So far all the feedback I've received concerning the live race webcast from this weekend has been very positive! I would say this weekend was a great success in that regard, and I'm already making plans for our next indoor in a couple weeks.
I've ordered the necessary cord to hopefully connect my video camera to my laptop. This should hopefully improve the video quality, and give us the opportunity to zoom in to certain spots on the track. Once I get it (probably early next week) I'll do some testing to see if it works well, and make plans to use it at the next indoor race.
As always, I'm open to any comments or suggestions anyone may have.
The Race Webcast Project
The Race Webcast Project
Last edited by J Gallo on Wed Jan 31, 2007 8:57 am, edited 2 times in total.
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
Also, I forgot to mention that if any company would like to sponsor the webcast for the RFL/RCQ weekend, please contact me @ jgallo@utahbmx.com.
I will only accept 1 sponsor, and your company will have a large 480x60 (or so) banner placed above the webcast window. Over the weekend, there were 536 unique visitor views to the webcast page. With the increase of out of town racers for the RCQ, and continued promotion, I would anticipate an increased viewership
Thanks for your support!
I will only accept 1 sponsor, and your company will have a large 480x60 (or so) banner placed above the webcast window. Over the weekend, there were 536 unique visitor views to the webcast page. With the increase of out of town racers for the RCQ, and continued promotion, I would anticipate an increased viewership
Thanks for your support!
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
Just quick update:
I was hoping to be able to use my video camera this weekend, but it looks that will not happen. I was able to purchase a cord that I had hoped would allow me to connect the camcorder to my laptop, but not only did it not work, but I think it fried the DV input in my camera. Neither my computer or DVD recorder will recognize the video camera, so I'm pretty stressed out about that. Without that, I am not able to download and produce any video, but I'll figure something out. Anyone got a used video camera with a 1394 firewire DV output they want to sell cheap?
At this point, it looks like I'll be using the same webcam for the webcast until I can figure out something else. Ideally, I need to get a personal laptop that has a firewire port. That will enable me to possibly broadcast with a video camera, but then there is the issue with compatibility with the website, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Anyway, I'll be out again mid-day Friday to broadcast the track build and racing, then have the webcast up and running generally at the start of registration until race end both Saturday and Sunday. We should have alot of out of town racers this weekend, so please pass along the info about the webcast. We are also going to try and work out some interviews to fill some of the "dead" time between motos, mains, end of race, etc.
See you in a couple days when I get back from CA!
I was hoping to be able to use my video camera this weekend, but it looks that will not happen. I was able to purchase a cord that I had hoped would allow me to connect the camcorder to my laptop, but not only did it not work, but I think it fried the DV input in my camera. Neither my computer or DVD recorder will recognize the video camera, so I'm pretty stressed out about that. Without that, I am not able to download and produce any video, but I'll figure something out. Anyone got a used video camera with a 1394 firewire DV output they want to sell cheap?
At this point, it looks like I'll be using the same webcam for the webcast until I can figure out something else. Ideally, I need to get a personal laptop that has a firewire port. That will enable me to possibly broadcast with a video camera, but then there is the issue with compatibility with the website, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Anyway, I'll be out again mid-day Friday to broadcast the track build and racing, then have the webcast up and running generally at the start of registration until race end both Saturday and Sunday. We should have alot of out of town racers this weekend, so please pass along the info about the webcast. We are also going to try and work out some interviews to fill some of the "dead" time between motos, mains, end of race, etc.
See you in a couple days when I get back from CA!
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
Well, it looks like we had another successful weekend with the webcast. Big THANKS to Brandon Townley for bringing out his equipment to give us a 2nd camera this weekend. And it at least somewhat proved I can use a video camera thru the site for broadcasting. And it was really nice to be able to use the zoom to get closer to the action. For anyone that was watching, please let me know how each of the cams looked (the static webcam had an overall track view, while the video camera was generally focused in on the gate).
Also, I was able to add both cam windows to the webcast page, tho they were stacked on one another which prevented simultaneous viewing. That is something I will be fixing with the redesign on the site. I'll be converting from the current 800px wide format, to a 1024px wide format. That may not mean anything to most people, so let's just say it will be wider to accept more content.
For the short term, I'll continue to webcast with the current equipment I have for the last 2 indoor weekends. At that point, I'll need to make some decisions about how to move forward for the outdoor. I know for sure I'm going to need a new laptop. I've been looking around and I'm pretty confident I can pick up a used Sony Vaio (that has a firewire port) for somewhere around $750, maybe slightly less. I'm also going to need a new video camera (again, probably a used one) that I can use just for the webcasts. Quick searches on eBay show I can get something decent for around $150. Ideally, I'd like to get a wireless camera, but not sure that will be in my budget.
Anyway, that's the point I'm at now. If anyone has any comments or suggestions, PLEASE let me know!!
Also, I was able to add both cam windows to the webcast page, tho they were stacked on one another which prevented simultaneous viewing. That is something I will be fixing with the redesign on the site. I'll be converting from the current 800px wide format, to a 1024px wide format. That may not mean anything to most people, so let's just say it will be wider to accept more content.
For the short term, I'll continue to webcast with the current equipment I have for the last 2 indoor weekends. At that point, I'll need to make some decisions about how to move forward for the outdoor. I know for sure I'm going to need a new laptop. I've been looking around and I'm pretty confident I can pick up a used Sony Vaio (that has a firewire port) for somewhere around $750, maybe slightly less. I'm also going to need a new video camera (again, probably a used one) that I can use just for the webcasts. Quick searches on eBay show I can get something decent for around $150. Ideally, I'd like to get a wireless camera, but not sure that will be in my budget.
Anyway, that's the point I'm at now. If anyone has any comments or suggestions, PLEASE let me know!!
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
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JasonStout
- GT
- Posts: 776
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2004 1:07 pm
- Location: St. George, Utah
- Contact:
Has our target audience flipped?
Just my opinion....
...who is our audience with the webcast? It seems that we are reaching a vast audience on the world wide web showing our local races to an audience of a couple of people.... Even if the audience is huge, we are excluding our local utah audience from viewing our own races.
..I just think efforts could be best used to record the races so we (the racers- the one's who can't see the webcast, because we are the one's being webcasted) can access the videos later.
It just seems to me if we can't do both, it would be best to just do the recording of races, pictures.
...Maybe I'm being myopic about this whole venture, but It's just not as useful of a tool. Especially with flynhigh.com being down.
Are there plans for more recording and posting of races?
Thanks Townley for recording our races this weekend!
JS
...who is our audience with the webcast? It seems that we are reaching a vast audience on the world wide web showing our local races to an audience of a couple of people.... Even if the audience is huge, we are excluding our local utah audience from viewing our own races.
..I just think efforts could be best used to record the races so we (the racers- the one's who can't see the webcast, because we are the one's being webcasted) can access the videos later.
It just seems to me if we can't do both, it would be best to just do the recording of races, pictures.
...Maybe I'm being myopic about this whole venture, but It's just not as useful of a tool. Especially with flynhigh.com being down.
Are there plans for more recording and posting of races?
Thanks Townley for recording our races this weekend!
JS
Stout,
You raise an interesting point. And definitely one I've given some thought to. There is no question that video will play a HUUUUUGE factor in the future of UtahBMX.com. In fact, I'm redesigning the site almost solely for the inclusion of video. So there will be more of that in the future. And everything that I do with the site will be for the benefit of our local riders.
However, I'm also of the opinion that videos alone will not bring out of state riders to Utah. This is where the webcast comes in. If you're outside Utah, videos will not tell the story of our facilities, people, energy and the spirit of Utah BMX. I believe the webcast is doing this very thing. The response we got from people outside of Utah was tremendous, and I firmly believe this will drive more out of town riders into Utah to race, whether it's for a multi-point indoor weekend, or ABA Nationals. Also, let's not forget the fact that we all have family and friends that are outside Utah that enjoy viewing the races. In fact, most of the comments I heard this weekend were from locals whose out of town families were watching the webcast. And I'm sure we had a few inside Utah also. Heck, even if it's one person watching, to me its worth the time and effort.
Stout, if you'd like to see more video, how about helping out by doing some video yourself? I'd love to get you involved in the media production process so I could spend more time practicing, racing, and with my family.
Now, with all that said, it was brought to my attention that people would like the opportunity to watch the races (even if they were there) after they are over. At this point, I don't have the equipment to record the entire race day, nor the knowledge and expertise to pull it off. But, I'm going to work on it. A video tape can only hold so much, so I'll have to look into doing some sort of direct-to-hard-drive recording. Then learn how to broadcast-loop that video onto the site so it can be viewed. Similar to how the ABA does it, but with no budget.
