WDT Acquires ChaserTV

[J Tyler]

So basically.....

You leave your settings for Adobe alone.

You add a video splitting software program so you can give the iMap program a video source so it can do video captures as a way to provide a still image to iMap.

You download the iMap software and setup.

Is this correct???

So, someone looking at iMap, how do they see your video you are streaming???

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Jeff that is correct. You'll leave your Adobe settings alone so that you still stream to ChaserTV. Then you are correct, you install the video splitting software (manycam) so that iMap and Adobe can both see your camera input source, and click start on the encoder and your iMap software. The server is smart enough to put the stream in both places so that it can be viewed on ChaserTV and the iMap.

 

[J Tyler]

Thank you, Ben. For those that have not looked yet, the instructions are very detailed. I just wanted to make sure I was understanding them correctly.

 

[Jason Foster]

What's everyone's thoughts/experiences (for those using iMap) so far?

I am in the process of switching over, but have hit a brick wall in the set-up. I might have to hit up the support side if I can't find out myself. I went with WebcamMax route, but already have an issue with that (choose NOT to install the stupid ask.com bar.....and it did anyway). Imap tracker software I don't get...is that the actual streaming software. I got the stream to work for 10 seconds...then can't get it back. Tried both on the demo side and on the live side....NOTHING. Also....now all my com ports have been scrambled. Can't figure that.

Also been watching the numbers of the viewers. For Those using iMap, what kind of viewership have you been getting. I'm going to keep an eye on it during the upcoming events as it should be a good sized one, but I've been surprised how low the numbers on iMap show. Many aren't even getting viewers or where below 5 viewers all day. A couple had 30 to 70. Timmer for the short time he was on topped I think AOA 165 viewers, but not even close to a full hour...more like 15 minutes. These are not the numbers I thought there was going to be from the emails, but I had my doubts. Of course there may be more viewers...as I'm only going by the window shown with the iMap itself. Not complaining, just an observation and seeing what others have been experiencing. I still have to do more before I can say it's not worth it (or completely worth the hassle I'm personally dealing with). I know WDT & CTV guys (and gals?) are pushing hard to work the bugs out and Adobe didn't help there cause (good luck getting a response from them anytime fast, and if you don't...I might have a contact, but not sure it's the same 'division'...as it's the whole...I know a guy, who did XYZ with Adobe).

I really hope it works out. I like the iMap interface and communication has been good. As mentioned...can't really comment on support yet...but I might later today (or Monday...suspect they'll be busy or off on Sunday).

 

[James Hilger]

I haven't had much luck with it myself. It was my understanding that IMAP will disconnect after a few minutes and is being worked on. I'm able to stream to the ctv but having quality issues. Like you said, I believe their working with/on Adobe also. I'm able to get a decent stream but only by going over the 100 kbps limit, but I think that's just me. I'm using a lifecam cinema 5000, although I have tried several. I don't have any issues with other providers however, it appears some people aren't having any problems at all so I'm just trying to be patient. I like the support staff and I'm sure their doing what they can and I have a contract with KDRMedia which uses ctv exclusively so hopefully it won't be long. I can say I would've already asked for a refund otherwise but I'm very impatient and I just didn't expect all this. Again, this is just my experience and will elaborate that I like their support and they always get back with me. I have pretty high confidence that the bugs will get ironed out eventually.

What's everyone's thoughts (for those using it) so far?

I am in the process of switching over, but have hit a brick wall in the set-up. I might have to hit up the support side if I can't find out myself. I went with WebcamMax route, but already have an issue with that (choose NOT to install the stupid ask.com bar.....and it did anyway). Imap tracker software I don't get...is that the actual streaming software. I got the stream to work for 10 seconds...then can't get it back. Tried both on the demo side and on the live side....NOTHING. Also....now all my com ports have been scrambled. Can't figure that.

