Updated Video From Fox 7 Austin
Today I am working with Kulabyte and three local New Braunfels, TX churches broadcast their worship service live online. Due to local authorities mandating that public schools and community gathering places cancel activities because of the Swine Flu pandemic, Grace Memorial, Oakwood Baptist and Tree of Life churches are able to offer their members service today because of Kulabyte’s innovative live video streaming technology.
I will be posting a recap update about the technology that was used and everything that was involved to put this together but, I have to do some testing right now before the broadcast.
Update:
Ok, so the webcasts went off without a hitch. The primary webcast I helped produce today was Grace Memorial’s. The church band and pastors did an amazing job today and the message was very moving. Pastor Carse talked about the need for greater communication, communication, communication in times like these and valuing what is really important in life. Since you are reading this now and probably missed the live webcast, I would be happy to get you a DVD of it if you’ll just drop me a note.
We were able to get the Fox affilate from Austin, Fox 7, out to report on the story of how Kulabyte stepped up to help the churches and community in a time of need. As of this evening, the story has run on the Austin and San Antonio Fox affiliates and a few other stations.
The Technology & Opportunity
To broadcast the event today we used one of Kulabyte’s mobile laptop encoding and streaming machines called a Voyager. Out to the right you see an image of how the technical workflow goes. However, what you don’t see by this image is that there were 4 different SD cameras used to capture the service. The footage was then pushed through the Canopus box and the Voyager, which housed the streaming and encoding software, took the signal and pushed it out to the CDN (Content Distribution Network), which delivered the feed to everyone’s flash players on computers at home. If you really want more specific technical information feel free to follow this link to Kulabyte’s product page.
Now I know this is not an amazing technological feat as people have been doing live webcasts for years. What I do think is important here for the context of this blog is that this type of technology and opportunity is available for small and medium size businesses that have a need to communicate a special message and can do so in a unique way that can bring a special kind of awareness to your company. Further, what you do after such an event can open up some interesting opportunities. Ok, like what?
Looking Forward
During this broadcast my wife was texting and telling me about friends she was connecting with on Facebook from New Orleans, where she went to high school. Her dad, Pastor Carse, was about to give a message that many of his previous students would be able to hear live online that would normally never have the ability to attend Grace Memorial church. The case is the same for Oakwood & Tree of Life, I’ve heard from many members of our church and talking with the other churches how many members families were able to participate in the services.
Let’s also consider that after the event footage from these webcasts are post produced, edited and will be available on YouTube (video to come – check back soon). Then the messages will get spread throughout the social media sphere to people that have a real interest in receiving and watching the content.
So, if churches can overcome obstacles to get their word out – I’m sure there are opportunities for small businesses to do so as well.
What thoughts, questions or input do you have?
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