I sincerely thank you for taking the time to offer some suggestions, it definitely helps me shape the direction of UtahBMX.com. As always, if anyone else has opinions or suggestions regarding ANYTHING, please let me know!!
You raise an interesting point. And definitely one I've given some thought to. There is no question that video will play a HUUUUUGE factor in the future of UtahBMX.com. In fact, I'm redesigning the site almost solely for the inclusion of video. So there will be more of that in the future. And everything that I do with the site will be for the benefit of our local riders.
However, I'm also of the opinion that videos alone will not bring out of state riders to Utah. This is where the webcast comes in. If you're outside Utah, videos will not tell the story of our facilities, people, energy and the spirit of Utah BMX. I believe the webcast is doing this very thing. The response we got from people outside of Utah was tremendous, and I firmly believe this will drive more out of town riders into Utah to race, whether it's for a multi-point indoor weekend, or ABA Nationals. Also, let's not forget the fact that we all have family and friends that are outside Utah that enjoy viewing the races. In fact, most of the comments I heard this weekend were from locals whose out of town families were watching the webcast. And I'm sure we had a few inside Utah also. Heck, even if it's one person watching, to me its worth the time and effort.
Stout, if you'd like to see more video, how about helping out by doing some video yourself? I'd love to get you involved in the media production process so I could spend more time practicing, racing, and with my family.
Now, with all that said, it was brought to my attention that people would like the opportunity to watch the races (even if they were there) after they are over. At this point, I don't have the equipment to record the entire race day, nor the knowledge and expertise to pull it off. But, I'm going to work on it. A video tape can only hold so much, so I'll have to look into doing some sort of direct-to-hard-drive recording. Then learn how to broadcast-loop that video onto the site so it can be viewed. Similar to how the ABA does it, but with no budget.
I sincerely thank you for taking the time to offer some suggestions, it definitely helps me shape the direction of UtahBMX.com. As always, if anyone else has opinions or suggestions regarding ANYTHING, please let me know!!
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
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bnd
- Information Minister
- Posts: 2863
- Joined: Fri Apr 30, 2004 11:01 pm
- Location: Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Stout, first of all i'm not 100% in love with your tone right now......
Webcasting is so easy, even Gallo can do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVSmnnqfvc
b.
Webcasting is so easy, even Gallo can do it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVVSmnnqfvc
b.
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JasonStout
- GT
- Posts: 776
- Joined: Tue May 04, 2004 1:07 pm
- Location: St. George, Utah
- Contact:
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justinsbmxmom
- SE Floval Flyer
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Mon May 10, 2004 8:19 pm
- Location: Idaho Falls
- Contact:
Gallo, Your hard work and dedication to the UtahBMX family definately does not go un-noticed. You're a great asset to the community. Don't make your family or yourself go without to keep us happy. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say your efforts and long hours are so much appreciated. Keep up the AMAZING work...You ROCK!
Jenni - SE Ridin' BMX Chic
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B-Town
- www.btiwheels.com
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Mon Jan 22, 2007 8:10 pm
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Contact:
I am new to the site and have really enjoyed checking things out and getting to know Gallo and B. I am impressed with the time and dedication that it takes to keep something like this running. As far as I can tell the only motivation is the love of the sport and the people involved in it. Feedback and a different perspective is very helpful. Obviously with his limited time and funds it is not going to please all target audiences as things grow and expand. At this point I think we are happy with any and all progress. With or with out tone I think everyone is 100% behind all of the hard work that goes in to our local BMX community. This site brings a lot of value to us and the sport.
Brandon T.
Brandon T.
-
sspencer
- Factory Bikini Cuts Hotshoe
- Posts: 618
- Joined: Thu Jun 24, 2004 2:11 pm
- Location: Draper, UT
Word B-Town!!!
Gallo,
You are doing something that NO ONE ELSE IS DOING ANYWHERE outside of the ABA nationals. This is huge for our program. The thing is, no one asked you to do it, you did it all on your own. A great deal of time, expertise and money has gone into your UTAHBMX.com projects and WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. You always go above and beyond WebMaster J' and we love you and appreciate all you do.