Also been watching the numbers of the viewers. For Those using iMap, what kind of viewership have you been getting. I'm going to keep an eye on it during the upcoming events as it should be a good sized one, but I've been surprised how low the numbers on iMap show. Many aren't even getting viewers or where below 5 viewers all day. A couple had 30 to 70. Timmer for the short time he was on topped I think AOA 165 viewers, but not even close to a full hour...more like 15 minutes. These are not the numbers I thought there was going to be from the emails, but I had my doubts. Of course there may be more viewers...as I'm only going by the window shown with the iMap itself. Not complaining, just an observation and seeing what others have been experiencing. I still have to do more before I can say it's not worth it (or completely worth the hassle I'm personally dealing with). I know WDT & CTV guys (and gals?) are pushing hard to work the bugs out and Adobe didn't help there cause (good luck getting a response from them anytime fast, and if you don't...I might have a contact, but not sure it's the same 'division'...as it's the whole...I know a guy, who did XYZ with Adobe).

I really hope it works out. I like the iMap interface and communication has been good. As mentioned...can't really comment on support yet...but I might later today (or Monday...suspect they'll be busy or off on Sunday).

 

[Ben Holcomb]

Jason I am unsure of why Webcam Max installed the ask.com toolbar, but the Manycam application does not install any extra software I am aware of. The iMap Tracker software uploads your position and a snapshot every minute to the iMap servers. We hope to, in the future, integrate it as a streaming encoder. Not sure what problems you are having with your com ports being 'scrambled' or what would have even done that as only the tracker software attempts to make a connection to a com port for GPS data. I highly suggest GPSgate if you are not using it already.

As far as low viewer counts, we had 1000's of simultaneous viewers during the events over the weekend, and paid moderate risk bounties for both days.

We have 24/7 support by telephone and e-mail, both listed on our support page. You can also email [email protected] and get a reply, however, that e-mail goes to JR, Kyle and I and isn't always answered during off hours.

As far as the quality issues, I am not sure where you are seeing quality issues. Is it just on your stream James or is it on everyones? From what I can tell, the quality of the video has been pretty good, and people have been able to read signs off of mine at 45kbps. What bitrates, framerates, and resolution have you tried? We can walk you though step by step if you would like to give me or JR a call.

 

[Adam Lucio]

I had nearly 10,000 viewer minutes after Saturdays chase. At one point I had almost 300 viewers for a half hour straight and it quickly ads up. The problem is if someone out there has a stream thats hotter than yours everyone will go watch that instead so there is a bit of a competition there. Also if the stream drops out even for a minute [like mine did] all those viewers will go bye bye. That also happened to me Saturday. While I was rocking the 300 viewers, I lost my internet connection for a just long enough to cut the stream out for maybe a minute but by the time it restarted the damage was done and the viewers had plummeted to 15 or so...I also think by then the Mapleton tornado had formed and I was out of position for that one anyways.

I enjoy the imap but I would absolutely love it if the 3rd party splitter application would somehow not be needed. Im told you can just not use it [and thus wont get a snapshot every minute] but for some reason I cant get it to work without the 3rd party application.

I also got the ask.com toolbar put on too when I installed webcammax, but it only takes a second to remove it so its not a big deal.

 

[L.B. LaForce]

One thing I have noticed recently, which isn't a huge deal, is the quality of video through the iMap streamer. When watching streams from people, the iMap tracker shows a smaller and granier video than that of the original CTV streams. Now to some extent I can see where this may be good (so stations wont really steal your stream), but im wondering if the 24 hr media link generated gets you a better quality video, at a little larger size?

 

[Ben Holcomb]

The 24 hour media link does give you a bigger player. Try it out! The player is the current size due to the fact that the iMap isn't displayed very large on everyones website - On my personal site for example, it's only 670 pixels wide. We wanted to make a manageable size to fit in the smaller implementations - And it's also set to approximately the resolution folks are streaming at anyways.

 

[Jason Foster]

Update from my efforts so far.

I have been able to stream video, but unsure if any audio is coming though. Audio is a HUGE deal for me. I wouldn't touch CTV till they had it (and was one of my complaints early on in the streaming emerging days). I'm also confused about my position on iMap (currently I'm in the Ocean...put there via the webpage broadcaster). I am shown in the right position on Spotter Network, but still trying to figure out how to get it to show up right on iMap's site. Still working on that right now.

