August 19, 2005
Starbak Selected
Apple never quite got 2 analog cameras with audio connected to a 2.7GHz dual processor PowerMac to work. We wanted a 2Mbps 640 x 480 x 30 fps H.264 video and AAC audio streamed in real time and recorded. We got a very nice result from 1 analog camera and audio input connected to a Canopus analog to DV converter connected by FireWire to a 2.0GHz dual processor PowerMac running QuickTime Broadcaster 7.0. That required increasing the number of PowerMacs from 17 to 33 and to do that we needed to increase HVAC and power to the PowerMac room. Even before considering the scheduling and control software as defined in the Recording and Distribution System Control document, this was too costly and the Apple approach was rejected.
We will be installing a Starbak video encoding and recording system. Version 1 will not support real time streaming or the recording of video from codecs other than Starbak codecs or 3rd party conferencing codecs. In particular, we will not be able to record the MPEG 4 video video produced by some simulators. Starbak encoders use Windows Media 9 codecs and the interface between the encoders and the recorder is closed. We have included an update to version 2 of the Starbak system which is expected to address these issues.
This completes the decisions for the AV system which will be built and installed as soon as the contracts are in place and the equipment is delivered. With the cabling and power already installed, this phase of the project should move quickly.
The next phase of the system is to get the Recording and Distribution System control software, and the testing and assessment software in place.
In version 1, Starbak provides a 3-level directory hierarchy, category, channel and program. We cannot change the structure but we can name the levels anything we want. Metadata is an editable text block. We will experiment with using a Google or other desktop search tool.
On 8/20/2005, the OSCE exam will use SNAP 8 questionnaires to determine if this is an appropriate testing and assessment tool. If this works, then we are left with the task of determining how we want to use or extend the Starbak scheduling and recording and distribution system control.
MSS 8/19/2005
Posted by mss at 03:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack