

Thank you Lynn.
I created all graphics (background, lower-thirds, etc.) utilizing Adobe Photoshop. One trick is to save the PS images as .png to allow transparency (be sure that your original background layer in PS is transparent first, of course ;-)

- Brian

[Sinc747]

Brian,

After running some extensive tests with Skype and VidBlaster tonight, I have more respect than ever for what you have accomplished with your show! You make it look so easy!

My test guests' videos were pixelated and choppy. I had a 6mb downlaod and 4 mb upload speed, but that didn't seem to matter. I suspect my guests' speeds were the cause. I have also heard that Skype will vary the resolution of a video call depending in the network load. How do you keep such a good video of yourself and guests?

I also intend to have different numbers of guests at different times in the show. That will be more of a problem than I realized since Skype resizes all video windows when additional callers enter or leave a video chat. Any tips?

Also, do you record your show with VidBlaster?

[Mike]

Tom, keep in mind Skype also varies quality with CPU usage.

[icon]

Brian,

After running some extensive tests with Skype and VidBlaster tonight, I have more respect than ever for what you have accomplished with your show! You make it look so easy!

My test guests' videos were pixelated and choppy. I had a 6mb downlaod and 4 mb upload speed, but that didn't seem to matter. I suspect my guests' speeds were the cause. I have also heard that Skype will vary the resolution of a video call depending in the network load. How do you keep such a good video of yourself and guests?

I also intend to have different numbers of guests at different times in the show. That will be more of a problem than I realized since Skype resizes all video windows when additional callers enter or leave a video chat. Any tips?

Also, do you record your show with VidBlaster?

Hi Tom,
We've actually had mixed results with Skype. One thing we've noticed is that if we all connect via Skype approx 30 minutes before the show, we sometimes see Skype "settle down" and clear up a bit by show time. This is not always the case, however.

Also, Skype is used by millions of people around the globe ... and as you know, you're only as good as your "weakest" link . So I think another part of the equation is simply "luck of the draw" when you connect, meaning that you "hope" that your hops are all on servers that aren't at high loads at that moment.

The only thing we can do from our end is ensure that all participants have as high speed internet connection as possible, decent CPUs and Graphics Cards, etc. The "absolute" best solution is to acquire your own streaming server. I've investigated this ... can be a "bit" pricey.

On the bright side, technology is ever-evolving and improving and I don't think it will be much longer before we start seeing higher quality and more dependable live video conferencing solutions.

Yes, we record our show via VidBlaster.

- Brian

[Sinc747]

First show was last Thursday and it was, overall, a success. Skype dropped the call once and refused to display one coach's video. Plus I messed up with the Skype sound. Skype audio/video sync was pretty good and the video quality was not bad at all (other than the missing video). All in all, it was a fun, casual converation about local soccer.

I was not prepared with the right overlays and video ads, but that will come soon. I will be intersted to see if there is any benefit to streaming/recording this at 640x480. I recorded last week's show at 320x240, but have not had a chance to review the recording, yet. I'll keep you posted.

[icon]

Tom,

I can possibly help you out. I don't know if you got my replies via PM (I tried twice, but didn't see either in my "Sent" folder).

We stream & record at 640x480. We've experienced the Skype drops and the "refusal" to display a guests video. Have found ways to overcome both.

Feel free to call me (I PM'd you my number) and we can chat about it.

- Brian

[Icersman]

First show was last Thursday and it was, overall, a success. Skype dropped the call once and refused to display one coach's video. Plus I messed up with the Skype sound. Skype audio/video sync was pretty good and the video quality was not bad at all (other than the missing video). All in all, it was a fun, casual converation about local soccer.

I was not prepared with the right overlays and video ads, but that will come soon. I will be intersted to see if there is any benefit to streaming/recording this at 640x480. I recorded last week's show at 320x240, but have not had a chance to review the recording, yet. I'll keep you posted.

Tom

Check out this excellent tutorial (http://www.slideshare.net/dkaye/skype-for-interviews) on setting up Skype for interviews.

[Sinc747]

Thanks, Steve. The tutorial has some interesting ideas.

[Sinc747]

Did my fifth show last night and its getting easier and, hopefully, better. Tried out a new cam that seems to help with the sparkles around my head using chroma-key. Higher resolution video is the trick, I think.

Needed to show a frame by frame video (of a soccer match) and used a screen capture of Windows Media Player and its Enhancements (play speed settings) feature to do slo-mo and frame by frame. Worked okay, but would be nice to do that in the Player instead.

Its nice that the technical part is getting easier so I can focus on the content of the show. Except, of course, that I forgot to turn my mic on before I started!

