Pending Project 04/21/09 JAW

parts-hp-fence

tower-fence-drawing

Video on Demand Computer.
A computer to record TV shows, rename with date, reformat to .wmv windows media files for the web, auto FTP to FTP server or VOD media server and move local files to a storage folder. Tasks must be automatic as possible.Windows xp box trimmed of all fat such as auto update, desktop clean up, screen saver, power savers, and all none essential start ups must be striped out. Set up the computer to log on with a password so windows scheduler will work later.

Install:
Hauppauge WinTV PVR-150 PCI (video recording card)
Windows media encoder 9 software
Windows media batch convert files
Dimension 4 time sync program software
Auto FTP program windows batch file
TightVNC for remote control

Create the following .bat file listed at end of this article.

Summary of tasks: Program all recording events , set up your recording quality, renaming batch file, recoding batch file, removing batch file  and Auto-FTP.  After all that shows should start appearing in your media server. (You need a FTP media server account or a regular website account). Set up VOD page on website and list the files to be served, allow for downloads and you are up and running.

Discussion: I am using audio and composite video as the program source. The video/audio is the main program out of our master control room. I had to use Video/Audio Hum eliminators as the computer is around 100′ away and I had hum bars. The eliminators worked best on the source side of the wiring. I really don’t need a TV tuner card but the PVR150 is a good card for scheduling recordings and has hardware MPEG 2 encoding.  I have settled on around 500 meg per half hour recording quality , You can record at a higher quality but I found this level to look nice and save recoding time, this file will have to be recoded to windows media 9 for the web and will be deleted later anyway.

After setting up the PVR card and testing quality levels, go into WinTV scheduler and setup the record schedule of programs. The time sync D4 program is to sync your computer time so recorded shows are on time. If a time offset is needed to compensate for delay, the program  Analog X Atomic Time Sync  allows offsets by seconds to your VOD computer. WinTV does not admend a date to the recorded file name.
This is a problem as when the show is listed on the VOD server, is is very helpful to have the date the show aired (or was recorded) in the file name. To solve this install a rename .bat file to rename recording with date amended. Set up the batch file to execute automatically using windows scheduler at a time after your recordings.

The shows are now being recorded in high quality MPEG file format around 500meg per 1/2 hour. That is to large for the Internet. So windows media encoder 9 is installed to covert the file to .wmv at 60meg per 1/2 hour. A batch file does this and moves to a folder called converted, and deletes source files. This batch file is a separate download and must be set up on your computer. The one I use has a folder called “raw” and “converted” . Anything in the raw folder is recoded with the batch file and stored in the converted folder. This batch file is executed at times scheduled with windows scheduler. The encoding levels are set by editing the encoding profile. The converted folder is auto FTPed to the media server. Another batch file moves the files locally to a storage folder.

Scheduled tasks Batch Files

renamebydate.bat
Times: 9:34pm
Days: All

High_quality_Convert.bat
Times: 9:52pm, 3:00am
Days: All

movefiles.bat
Times: 8:00am
Days: All

FTP.bat
Times: 6:00am
Days: All

WinTV record shows
Times: 430am to 9:00pm
Days: All

Links to related files on my website:

http://infonetmatrix.com/archives/105  RENAME

http://infonetmatrix.com/archives/69 BATCH CONVERSION

http://infonetmatrix.com/archives/120  FTP UPLOAD .BAT

Listing files on Website:

After the service is up and running the next problem is to list all the files on the Media server so you do not have to update the links each week. I am running the webpage on a Apache PHP server. The media server is windows. I constructed a PHP webpage to fetch the file names and display as links with the mms:// heading. In order to do this a limited FTP account had to be setup to allow downloads only. This page gets it information using the limited FTP account. You can see it here http://www.wtjr.org/video2/

I used PHP programming but if you are on a microsoft web server you should be able to use ASP code.

The second problem is downloading. So a Java FTP client was added to allow people to download to there local computer. Again using the Limited FTP http://www.wtjr.org/video2/help.html

Its up and  running as of Jan 2009.

Hello the purpose of this project is stream WTJR on web for as cheap as possible. (revised 01/19/09)
WTJR WEBSTREAM PROJECT.

