Creation
of Streaming Media Presentations
by Dr. Bruce Thomas, brthomas@ucdavis.edu
Seed
Biotechnology Center, University of California, Davis
Aug 1, 2001
Streaming media delivers sound and images via the internet in a format
that allows the first part of the data to be viewed (almost) right away
while later parts of the data are still downloading. This is designed
to allow big multimedia files to be delivered and viewed conveniently via
modem connections. (Other methods require agonizing delays for the
whole file to download before any of the data can be viewed.)
I'd
be happy to demonstrate the system to anybody who is interested to try
it out.
Slide Presentations plus Audio
1.
Production of the streaming file
Starting
with a PowerPoint presentation, the creation of a streaming file with audio
narration is very easy. I'm currently evaluating RealPresenterPlus
software ($200) and RealSlideshow
Plus ($100) software. The free Basic versions of these software are
sufficient to get you started.
1a.
In your own office. A $20 microphone and a basic soundcard
in my Pentium III computer enabled a minimal quality streaming presentation
to be made in my office. I am currently testing better quality hardware
to see how much it will cost to make better quality recordings.
1b.
Use of facilities at DANR. A professional microphone, high
quality soundcard and sound studio facilities are available for production
of streaming media presentation. ANR Communication Services, Rm.
131 University Services Building, 1441 Research Park Drive (Desk/voicemail:
(530) 757-8986)(Front Ofc: (530) 757-8980) (Mike - what
are the costs, signup procedures, etc. ??)
1c.
Cleanup of audio tracks. Cool
Edit 2000 Software ($70) may be useful to produce the highest quality
audio presentations. This software allows your recording to be edited
to remove breathing and swallowing noises, change length of pauses between
words, remove background noises, etc. Some additional work is needed
to understand how to import Cool Edit sound files into RealPresenter.
1d.
DANR services to create professional quality presentations.
DANR technicians will produce professional quality presentations for you.
Just come in with your PowerPoint file and narration text file on Zip disk,
record your narration and they will take it from there, but for a price
of course. (Mike - what is the price, how to make the arrangements,
etc. ??)
2.
Web Server software.
Some
additional software needs to be installed on the web server that delivers
the streaming files.
RealServer
Basic (free)
3. Player software.
The audience who wants to view these streaming files
needs to install the FREE RealPlayer
"basic version" software on their computers. Windows, Macintosh and UNIX
versions of the player are available. Netscape users will find RealPlayer
software already installed on their computers.
Additional
instructions for RealPlayer software setup. RealPlayer
software - setup protocol
4. Other organizations using streaming media for delivery of
technical information.
Biotechnology,
Policy, and Society - Webcasts of Lectures at UCD
Video Presentations
- American Soybean Association
Checkbiotech.org
Webcasts
Future
Harvest - Video Messages
Cotton
World - Video Streams
Talking
Glossary of Genetic Terms, NHGRI
Seeds of Opportunity
- The Role of Biotechnology in Agriculture 31may2001
Food
Safety Audio/Video Clips, Ontario Min Ag Food & Rural Affairs
Please send additions, corrections & suggested changes for this
page via email to the author brthomas@ucdavis.edu.