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Monday quick thoughts: Livestreaming comes of age on fight night; PGA’s digital moves confusing

May 4, 2015 by 1 Comment

Some quick thoughts on a Monday where yours truly is recovering from a week-plus as stage crew for my daughter’s musical, a much more physically taxing job than originally thought:

Livestreaming comes of age during Mayweather vs. Pacquiao

We’ve been pounding the drum a bit lately about livestreaming apps like Twitter’s Periscope and its twin Meerkat, which allow people to become personal broadcasters, relaying live video of whatever their phone cameras can see to their “followers” on the livestreaming services. Earlier this year we wondered if the services would cause a problem for sports like baseball (which is not worried about livestreaming just yet) but the big breakout in livestreaming and sports came this past Saturday night, when lots of people used Periscope and Meerkat to give others a free, completely illegal look at the closed pay-per-view fight by holding their phones up to TVs showing the live action.

The fallout still hasn’t hit in any official or legal way yet, but after HBO’s quick lawsuits trying to stop people from livestreaming episodes of Game of Thrones, you can bet that similar legal attempts to constrain the services from showing exclusive sports footage won’t be far behind. I also just saw a photo of the live crowd at the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight that showed multiple fans holding up phones, no doubt some of them livestreaming. While Major League Baseball’s Bob Bowman thinks that most fans don’t want to hold their phones up for long stretches of time, my thinking is, that before long someone’s going to figure out how to link a GoPro helmet cam to their phone for HD livestreaming that’s hands-free. Then what?

I just think this is going to be a much bigger deal than leagues and sports think right now. The weird coolness factor of being your own broadcaster is strangely compelling, and is a step up from the ubiquitous selfie. While Twitter CEO Dick Costolo might think it was cool that Periscope “won the fight” Saturday night, let’s see how smug he is when lawsuits start showing up at the door.

And while the terms of service for both Periscope and Meerkat clearly state that the services may not be used to show copyrighted content — and while the services have made noises about being ready to kick off users who do so — the fact that you can sign up instantly makes the policing after-the-fact a fail before it starts. Nobody wants the return of phone and camera police at big events, a kind of enforcement that never really worked and won’t work now that videocameras can fit inside pockets. Twitter, which clearly wants to play ball with sports leagues — witness its deals with entities like the NFL to show approved replays — needs to get out in front on the livestreaming/sports issue or risk legal wrath. And we haven’t even talked yet about how livestreaming might affect bandwidth on stadium networks, a topic sure to be discussed at the upcoming SEAT Conference in San Francisco this July. More on livestreaming soon, you can bet.

PGA sends confusing message with credential pull

When I wrote an editorial suggesting that the PGA embrace livestreaming as a way to attract more fans with innovative use of new technology, I had no idea that earlier that day the Tour had pulled a season credential from reporter Stephanie Wei for using Periscope to show some live video of practice rounds from the World Golf Championships Match Play event at Harding Park last week. Coming just after the PGA announced a deal with MLBAM to produce an over-the-top service to show live Thursday and Friday morning rounds, it was thoroughly confusing: Was the Tour embracing new media, while slapping the wrists of other media who dared use the same technology?

In a quick call Friday with Ty Votaw, the Tour’s executive vice president for communications, we heard the Tour’s claim that Wei had a “long history of [policy] violations,” and that the suspension of her credentials was due to the long history, and not just her use last Monday of Periscope. Wei posted her own version of the story on her blog, Wei Under Par. As far as we know, Wei is the first major-sports reporter to get a credential pulled in part because of Periscope use.

While we clearly understand the need to protect copyrighted broadcasts, it’s our opinion that the Tour needs to lighten up on quick-hit video content, especially for coverage of things that the TV broadcasters don’t show, like practice rounds or range action. As we said, such content could attract a young golf-geek audience and reward hustling reporters like Wei, who we’ve been following mainly because of her fresh take and embrace of social-media methods of communication. For a deeper look inside the whole issue, you should read this column from Sports Illustrated’s Alan Shipnuck on the incident, and why he thinks (and we agree) that the losers here are golf fans.