The big thing I discovered tonight that I hope is also just me and my learning curve is that in Spotter Network, when I linked my iMap (and it says iMap) acct to Spotter Network show the little green camera shows...in the pop-up & link it comes up TVN. I DO NOT WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH TVN WHATSOEVER. I'm sure that's SN's issue and I will approach it as necessary, if necessary tomorrow (if I don't fix it by tonight). I paid CTV and in a round about way WDT/iMap, they should be the ones getting the link and credit and association...NOT Weed Trimmers site.

That's the latest. I'll be super stoked if I figure it out tonight or tomorrow morning as NC looks to be a decent set-up for a regional chase for me.

oh yeah: I am using GPSgate, and the ComPort issue may have been resolved. I had to play around with some of the port numbers. I've got it down to usable, but without a USB hub. Thankfully I have four USB port directly on the laptop. I will have to resolve before my Expedition to the Plains coming up.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

If you're using the web broadcaster, you need to manually set your position using the google map or inputting your location.

We are working with Tyler to change how things show up on SN, however, I don't want to rush him along because I know he has a family, a life and a job. The whole SN integration saying TVN was a minor detail we overlooked when planning for the project, and we asked for correction as soon as we noticed it. I am sure at some point we'll see that correct itself, but for now it will say TVN.

 

[Tyler Allison]

I was actually working on it tonight. Trying to get everyones position and status updated first before I go changing references

 

[Ben Holcomb]

That's what I call service right there!

 

[Adam Simone]

Got a couple of questions. I'm still a rookie and want to see how this season goes first but I've considered switching to CTV because of the imap. Currently I just use the free version of SevereStudios which I have no complaints about.

1. Do I have to pay extra for the imap stream or does the $40 yearly charge cover it all?
2. Sorry if I missed it but I couldn't find it anywhere else but how does the payouts work? Does only the streamer with the most minutes viewed get paid or do you get paid a certain amount by the viewer minutes you get? It's not a big deal to me as this is just a hobby and I don't expect to make money streaming but was just curious.
3. Is it complicated to setup? I'm not the biggest computer geek in the world but understand the basics. I was able to setup my SS stream pretty easily but didn't know if this was more in depth.
4. Will I need extra equipment? I stream with a Microsoft Lifecam but currently do not have a live gpstracker. I just update my position manually through SN when I'm parked. Will this require me to get gpsgate?
5. Is ChaserTV superior to SevereStudios? I don't want to start a war between the two companies but just was curious on your guys thoughts about pros and cons of each. Like I said I just have the free version of severe studios right now. I know yesterday at one point I had 78 viewers and that was before I got caught up to my wall cloud so I would imagine it eventually was higher then that so I'm happy with the amount of viewers. I'm just the kind of person that when I do something I go all out and want to do it to the very best level so I also want to be associated with the best.

I think that covers it for now. Thanks for your help.

 

[Ben Holcomb]

1. The $40 a year charge gets you into ChaserTV. Once you are on ChaserTV, the iMap opt in is free. Once you make your first $50 per year, you will be paid out your $50 (or whatever you made in the month) plus refunded your $40 charge.

2. You get paid by your viewer minutes. WDT will cut you a check after you get $50 within 45 days of the end of the month. Typically they go out faster.

3. It's not very difficult to setup, but can take a little time to setup. We suggest attempting to do so before a chase day. We can walk you through any troubles on the phone as we have a 24-hour support line. If you've setup other services, it's very similar with superior software.

4. You will want to get GPSgate. There is a free version now. If you don't have a GPS puck, one can be had for $40 from Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/GlobalSat-BU-...X2KA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303495857&sr=8-1

5. I would say so, yes. Our iMap servers run on over 20 webservers in a cluster configuration with high availability, and our streaming servers run in the cloud around the world. We have full time 24-hour support staff and multiple full time developers working on iMap tracker. iMap and CTV are also based on flash video streaming, which is supported by almost every browser (Less than 1% of all browsers do not have flash support)