Maeshowe and live video broadcasts

Warning: If you want to witness these live broadcasts in December, you should ask your ISP for IP multicast connectivity as soon as possible, otherwise you will not be able to have that opportunity. Also join the distribution list!

In week 46 (Nov. 9^th until Nov. 13^th, 1998) tests will be performed with video broadcasting over the Internet. The main aims of these tests are:

decide which tools are the best (easy to get, simple to use, good performance, good bandwidth efficiency, etc.) to view live video pictures
determine the coverage of IP multicasting networks in the IP world and determine the usability of this IP multicast network by common users.
if the results are positive, live video broadcasts will be performed from Maeshowe, Orkney, Scotland from Dec.1^st until Dec. 10^th, 1998 (sunset around winter solstice).

The second mentioned goal is the most difficult, because IP multicast (instead of normal IP unicast) is not yet widely available for Internet users. The tests will try to stimulate ISP's (Internet Service Providers) to provide IP multicast to their users (who can have or a fixed Internet connection or a dial-in connection).
The tests are planned over more than one month, so that users and ISP's can download, install and get experience with IP multicast before the broadcasts will start.

The tests will at least look at the following tools (a precise planning will be provided in the near future):

using the standard (free ware) IP multicast tools (vic, sdr or e.g. ICAST C:TV Viewer&Guide).

WWW

using tunneling software to provide IP multicast to dial-in users (multikit/liveGate software). LIVE.COM will provide free licenses for liveGate (NT) during this project.
using RealNetworks tools (RealPlayer) which can be used for IP unicast connections (although limited to 100 viewers) or to IP multicast connections that have a fixed connection to the INternet.
possible other tools could be: Xing and NetShow.

More information on the network side of IP multicast, please consult this link. A special distribution list has been set up to help and guide potential viewers and their ISP's in the world of IP multicast.

These test are support by the SURFnet4 project of SURFnet bv. A more detailed activity plan can be found (in Dutch).

Last major content related changes: Oct. 3^rd, 1998