Filed Under: Apps, Golf, Golf Channel, GoPro, Live sports via mobile, Live Sports Video Consumption, Major League Baseball, PGA, SEAT Conference, Twitter Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guest Post: How CrowdOptic is helping the Indiana Pacers and the NBA use Google Glass

May 18, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Pacers GlassEditor’s note: The following post is by Jon Fisher, CEO of CrowdOptic, the San Francisco company whose technology is helping bring Google Glass views to NBA arenas. While there’s been a lot of talk about how this is happening Fisher explains the deployment in some more detail here. The feature is being used at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for today’s opening game in the Eastern Conference Finals.

By Jon Fisher, CrowdOptic

The Pacers deployed Google Glass in real time powered by CrowdOptic in every home game since it first launched against the Miami Heat on March 26, and are deploying against Miami Sunday and through the playoffs.

Former Pacer Rik Smits with Google Glass at Sunday's game.

Former Pacer Rik Smits with Google Glass at Sunday’s game.

The solution is a package of 11 Glass devices positioned at court level — worn by a variety of Pacers employees and fans (including celebrities) to contribute immersive points of view of the action. These views are seen on the arena’s Jumbotron and have included scenes like the referees deliberating from the point of view of the game announcer right in front of them. The Pacers run this solution completely on their own logistically; they hand out Glass units and the CrowdOptic software runs on a server and laptops with dashboards in the AV room and truck.

Closer images than anything else

With the Google Glass experience, fans see faces and lips move from a more immersive perspective than a traditional broadcast camera allows. And Glass isn’t simply a GoPro-like camera in these situations (Glass is a computer) as the Pacers can text through the Glass interface telling the Glass wearers when they’re broadcasting live and/or to look in a different direction if necessary to capture a desired angle using a GUI / radar interface. The Glass wearers can dynamically change their broadcasting quality (bit rate) to conserve battery life. And the Pacers just announced the capability that anyone wearing Glass in-stadium will be able to zoom into these POVs on demand and even the POVs of the Pacers’ own stadium cameras.

Jeff Van Gundy looks very Evil Empire with Google Glass on.

Jeff Van Gundy looks very Evil Empire with Google Glass on.

This is possible using CrowdOptic technology (including U.S. Patent 8,527,340) to understand when and where the Glass units are aimed in common so inferior views of the action can be discarded for quality thereby translating the noise from the 11 Glass units into manageable broadcast streams algorithmically. Glass units aimed in the same direction can also be merged using the same technology, enabling one wearer to inherit the view of another authorized wearer.

It’s this zoom capability that the Pacers announced yesterday that we think completely changes the game. Finally, CrowdOptic is the only company currently capable of broadcasting from multiple Glass units in high density simply because we were focusing on this difficult problem early. We convert the Glass Wi-Fi signal from 2.4 to 5.0 GHz frequencies, we have optimized our code for large live events and are integrated with Wi-Fi deployers SignalShare and soon Extreme Networks, and we even have a WiMAX solution.

Jon Fisher, CEO of CrowdOptic, is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, inventor, author and economic analyst. Earlier he co-founded and was CEO of Bharosa, an Oracle Corporation company, which produced the Oracle Adaptive Access Manager. Fisheris a named inventor on six U.S. and eight foreign patents, and three U.S. and 17 foreign patents pending. Fisher is a recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award.

Filed Under: Basketball, Google, GoPro, NBA, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Video Streaming Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Sony adds HD POV action cam

January 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment

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Sony has used the largest stage in consumer electronics, last week’s 2014 International CES show in Las Vegas to bring out a high-end action cam that combine high quality images with a portability that will enable users to capture and display their feats and those of others, athletic of otherwise.

The Sony HDR-AS100V Action Cam is a POV (point-of-view) device that is designed for high-end users who want the best in video quality with a simple interface that is easy to use, important features if you are say, hanging on the side of a mountain filming your climb.

Basic Features
At the very start the HDR-AS100V comes in a splashproof case so when using around water, or snow as the season and situation dictate, it does not have to be encased in a waterproof housing, although that is needed for underwater work. It has a media/battery indicator that informs users of how much capacity and recordable time is available. Its on-screen indicators inform users of both recording and shooting mode as well as GPS Tracking States and image stabilization. It has a display panel that enables users to view settings and images. A waterproof casing is also included.