Advice to anyone starting a new show: Do several dress rehearsal shows with guests and videos and music and whatever you want. Work out the technical details and polish your VidBlaster skills so that when you do your first "real" show, you don't make stupid amateur mistakes like me!

[Mike]

Is there a recording somewhere so I can enjoy your mistakes?

[Sinc747]

Ah, of course. I am, again, the comic relief.

www.TalkingSoccerTV.com (http://www.TalkingSoccerTV.com). Archives, show #5

[Echo7]

Could you name the new camera you used to facilitate the better use of chromakey?

[Mike]

Hey, good to see you Tom! I had not figured you the presenter type, but you do a good job at it. Funny to see you explain soccer (to a Dutchman). It's called football btw ;)

[Sinc747]

@Bill: the cam is a Canon Vixia HF100 (1920x1080) that I picked up off eBay from Canada for about $250. I suspect its a refurb for that price. Records to a SDHC card. Pretty handy.

@Mike: Thanks. Its a lot of fun and being well received here locally. Glad you're back, too. Hope the holiday was a good one!

[weconverse]

Nice show Tom! Impressed that you manage all that, in particular all skype connections. Maybe you would get somewhat better results with the chroma key of you added som light on your green screen (or whatever colored bg you have).

Btw, your Canon Vixia HF100, can you change zoom, focus, aperture etc while feeding live to VidBlaster? And does it remember it's latest setting after power on and the battery has been removed (not so important for me to know, but if you already know).

[EdEstes]

Excellent show Tom. I understand your pain with Skype and the challenges in bringing guests into a broadcast.

Curious about the sponsors of the show. How are you finding sponsors and what is the value proposition you are selling them, if any? (didn't know if they are doing it because of their love for the sport or if it is something else/more)

Keep up the great work!

--Ed

[hennings]

Nice show!

I wonder (maybe I didn't read closely enough) - Do you use screen capture in order to get Skype video into the show?

Henning

[EdEstes]

It looks like that's how he did the Skype guests, via the VIDBlaster screen capture option.

--Ed

[Sinc747]

@Richard: I am leaning more about chroma-key each week. Two biggest issue are lighting and camera quality.

First week was a pair of desk lamps and a Logitech C310 webcam. Fourth week I replaced desk lamps with two clamp-on reflector lamps with CP bulbs covered with paper napkins.

Fifth week (last week) paper napkins were replaced by a thickness of red tissue paper; camera was replaced by the Canon HF100. All camera functions are available during the live broadcast. I think all settings are retained on power down and power up. Not sure about battery removal. Camera is set for lowest resolution (not sure what) and set for 16:9 aspect ratio. I don't think 4:3 is an option on this camera, so I may change the whole show to 16:9 which means adapting the graphics.

@Henning: Yes, Skype via screen capture. But, as you can see from the show, I have to adjust the screen capture as guests come and go. Skype is unreliable, or it may just be my guests' internet connections.

@Ed: Sponsors are local business owners that are members of a business referral group that I have known for a while. I valued the sponsorship at $225 US for 16 shows, but allowed "my friends" to get their sponsorship for only $100 US. Of 35 business owners in the group, six responded. I am hoping that they will receive actual business as a result of their sponsorships, not just goodwill and name recognition. I'm also thinking of ways to more directly involve the sponsors in the show as a benefit.

[weconverse]

Tom, thanks for sharing - and that you care for your sponsors :)
Pls note that I was suggesting light on the screen behind you too, not only on you (the talent)

[Sinc747]

Ah, Richard. I understand now. I'll try that for sure! Thx.

[EdEstes]

Looks like you made some great progress on the lighting at your studio in this week's episode...

--Ed

[Sinc747]

Thanks Ed. Lighting has been a challenge. I took Richard's suggestion to heart and moved my two relector lights covered with red tissue paper closer to the green screeen and more to my sides.

http://sinclairsportsnetwork.com/images/img_2600.jpg

I also tried a different camera, a Canon GL1 and a higher, different resolution (640x480 as opposed to previous shows of 320x240).

http://sinclairsportsnetwork.com/images/img_2603.jpg

I think I need to find tan tissue paper cause the red makes me look like a lobster. LOL.

A good example of a very basic studio in the spare bedroom.

Ed, Sorry I missed our call tonight. Had a chance to take my wife (peeking through the dor) to dinner. Couldn't pass that up!

[Monoscopio]

Nice setup Tom.
Green screen is a science in itself and you really have achieved great results. Good lights are essential to get good chroma effects.

It probably has been said before, but one trick is to try and keep a bigger distance to the screen giving you ability to light the screen from low behind you as well to get a smooth light without shadows. With a small screen one trick is to move the camera away from the object and use the zoom to make the background appear closer.

Of course this can be hard in such a limited space :)

Great work!

