AV_streaming_specifications.docx

The FEC is considering upgrading and expanding its live video streaming capacity and seeks recommendations on options and solutions. We are exploring to possibility of generating a live audio/video stream of commission meetings and making it available to the public via the internet. Such a stream would need to be fully compliant with all federal accessibility laws and regulations.

BACKGROUND

Currently, the FEC produces a composite NTSC video signal and both balanced and unbalanced audio. These signals are fed into a Viewcast Niagara 8224 high-density analog encoder. Two simultaneous streams are then created inside the encoder using Viewcast Niagara SCX and SimulStream software. These streams are: 1) an audio-only stream that is directed to a vendor's streaming server where it is made available to the public via the internet, and 2) a NTSC audio/video stream that is directed to an in-house multicast server where it is made available to agency staff through the FEC internal network. The FEC also has an Viewcast Osprey 220 capture card installed in an older desktop PC that is used to capture an unbalanced audio feed that is integrated into a Flash-based web meeting service.

The Viewcast encoder is a discontinued model and uses the now-obsolete Windows XP operating system. The manufacturer has indicated that it is not eligible for upgrade to a supported OS. The Osprey card is also obsolete and non-supported by the manufacturer.

GOING FORWARD

The FEC would like suggestions on how to update its existing equipment and procedures to cost-effectively achieve the following goals:

1) Capture its existing NTSC composite video feed and its balanced and unbalanced audio feed;

2) Generate a single H.264 audio/video stream that can be directed to a vendor's streaming server;

3) Generate a audio/video stream that can be directed to its internal multicast server;

4) Integrate into these streams closed and/or open caption feed as generated by an outside vendor; and

5) Utilize the equipment to integrate audio and video feeds into Flash-based web meeting services, such as Adobe Connect or GoToMeeting.

A preferred solution would also position the FEC to take advantage of future technological improvements and on-the-horizon streaming advancements, such as H.265 and HTML5, with minimal program disruption or additional cost.