The Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance's webcasting is made possible by a brand new and rather substantial video recording and distribution system. Among the many pieces of video processing and distributing equipment, our system includes four HD cameras installed in Ford Hall and two HD cameras in Hockett Family Recital Hall, as well as over 7,000 feet of video and control cable. Our main video hub can route any HD camera or video signal to up to 72 locations, including any of the TVs installed in our hallways and lobbies. Currently, we broadcast in 720p at around 2,500 KB/s, but the encoder we use ensures that our webcasts can reach a wide audience regardless of their internet speeds or computer's capabilities.
All cameras used for broadcasting are joystick controlled by a single operator who also is in charge of mixing and producing the broadcasts live and on the spot. Since very few of the broadcasts have been rehearsed with the ensemble, a second operator reads the scores as the performance takes place. He or she informs the camera operator what to expect: whether it be solos, tuttis, crescendos, etc.
In addition to our live webcasts, we display the live HD video feeds of the performance on any number of HD TVs mounted throughout the Center for Music. Latecomers or people with small children can enjoy our performances from the comfort of the McHenry Lobby, and people arriving at the main entrance of the Whalen Center can see the live performance right inside the main doors. When we aren't broadcasting live, the TVs show the public upcoming events, fun facts, and other information.
Streaming for Mobile Devices
We are very excited to announce that as of January 2013, all of our live concert broadcasts can be viewed on mobile devices. This means that all webstreamed concerts after January 1st, 2013 are available live or on demand on from your iPhone, iPad, and other mobile devices. (Unfortunately, this is not retroactive, so any concerts posted prior to January 1st, 2013 cannot be played on mobile platforms.)
Staff
Live concert webcasting is overseen by Luke Klingensmith (bio), the Webcasting Coordinator for the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Thanks to a new student webcasting staff, we have been able to increase the amount of broadcasted concerts to over 30 concerts per semester. These students are from the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and the Park School of Communications.
If you have questions or comments, please contact us at somvideo@ithaca.edu.