Streaming, to be or not to be?

[Skylark]

I just whant to suggest that videconfrence streaming should be added to this forum.

I know there are alot of streaming forums but the streaming + videconfrence is a very specialised part of that. A lot of videconfrencing products are starting to support streaming but the info on them is very limited.

For example there are a few product that seem to do there own streaming but do not sem to have any support for any "reflectors" (like Microsoft Media service).

[robertk]

I've been looking around for something that can store the stream from Tandbergs Codecs.

Yes I'm aware of the starbak server, but I like to save the stream to a file (mpeg, h261 or whatever) on a server and not have to connect a h323 call to the starbak server.

//Robert

[Toney]

Like Robert, we have numerous Tandbergs we'd like to capture streaming from. We have users that present in our conference rooms frequently, and to be able to capture using the Tandberg codecs mean we already have a large part of the streaming infrastructure in place.
We've also used the Starbak solution but we're not too thrilled at having to make a H323 call everytime we need to capture a stream.
Ideally, we'd like to see the Tandberg endpoints spit the stream files directly to a server (streaming or otherwise) for us to manipulate. Perhaps, this is an extra function the Tandbergs could incorporate?

[osuets]

What about just taking the VCR output or any of the video outputs depending on the codec and feeding it into a PC with a video capture card, such as the OSPREY.

[robertk]

Since that is not what I want to do :)

I want to have a digital copy of the conference, I don't want to go to analog video and back to digital.

Since Tandberg codecs CAN send a stream, I wan't to capture it.

I'm not looking for other solutions. (I know of many of them, but none that does this. :)

Regards

//Robert

[osuets]

Check out VBrick Systems

http://www.vbrick.com/

[tom9933]

Dumb question but have you tried to use the Microsoft streaming server to archive the conference? Basically most streaming servers just act as a client when they connect to the encoder so depending upon the Tandberg implementation I’m thinking this may be an easy solution. I’ll have to try this trick with a Polycom and see if I can get it to work. In theory it should, but as I recall most of the codecs only support a multicast stream. BTW if anyone has a Tandberg they want to loan out for a little while I’d be happy to try it, hint hint :) For what its worth at Wright State we use the Starbak product to perform this function.

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by osuets@May 6 2004, 06:18 PM
Check out VBrick Systems

http://www.vbrick.com/
I agree with oseuts. Vbrick would be a very easy solution for capturing streams. The encoder/decoders are a breeze. They come in MPEG 1, 2, and 4 flavors, for quality from 64k stream to DVD quality video up to 15Mbps. I am not as familiar with their EtherneTV servers, but I have been going through the manuals lately and they don't seem too complicated.

[Entropy3XD]

Originally posted by tom9933@May 6 2004, 04:28 PM
BTW if anyone has a Tandberg they want to loan out for a little while I’d be happy to try it, hint hint :)
Have you given Tandberg a call about a demo unit? I deal with the Federal group and they are normally more than willing to help out when a demo unit is needed. Just tell them you are looking at a Polycom and they will be on your doorstep the next day. LOL

Here is the information for Tandberg:

U.S. HEADQUARTERS
TANDBERG
200 Park Avenue
Suite 2005
New York, NY 10166
Telephone: +1 212 692 6500
Fax: +1 212 692 6501
Video: +1 212 692 6535
E-mail: tandberg@tandberg.net



United States
TANDBERG
1860 Michael Faraday Dr.
Suite 250
Reston, Virginia 20190
Telephone: +1 703 709 4281
Toll free: 800-538-2884
Fax: +1 703 709 4231
Video: +1 703 437 6994
E-mail: tandberg@tandberg.net

[tom9933]

Actually my local Tandberg rep used to sell me Polycom in his former life :) I haven’t demoed one in quite a while so maybe this is a good excuse to look at one again. We’ve never been able to justify the cost difference and I’m still happily going with the one neck to choke philosophy. BTW another related thought, has anyone talked to Sean Lessman (Tandberg) from the Wainhouse forums about this? I talked with him a while back about some inter-op issues and he was very helpful and knowledgeable. I’ll send him an email referencing this post.

[dfreeman]

Yup, V-brick