Advanced Image quality
However the camera offers much more including the ability to record high quality, 1080/24p video and high-speed 720/120p or 720/240p shooting. It has a built-in stereo microphone for use with the images. For still images it functions as a 13.5 megapixel camera and has multiple functions including the ability to do time-lapse photography.

The key to the image quality starts with the camera’s support of XAVC 5, a version of the codec that was developed for the emerging 4K/HD video space. This enables very high speed bit transfer that in turn allows the camera to capture live video in quality HD. The next step is its ultra-wide Carl Zeiss Tessar lens that provides a 170-degree viewing angle. To augment that there is Sony’s SteadyShot Image Stabilization, a huge enhancement over Sony’s previous stabilization offering, providing double the camera’s stability over the older technology. When on it limits the lens’s viewing angle to 120 degrees.

The Action Cam AS100V features a lens that is ideal for panoramic shots that is not all the camera is capable of, it features an enhanced 18 megapixel sensor for use in low light and night conditions, perfect for everything from spelunking to night skiing.

Connectivity
Currently the camera cannot do live video streaming but Sony is promising that an update this summer with provide that capability. However despite that there are a number of very nice futures including both Wi-Fi and Near Field Communications (NFC) support that enable to share content on smartphones and tablets using the free PlayMemories Mobile app that supports both Android and iOS devices.

For the technically minded there is the ability to control up to five Action Cam AS100V devices using the optional Live View Remote model RM-LVR1, a wristwatch sized controlling device that features an LCD that is waterproof and synchs automatically with the cameras. The HDR-AS100V with the RM-LVR1 as a bundle that is being called the HDR-AS100VR.

Mount Options
While users of portable cams often find new and unusual mounting issues for the device, Sony Electronics has worked hard to head off issues in this area. It ships with a tripod adapter that can be used with the cameras when they are out of the waterproof housing. That however is just the start as it also has at least 26 different mounting attachments with a number of new ones joining the already established mounts that the company had made available for earlier models. He newest mounts include an Action Monopod (VCT-AMP1), Hard Lens Protector (AKA-HLP1), Camera Leash Pack (AKA-LSP1), Arm Kit (VCT-AMK1) and the aforementioned Live-View Remote Kit (HDR-AS100VR).

The $299.99 HDR-AS100V is currently only available as a pre-order from Sony but the company said that it expects it to hit the market in March.

Filed Under: Android, Apple, Apps, Cycling, GoPro, iOS, Live sports via mobile, Skiing, Sony Tagged With: , , , ,

GoPro’s latest actioncam smaller and lighter

October 3, 2013 by 1 Comment

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For fans of actioncams, those small cameras designed to be worn by the user in sporting events and other activities but are concerned about the potential interference the devices could have, GoPro has good news for you.

Its Hero+3 lineup is now out and the company has addressed issues such as weight and size by the simple move of reducing both, while maintaining the functionality that customers are used to from its other offerings.

The latest lineup is 20% smaller and lighter than its last generation while at the same time the company has managed to increase battery time by as much as 30%. The entry level offering is the Hero3+ Silver Edition and the company said that it performs at 2x the speed of its Hero3 Silver offering.

The camera can support both 1080p60 and 720p120 frames per second video and even when loaded in its new waterproof housing is still 15% smaller than earlier editions. It also now sports a much faster Wi-Fi capability for transferring files, reaching speeds that are 4x faster than in older models. It also has a faster image processor, operating at double the speed of the last generation.

The top of the line Hero3+ Black Edition has the same video and Wi-Fi capabilities available in the Silver Edition. The camera boasts a new lens for sharper images and an auto low light mode that can adjust for changing lighting conditions. Its underwater housing now has a 20% smaller and lighter footprint than older models and is good down to 40 meters. The $400 camera is currently available.

In addition to improving its cameras GoPro has also enhanced the clamps by which users attach them to their bikes, bodies or other objects. There is now a smaller version of its chest harness, called Junior Chesty, for smaller children and there is a Headstrap + Quickclip for low profile mounting of the cameras on baseball caps, belts and other objects.