Items required: Video capture card- VIEWCAST OSPREY-100 (or better model, 210, 230,..) $130. Win xp computer – parts $300 (Newegg or Tiger direct) -strip the computer of all start-up and automatic apps. LCD Monitor $150  (I went with a KVM switch instead) UPS power supply CyberPower Home/Office CP685AVR 685VA 390W UPS – Retail $61.99. Audio video wiring to Webstream computer $50 (Program out from source). Video Hum eliminator: (if needed I did at source it works better on that end) Jensen VB-1BB Composite Video Isolator $80. Audio Hum eliminator: (if needed I did) Behringer HD400 2-Channel Hum Destroyer $30.

Webstream Server: Monthly Webstream charge at http://windows.media.serverroom.us/ (or another server)
Service Levels: Windows Media 50:$12.99/Month (we use this and it works and is cheap 10x cheaper then most)

DSL or better Internet connection:  Upgrade service (done no charge) now 812KB upload speed we will use 300KB for webstream (we are using our DSL with higher upload requested)

This project is done and now up and running. Notes to follow.

Setup:
Streaming with the Windows Media Encoder 9 series: (At serverrrom.us your setup may be a little different if on a WAN )

In order to broadcast you should have the following components and/or software:
A. Windows Media 9 Series Encoder (Download software for local computer)

B. Video encoding card must be software based with windows drivers!
Not mpeg 2 hardware based!. Surprisingly some of the cheaper cards word better in this regard.

C. Access to a Windows media streaming server. (remote server).

D. DSL or above.

STEP 1 – After starting up the Windows Media Encoder and starting a new session, choose “Broadcast a live event”.

STEP 2 – Next, select, the devices you wish to use to broadcast with.

STEP 3 – Select your broadcast method. (Push method).

STEP 4 – Enter your server address and publishing point. . You will also be prompted for a user name and password.

STEP 5 – Select your desired encoding rates.

STEP 6 – Select whether or not you would like to record your broadcast to a file on your local machine. (Optional.)

STEP 7 – Choose if you would like to use additional files along with your broadcast devices.

STEP 8 – Enter your broadcast information. (Title, author, etc.).

STEP 9 – Click “Start Encoder” button.

CONGRATULATIONS! You are now broadcasting !

That is till server locks up and you need to reconnect! (click encoder stop/start button) This happen once every 48 hours at random so read below.

Solution setup a macro to start stop encoder 2 to 4 times a day! Also disconnects users so all bandwidth is not used by someone leaving there computer on all night. But most important keeps stream up.(it automates the mouse and mouse clicks!)

http://www.nkprods.com/nmacro/

nMacro Recorder 1.1

Name: nMacro Recorder
Version: 1.1
Price: FREE (only for non-commercial use)
Size: 375 KB
Release date: 23 SEP 2006
Category: Automation Tool

Create macro to stop and start encoding.

After that use windows scheduler to run the macro at the times you choose like midnight and 6:00am. Note you must be logged in for windows scheduler to work. So make sure your automatic windows re-start includes a login.

REBOOT:
In addition set computer to auto reboot one time per week.
You must have auto windows login set up (a reg hack), and auto encoder start see below, and a macro to get encoder full screen again ( a encoder .bat file that starts and stops encoder would eliminate all macros I have not found that .bat file that stops encoding.)

Encoder restart:
http://www.serverroom.us/mediapulltutorial
How To Automate Live Streaming With Windows Media Encoder This article will explain how to have Windows Media Encoder automatically reconnect (always stay encoding), and also explain how to have Windows Media Encoder automatically start encoding at boot up, for example in case of a power outage.

Remote control: Install tightVNC to control computer from outside the building.

________________________________________________________

You must have Broadband to watch stream:
The quality of the stream is 273 KPS Video, 320 x 240,  with high quality audio Windows Media Audio 32 kbps, 22 kHz, stereo (A/V) 1-pass CBR.

I decided not to embed player but to spawn Wm player as that is the way most prefer to click to watch… if you automatically launch at homepage it kills all dial-ups! Let the viewer choose.

the link: mms://169.130.151.126/wtjr

Note the mms://

The Stream is UP and on the air!

To the Federal Communications commission,

Hello my name is James Allen Wilson Jr. I am a broadcast engineer for both radio and television. I submit the following comments in response to the Localism Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (the “NPRM”), released Jan. 24, 2008, in MB Docket No. 04-233.

