[alf-dev] Using ePresence open source system to broadcast Thursdays even

[Daniel Gross <gross@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dear ALFers,

Since not all ALF list members can participate in the ALF day event in 
San Mateo, I was wondering if there would be an interest to have the 
event broadcasted, and archived, for later viewing. This could be done 
by using the ePresence system, a free open source system developed at 
the Knowledge Media Design Institute (KMDI) at the University of Toronto.

Here is an excerpt from www.epresence.tv : "ePresence Interactive Media 
software is a content capturing, archiving, and webcasting system that 
delivers video and presentation media over the internet using multiple 
streaming formats for multiple platforms. ePresence also supports text 
and voice interaction among event participants.".

The system is extensively used, and was also used to webcast and archive 
the first open source conference at UofT a few years ago.

I have spoken with the KMDI people, and in case of interest, to reduce 
the effort to set up such a system for Thursdays event, they agreed to 
have their ePresence broadcast server configured to broadcast the ALF 
event.

However, a media client -- a client computer that has the video 
capturing software/hardware installed, and that is connected to a video 
cam -- would be necessary at the event.

So my question is two fold:

1) is there enough interest amongst ALF members to have such an event 
broadcasted over the internet, and possibly later archived?

2) if there is an interest, is it possible for the event organizers to 
set up the client system, given the short notice, and the additional 
resources (such as a hardware video card) that might be necessary?

Perhaps if using the ePresence system is successful, it can help reduce 
the cost during such future events, when used instead of the telephone 
conferencing system.


appreciating your feedback,

Daniel