Hi fellow techies... In another classic example of Perian-biting-off-more-than-she-can-chew, I suggested to my bosses that I recreate a sound installation into Second Life. The actual construct of the exhibition objects is all well and good, but I'm not an audio/video guru, so I'm lost when it comes to trying to figure out how to stream the audio.
Basically, here's what I think I need to do to set up the audio stream: Gather the content (done) Set up a streaming server or purchase space on one Download some plugin and install on some server if setting it up myself Run the software and locate the IP address of the stream and link to it Right around step two I become completely stumped. I don't think I'd be able to host the stream on the servers here in the museum. we have a RedHat server and a W32 Enterprise server. The Windows server I have no control over, and that's the server through which the internet connection is run. In addition, the museum is only connected to a DSL line (I know, I know...). We're not going to be streaming to 100 simultaneous users at 256kbs, and our needs are quite modest, but I suspect that the DSL line isn't going to fly. I have a personal account on Dreamhost which should have enough available bandwidth and transfer limits. They allow for Quicktime Streaming, but I don't know that Dreamhost allows for streaming to Second Life. We also have a partnership with San Diego Supercomputer Center, who gives us storage and web space, and who probably has plenty of bandwidth. I'm not sure yet if they'll allow streaming, but I'm checking with them. So, in lieu of SDSC giving me everything I need, I'm wondering if other institutions have dealt with this before and how you went about setting up a webcast. Is there a nice, friendly hosting company somewhere who offers services to nonprofits? Does anyone know of any really good step-by-step tutorials for webcasting? Confusedly yours, Perian Sully Collection Information and New Media Coordinator Judah L. Magnes Museum