The area that strikes my interest the most is part 28. Remote Station Operation.
I do not recommend the FCC return to 24 hour staffing of the control point or studio. The studio should be manned during office hours but you already have rules to cover that. What I do recommend is that you totally revise unattended operation rules `into the 21st century.

In Brief,
Assign an unattended operator for when no one is home, in writing daily in station log. This person must have a phone and or pager and be able to be contacted after hours, If not it rolls to next unattended operator. At all times someone must be available or fines. This person must be able to make contact through phone or computer to studio and transmitter. Also the studio phone must have an auto attendant to page or call unattended operator in an emergency. Many stations are doing this type of thing now but spell it out.
Put it this way, at anytime 24 hours a day some person must be able to control station within a reasonable time say 5-15 min this person also must be able to be contacted.
These changes will allow unattended operation with accountability in essence covering a lot of your staffing requirements.

Eliminate or revise the 3 min off air rule for unattended operation for FM and TV or extend to 10 min make it clear in regards to modern unattended operations. Revise the failsafe rule and make it clear also in regards to modern unattended operations per station type AM/FM/TV.
In regards to station log spell out exactly what the FCC is interested in and mandate it more so then you do now, it’s not clear it’s vague.
Bring back station log time intervals to at least once every 8 hours this can be done automatically.

The EAS on remote operation needs a lot of work. When there is a local emergency hardly anyone knows how to activate a local alert. Therefore they call and it’s after hours and no one is home. (And the station does not have a number posted for unattended operator!) And even if they are home they don’t know how to create a local alert. Each community should have a station like “LP1” that can issue local alerts not just tests or relays of alerts. Make this a rule and let all police and emergency know that station can transmit a local alert.
Make the EAS equipment remote controllable through phone and or computer, that way in unattended operation a local originated alert can be transmitted (not just relayed like it is now). Another option is to assign local alert permission t police and or fire so they can indicate a local alert (much the way the tornado sirens go off ) They have staffing at all hours and know most emergencies.

In radio stations running unattended operations, have a system where remotely a phone call can be put to air over riding automation and stating emergency.
If there is still a problem make one station in market preferably EAS LP1 have staffing after hours so they can transmit local EAS alerts. Or have local agreements’ between stations so all shifts are covered to transmit a local alert.

In conclusion I believe by adopting some of these ideas I have discussed it would not be necessary to have 24 hour studio control point staffing.

James Allen Wilson Jr.
Broadcast Engineer
engineering@wtjr.org

Huston we have a problem!

(picture from India)

FCC Activities on the Localism Front
Subsequent to release of its recent Report & Order and NPRM on
Broadcast Localism, the Commission is taking steps to increase
the availability of broadcast information to the public. First, as
directed in the Localism R&O, the FCC’s Media Bureau revised
and released an updated version of “The Public and
Broadcasting.” This publication contains information about FCC
rules and policies, including those related to broadcasters’
responsibilities to their local communities. FCC rules require the
most recent version of this publication to be placed in the
broadcaster’s public inspection file. Licensees must also provide
a copy to any member of the public who requests one. If you
have not already placed the new version in your public file, you
should do so immediately. This publication may be accessed via
calling the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 or on its website:
www.fcc.gov/mb/audio/decdoc/public_and_broadcasting.html

1. Congress has mandated that after February 17, 2009, full-power television broadcast
stations must transmit only digital signals and may no longer transmit analog signals.1 With this
Report and Order in our third periodic review, we resolve issues necessary to complete the
conversion of the nation’s broadcast television system from analog to digital television (“DTV”).

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-228A1.pdf

FCC Releases Specifics of Localism Rulemaking – Proposing Lots of New Rules For Broadcasters

At its December meeting, the FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Localism. At that meeting, while the Commissioners discussed the generalities of the proposals being made, the specifics of the proposals were unknown. The full text of the NPRM has now been released, and it sets out the areas in which the Commission proposes to re-regulate broadcast stations.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-218A1.pdf

http://www.broadcastlawblog.com/archives/public-interest-obligationslocalism-fcc-releases-rules-for-enhanced-tv-disclosure-requirements.html

The FCC has released the full text of its Order adopting enhanced disclosure requirements for broadcast television stations – requiring that they post their public files on their websites and that they quarterly file a new form, FCC Form 355, detailing their programming in minute detail, breaking it down by specific program categories, and certifying that the station has complied with a number of FCC programming rules.

