Advance Planning and Rush Service U.S. Full Service Bookings GTA Live Webcasts
1) We have high security firewalls in our building and we don't want to open up any ports to allow in webcasting. What do we do?
GC uses the http protocol for webcast publishing points and within our video display codes. This means that as long as your network allows access to the public Internet, there should be no problem receiving our live webcasts. We normally can webcast to even the most secure networks. Only in very rare cases where your network has been set to deliberately block all streaming media is any adjustment necessary. Even then, you can open up a port to our specific IP address so that everything else remains blocked and high security is maintained. A common solution we deploy for government firewalled networks is to redirect the signal to a designated URL behind the firewall, allowing the government network to remain secure while still receiving the webcast.
2) What software is needed to receive a live or recorded webcast?
GC Webcasting can broadcast in either Flash or Windows Media. Flash is considered more univeral because it works on all computer platforms (PC, MAC, Linux, etc.) and all Internet browsers. Windows Media is recommended for government applications due to the heavy use of PCs in government offices.
3) What type of Internet connection is needed to webcast from our venue?
Reliable live webcasting requires a stable, strong unsecure and dedicated Internet connection using an ethernet port (not wireless). This means a connection to the public Internet (and not a LAN) that has no outbound firewall preventing streaming media from getting out. Many hotels have firewalls and LANs that will prevent live webcasting. For this reason, we always do an advance check and if necessary, order a separate, dedicated DSL modem. In some cases, our portable high speed modem will work but this requires placement near a window and webcasting in a major city. GC's guarantee of reliability is based upon our exhaustive advance checks and preparation. If one method does not work, we will arrange for another, then test it vigorously to ensure stability and quality. To maintain our guarantee and protect our reputation, we will not proceed with a live webcast under less than ideal conditions. The availability of an appropriate, high quality Internet connection is the single most important component of a successful webcast.
4) What's wrong with a public wireless connection?
Firstly, a public wireless system can be used by anyone. This means people in the room with iPhones or laptops connected to the same system will steal valuable bandwidth from the webcast, potentially shutting it down. Wireless is also unstable.
5) How much bandwidth does live webcasting consume at the receiving end?
The typical live video webcast with "good" quality featuring an interactive chat forum uses about 160 to 220 KBPS per viewing computer. Higher quality broadcasts will use up to 330 KBPS. (Audio- only webcasts are much lower at around 30 KBPS). If reception bandwidth is an issue, a group of people can be gathered around a single, large monitor with speakers, in a boardroom.
6) What about people on dial-up or people with poor high-speed web connections?
The webcast can be set to multiple bit rates so that regardless of the user's connection speed, the reception will adjust itself accordingly and place a preference on audio over video. Someone using a 28 KBPS dial-up modem will receive poor quality video but still receive high quality audio.
7) Does GC offer 24/7 streaming?
Yes, we do. We offer both 24/7 video and/or audio streaming.
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