[damn2good4u]

Green screen is indeed a science on its own... i hv been strugling to getting it right... even with as many as 10 same temprature lights and 2 canon hg 10 camera

[Sinc747]

What do you do when your special guest forgets he's the guest, is out of town, and forgets his laptop with webcam? You wing it!

Tune in tonight at 8 CDT and find out. www.TalkingSoccerTV.com (http://www.TalkingSoccerTV.com)

[EdEstes]

Great job last night Tom. Were you already prepared to show those slides or was that part of the improvisation? It minimized the impact of not having video of your coach/guest.

Not sure if you already had the photo of him but I'm going to make that part of my prep work - have quality photos of guest before shows just in case a similar problem occurs. (or if there are other issues, like Skype connections, etc.)

Congrats!

--Ed

[icon]

Ed,

That's excellent advice. I had learned (the hard way) that technique about 4 weeks ago. Skype is (unfortunately) not always reliable.

Another option Tom ... and I don't know if this fits w/ your business model, is to charge your guests a nomimal fee to appear. If that's not a fit, ask for a refundable deposit up front. They show, you give them their deposit back. They don't show, you keep the deposit.

[Sinc747]

@ Ed - I stole the photos off the internet 20 minutes before showtime. Thanj goodness for Google Images. And my guest sent me a PDF file of his power point presentation that I screen captured and paged through at his direction. Not perfect, but not a failure either!

@ Brian - Would that I could be so selective! :) But you raise a great point: When I have a guest who is promoting a product, I should get some renumeration. I like that that!

Regarding Skype, I have found if I have a Windows Media Player window active it slows Skype video to a crawl. Minimizing that window to the Task Bar speeds Skype video back to normal frame rate (whatever that is). Interesting.

[Sinc747]

Last show of the season is tonight at 8 pm CDT (www.TalkingSoccerTV.com (http://www.TalkingSoccerTV.com)). It has been quite an experience: trying different cameras, different video resolutions. The recent upgrades that Mike has made are making life much easier. Collapsable modules are the bomb! Chroma key is great once the lighting gets dialed in.

My wish list for the talk show format...

- A video player that can do slo-mo, mark ins & outs, do frame by frame motion.
- A audio player that fades to mute with one click
- A better/easier way to bring Skype audio into a broadcast
- A way to get the Skype video without having to do a screen cap
- A grouping system so I can add/remove a predefiend group of modules all at one time

All is all it was a great experience. I learned a lot and am glad I did it.

http://www.talkingsoccertv.com/images/talkingsoccertv.jpg

[Joust]

Well, I don't know if you can do it with this budget, but the best way is to dump skype v5 4-way and do a "skypezilla" (skype video conference Leo Laporte style). Basically this means 4 standard old Win XP pc's with skype installed (or 4 virtual machines), each machine outputs its signal via D-SUB which is fed to the main PC via a vga-2-usb capture device ($30). The last piece of the puzzle is having audio routed the way you want it. This means a mixer, that not only mixes all the people together, but also sends the combined audio stream to each of the people, so they hear the presenter and each other. The video signal is sent back from the main broadcast to skypes via a virtual cam.

The main advantage of such solution is that all the machines/connections are independent, so if one person drops out or skype crashes, it doesn't take down the whole thing - just one person.
And of course you don't need no screen capture.

A hard-core version is using pc's with HDMI out and a 4x Intensity PRO. This gives you digital video and audio signal.

Here is how it looks like: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vu724KGd4fM

[QuinnQuality]

Please Tom, next time use the one/third rule for your camera, it now looks as if you are a midget. Besides, it also makes looking at the 3 persons a lot more eased.

[Sinc747]

@John - Sorry don't have a clue what you are talking about... obviously. :)

[QuinnQuality]

Sorry, my cameraman in me commented. The one/third rule is very simple.
take 2 horizontal lines an divide the screen in 3 equal rectangular using these lines, you have now divided the screen in 3 equal parts. If you now put the eyes of the person filmed (in this case you) always in the upper line, which is about one/third from above, you have a professional shot of the person in the picture. In the picture i saw from you, your eyes were about below the middle. You loose a lot of space above you and you look small. Just take a look at some news anchor people, you will see their eyes are almost always at the one/third line. Glad to give you this tutorial, i hope you don't mind me doing so.

[QuinnQuality]

@mike, sorry, using the forum as a chat-room again, hey, that's me, always want to help or give advice. I will be more cautious next time, i promise.

[Zekday0]

Great stuff! So you are screen capping the skype calls?

[rjmurdock]

Tom, have you tried Oovoo.com instead of Skype for mult-video chat capabilities? I believe the free version will allow you to video chat with up to 6 people simultaneously. The Pro version will allow you to record the video chat session. You should check it out.