The great thing about our local program, if you have an idea and it works within the system for the betterment of the riders, families and the sport... you can do it. Like Travis Healey. He took it upon himself to offer the video services at the races. That took a lot of planning and time to accomplish what he did for no monetary return. He did it because he thought it was a good idea, it was a service to others and he had the talent and resources to do it.
So if anyone out there has a good idea and wants to see it through, take ownership of it and make it happen. People can talk and suggest things all day long but that doesnt make it a reality. So dont think about it... DO IT!
This commentary does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of UTAHBMX.com or its sponsors:P
Steve
Gallo,
You are doing something that NO ONE ELSE IS DOING ANYWHERE outside of the ABA nationals. This is huge for our program. The thing is, no one asked you to do it, you did it all on your own. A great deal of time, expertise and money has gone into your UTAHBMX.com projects and WE THANK YOU FOR THAT. You always go above and beyond WebMaster J' and we love you and appreciate all you do.
The great thing about our local program, if you have an idea and it works within the system for the betterment of the riders, families and the sport... you can do it. Like Travis Healey. He took it upon himself to offer the video services at the races. That took a lot of planning and time to accomplish what he did for no monetary return. He did it because he thought it was a good idea, it was a service to others and he had the talent and resources to do it.
So if anyone out there has a good idea and wants to see it through, take ownership of it and make it happen. People can talk and suggest things all day long but that doesnt make it a reality. So dont think about it... DO IT!
This commentary does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of UTAHBMX.com or its sponsors:P
Steve
Spence'- dizzle fo'- shizzle
UTAH BMX Charter Member
UTAH BMX Charter Member
Thanks guys!!!
Steve, I've always said you can speak for me anytime, so yes, they DO reflect the opinions of UtahBMX.com
Here's the thing about the webcast. For the most part, I could "set it and forget it". It's not something that I literally have to sit next to the whole time. I do need to check in on it from time to time and make sure the connection didn't go down, but I'm more worried about my equipment (otherwise read as laptop) than anything else.
With video, that's a serious commitment. You have to be focused every second of every race on the video itself. Panning... zooming... etc. Since I'm also trying to take pictures, race, and help out announcing (which I absolutely LOVE to do, so hopefully I haven't screwed it up too bad), it's tough for me to commit the time to recording video. This is where Bruce has really stepped up lately. If it wasn't for him, and also can't forget Brandon Townley and his wife!, video coverage would have been extremely tough this past weekend. If there is anyone else out there that would like to record video during the races, let me know. I'll try and get you a camera, then I (or someone else) will do all the downloading and producing.
Thanks again for all the feedback!!
This commentary does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of UTAHBMX.com or its sponsors:P
Steve, I've always said you can speak for me anytime, so yes, they DO reflect the opinions of UtahBMX.com
Here's the thing about the webcast. For the most part, I could "set it and forget it". It's not something that I literally have to sit next to the whole time. I do need to check in on it from time to time and make sure the connection didn't go down, but I'm more worried about my equipment (otherwise read as laptop) than anything else.
With video, that's a serious commitment. You have to be focused every second of every race on the video itself. Panning... zooming... etc. Since I'm also trying to take pictures, race, and help out announcing (which I absolutely LOVE to do, so hopefully I haven't screwed it up too bad), it's tough for me to commit the time to recording video. This is where Bruce has really stepped up lately. If it wasn't for him, and also can't forget Brandon Townley and his wife!, video coverage would have been extremely tough this past weekend. If there is anyone else out there that would like to record video during the races, let me know. I'll try and get you a camera, then I (or someone else) will do all the downloading and producing.
Thanks again for all the feedback!!
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
Hey all.. just wanted to share an email I received which pretty much sums up all the feedback I've gotten, and is the reason I always wanted to make this happen:
Comments like this are what makes all the extra effort and time worth it
Jason,
We want you to know we really, really appreciate your efforts to get this
webcast out there for ALL, including those of us who can't be there in person.
We're grandparents to The Newkirk children and watch every chance we can from
San Antonio, Texas.
Again, many thanks to you for livecasting these races. It's the next best
thing to being there!!!
LaFaye Newkirk
Comments like this are what makes all the extra effort and time worth it
Gallo
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
"The ability to walk fully upright is overrated. Along with tying your own shoes."
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ian elliott
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