Filed Under: Apps, GoPro, Live sports via mobile, Live Sports Video Consumption, Motocross, Outdoor Activities, Running, Skiing, Sports Action Cameras Tagged With: , ,

GoPro takes Hero to Level 3

October 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment

GoPro has enhanced its popular Hero line of action cameras with the unveiling of its Hero3 family that should meet the needs of the most demanding user by following the company’s tried and true method of continually making the devices faster and more powerful.

The Hero3 moves GoPro into the realm of the 4k resolution capabilities in its top end offerings. The Hero3 family has a trio of models, each designed for different users at different price points, starting with the Hero3 Black at the high end.

The Black comes with 4k resolution, or ultra high definition, capabilities and has a 12MP image sensor that is coupled with an enhanced low light performance. It is capable of recording video at 1080p, 1440p, 960p and 720p resolutions.

The $399.99 camera supports up to 64GB MicroSD cards for storage and has built-in Wi-Fi making it very easy to transfer images and video to more permanent storage or to large screen displays for viewing. It can take still in three resolutions, 12MP, 7MP and 5MP and has burst speed of 30 frames per second and also has both time lapse and continuous capabilities. It has a waterproof case good to 197 feet and is gear mountable.

Next up is the $299.99 Silver Edition, targeted as the natural replacement for the company’s previous workhorse offering, the Hero2, but it comes it 25% lighter at under 3 ounces and 30% smaller while sharing the same basic specifications such as the ability to capturing ultra-wide 1080p 30 fps and 720p 60 fps video plus 11MP photos at a rate of 10 photos per second but also has built-in Wi-Fi.

The $199.99 entry level White Edition is waterproof to 197 feet, and is capable of capturing 1080p 30 fps and 720p 60 fps video plus 5MP photos at a rate of 3 photos per second. As with all of the new generation Hero3 cameras it has built-in Wi-Fi. All of the cameras are expected to be available by the end of the month.

There are a growing number of developers in this space with Polaroid jumping into the market recently with a trio of offerings while Sony has been making waves with its Bloggie Sports Camera line.

Filed Under: Apps, GoPro, Outdoor Activities, Polaroid, Sports Action Cameras, Wi-Fi Tagged With: , ,

Polaroid Makes a Strong Move into Action Cams

October 16, 2012 by 2 Comments

Polaroid has expanded its presence in the growing sports action cam space with the addition of a trio of offerings that are designed to meet a wide range of uses and price points as the company moves more strongly into this space.

This is an interesting space, with these cameras used in place of smartphones at one end of the device spectrum and more dedicated camcorders at the other end. Often housed in at least water resistant cases and more durable than a phone or a tradition camera they are for users that wish to record their latest skiing, skateboarding, diving or off road biking experience.

The 1.6 ounce entry level XS7 has the ability to take 720p high definition video or still images at 1MP, 3MP and 5MP and has a 2-inch full color screen so that users can view video and images that they have just shot with the camera.

Its case is waterproof up to 30 feet and it, as with all of the new action cams, comes with mounting brackets that enable it to be used on top of a helmet or on a bike’s handlebars. The $69.99 camera supports Micro SD cards with capacities up to 32GB.

Moving up a step is the Polaroid XS20 that also captures 720p video as well as 5MP still images. It is waterproof to 65 feet so it can be used on dives and other more water based activities. Its three hour battery gives a user more time to record their activity while it is designed for use in all lighting environments including low light due to its 8 built-in LED lights. The $99.99 camera can even act as a security device due to built-in motion sensors.

The Polaroid XS100 is the high end offering and can not only record in 720p but also 960p and 1080p video as well as record 3MP, 5MP and 16MP still images. It has an ultra wide lens that can provide 170 degree coverage and while in camera mode it has adjustable frame rates like burst shooting mode, time lapse and fast and slow motion.

Polaroid is a well recognized name in imagery and has an established track record delivering quality cameras so it will be interesting to see how well it is accepted in this space.

There are some well established players in this space led by GoPro, which has deals that bring it into the forefront such as its relationship with ESPN’s X Games. Others are moving into the space such as Sony with its Bloggie Sports Camera. However Polaroid is a well recognized name in imagery and has an established track record

Filed Under: ESPN, Facebook, GoPro, Live sports via mobile, Live Sports Video Consumption, X Games Tagged With: , ,
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