TABLE OF CONTENTS Up to this point, you've learned about streaming with Windows Media from the on-demand perspective. The encoded files you created were archived for viewing at the user's convenience. In the next two chapters, you'll apply what you've learned to live webcasts, that is, sending the audio and video signals to an audience as they are produced. By the end of this chapter, you'll understand:
Whether or not a live webcast is appropriate for your project
The difference between live and on-demand webcasting
Preparing a studio for live webcasting
Preparing for a live webcast at a remote location
Until the twentieth century, all types of time-based productions, such as plays or music performances, were only available "live." The advent of recording technology did little to stem the demand for live entertainment or action. In fact, producers often tout a live experience as a selling point to get you interested. Have you ever wondered why television news departments go "live to the scene" whenever possible? Because a "live" storyteller (the reporter) adds an extra emotional edge, even drama, to a story when they tell it as it happens. That feeling is very hard to capture in a recording.
Theoretically, all audio and video can be webcast live. But that doesn't mean live is an appropriate choice in all circumstances. Setting aside the added expense of a live broadcast, some content just isn't well suited to a live situation.
You should consider producing a...