Full text of FCC order
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-205A1.pdf

First, the provisions governing the on-line maintenance of the public file include the following (with our observations in parentheses):

The Rules will become effective 60 days after the notice of their approval by the Office of Management and Budget (as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act – this is paperwork reduction?) is published in the Federal Register.
Stations can either post the public file contents on their own website, or on the website of their State Broadcast Association (why would the Association volunteer to do that?). Even if the State Association agrees to host the website, the station must have a link on its website to the report.
If a station has no website, it does not need to create one to comply with these rules (and it has no obligation to place the file on the State Association site). But if it later develops a website, it must have the public file contents posted within 30 days.
The contents of the political file do not need to be posted on the website
Letters from the public do not need to be posted on the site – though emails from the public should be posted
Documents that are posted on other sites, including the FCC site, need not also be stored on the station site, if a link to the documents is placed on the station’s site
The file must be accessible to the disabled, complying with Conformance Level A of the World Wide Web consortium’s Web Content Accessibility (W3C/WAI) guidelines. (Information may be found here). http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/

This may preclude some files being stored solely in a PDF format (and will no doubt cause some consternation among those at stations, who we would expect to be most people, not familiar with these standards).
Twice each day, the station must publicize on the air, with its station identification, the availability of the file on the website. At least one of those mentions must be between the hours of 6 PM and midnight.
The FCC Form 355 requires information including the following:

A list of the station’s programming streams (i.e. the analog channel and any digital multicast program streams) and “their main programming focus”
A list of the parent company and affiliates of the company which owns the station (isn’t this what Ownership Reports are for?)
For each programming stream, the average number of weekly programming hours devoted to the following:
High Definition programming
National news
Local news produced by the station
Local news produced by some other entity (who must be identified)
Programming devoted to “local civic affairs,” defined as programming designed to provide the public with information about local issues, including statements or interviews with local officials, discussions of local issues, and coverage of local legislative meetings. This programming must be subtracted from the “news” programming reported above.
Coverage of local electoral affairs – basically coverage of local elections – which must also be subtracted from the news coverage numbers reported above
Independently produced programming, i.e programming not produced by a national network (presumably each local station will have to determine if a network has as little as a one-third interest in all programming that is being aired)
“Other” local programming – which is not defined but presumably would include sports, religious, and entertainment programming produced within the station’s service area
Public service announcements
Paid public service announcements (a PSA-type announcement for which the station or any group that the station is affiliated with – presumably including state broadcast associations – receives something of value)
Closed captioned programming
A list of each national news story that includes significant treatment of community issues, listing for each such program:
title, length and date and time of airing
whether it was aired on the primary channel of the station
whether it was locally produced
whether it previously aired on this station or any other station (how is a station supposed to figure out what other stations a national news program aired on?)
if it was part of a regularly scheduled news program
whether any consideration was received for the broadcast of the segment
A list of all local news program segments dealing with community issues, providing the same information for each such segment as listed above for national news segments
A list of all local civic affairs program segments that provides significant treatment of a community issue, with all the same details as listed above for news segments
A list of all electoral affairs programs that includes significant treatment of community issues, with the same details as provided for news segments
The title, length and date and time of the airing of all independently produced programming
A list of all local programming not otherwise listed above, with title, length,and date and time of airing, and whether the station received consideration for airing the program
For each PSA, the name of the sponsoring organization, the number of times the PSA ran, the length, and the percentage of times that were during prime time hours
For each paid PSA, the same information as for unpaid PSAs
Details of programming directed to “undeserved communities,” defined as demographic segments of the community to which little or no programming is directed (query – if no programming is directed to a particular demographic segment, how can a station have anything to report in this category?)
Details of religious services or other local religious broadcasts aired at no change
A description of how the station determined that its programming met community needs
Details on the amount of closed captioned programming broadcast by the station, and a list of exempt programs that were aired, with details as to the exemptions
Whether the station voluntarily provided video description of any of its programs and, if so, how much
Information about broadcasts about community emergencies, including a statement as to whether or not the station complied with the rules that require such programs to be accessible to the disabled
Whether or not more than 3 hours per day of programming is provided pursuant to an LMA or JSA.