Hello,
There is an advt. of CISCO where a group of people from China and Some European country come face to face virtually on huge screens. Is this really possible or just trick photography? If possible, it would not only help in overseas conferencing but also in huge office complexes where one has to travel a long distance or even a few floors to get to the boss's cabin or some place else. The normal video conferencing has a very small screen where one cannot even move one's head or it would get out of the visible area. With high resolution videos, a huge life size image is possible and groups of people can talk to each other. It has a fantastic effect and looks really good.
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux. If it is not very expensive, could we actually setup a prototype in HBCSE during our forthcoming GLUG meets over the months? A LAN cable should provide good bandwidth for intraoffice video conferencing. We can link up two classrooms or the lab and classroom. We already have a projector and a 17/19" LCD screen. I am sure this has good commercial potential too for big corporate offices.
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux.
I could be mistaken but I don't think any open source video conferencing software can handle High Def. video streams yet. In addition, you'd need camera units on both sides which can support HD - that, unfortunately, rules out your average webcam or capture device.
Thanks aditya
On Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 8:24 AM, aditya awasudeo@gmail.com wrote:
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux.
I could be mistaken but I don't think any open source video conferencing software can handle High Def. video streams yet. In addition, you'd need camera units on both sides which can support HD
- that, unfortunately, rules out your average webcam or capture
device.
Correction, it's already been done before, both byu hobbyists and professionally. I have even set up a system for a couple of clients of mine using HD quality Digital Camcorders. Interfacing was through ieee1394(firewire, dvgrab), Encoded into Theora Video(ffmpeg2theora) and Streamed(via Icecast), Played at the remote end using both mplayer and VLC, an end to end Free Software HD Video Distribution system. There is even a GUI for it, though i havent personally used it... CLI Rules ;) (theorur, or something like that... google for it)
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference. Now, if someone wants to have this set up, as a demo at HBCSE or somewhere, i'll be glad to do it, as part of a lug talk. Sadly, i have only 1 firewire capable camcorder.. so someone else will have to pony up a second camcorder, and the bandwidth too.
Regards R. K. Rajeev
Thanks aditya -- http://mm.glug-bom.org/mailman/listinfo/linuxers
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 02:24, Rajeev R. K. wrote:
On Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 8:24 AM, aditya awasudeo@gmail.com wrote:
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux.
I could be mistaken but I don't think any open source video conferencing software can handle High Def. video streams yet. In addition, you'd need camera units on both sides which can support HD - that, unfortunately, rules out your average webcam or capture device.
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference.
That is one to one. Not a conference in the true sense. One needs a gatekeeper and additional capabilities at the client to view multiple streams in one composite window. Afaik vlc and mplayer do not have this capability.
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:31 AM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 02:24, Rajeev R. K. wrote:
On Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 8:24 AM, aditya awasudeo@gmail.com wrote:
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux.
I could be mistaken but I don't think any open source video conferencing software can handle High Def. video streams yet. In addition, you'd need camera units on both sides which can support HD - that, unfortunately, rules out your average webcam or capture device.
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference.
That is one to one. Not a conference in the true sense. One needs a gatekeeper and additional capabilities at the client to view multiple streams in one composite window. Afaik vlc and mplayer do not have this capability.
Again, Tiling multiple streams is simple to add on, just take multiple stream url's. i could put together a simple shell script to tile the video windows in such a fashion, even doing a P-i-P for the local video :) And the icecast server can be used as a gatekeeper, if you tack on a little bit of code/metadata on top (Like have the ability to register a conferenceid along with a source stream, and allow only authorized clients to join a conference etc, changing mostly auth, and none of the core functionality.) But if all you need is a Point-To-Point Conference, a simple Zenity based GUI and you're up and running.. Also, here you're looking for HD quality, you are looking to cover a room, not individuals, so it is probably point-to-point(i.e. Room-to-Room usage, not many face-to-face usage, so unless you want to see the latest morning-after stubble, an old fashioned webcam is good enough for that).
The essence is ready, i.e. the ability for multiple parties to receive each others audio/video.
Regards R. K. Rajeev
-- Rgds JTD -- http://mm.glug-bom.org/mailman/listinfo/linuxers
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 12:39, Rajeev R. K. wrote:
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:31 AM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 02:24, Rajeev R. K. wrote:
On Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 8:24 AM, aditya awasudeo@gmail.com
wrote:
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux.
I could be mistaken but I don't think any open source video conferencing software can handle High Def. video streams yet. In addition, you'd need camera units on both sides which can support HD - that, unfortunately, rules out your average webcam or capture device.
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference.
That is one to one. Not a conference in the true sense. One needs a gatekeeper and additional capabilities at the client to view multiple streams in one composite window. Afaik vlc and mplayer do not have this capability.
Again, Tiling multiple streams is simple to add on, just take multiple stream url's. i could put together a simple shell script to tile the video windows in such a fashion, even doing a P-i-P for the local video :) And the icecast server can be used as a gatekeeper, if you tack on a little bit of code/metadata on top (Like have the ability to register a conferenceid along with a source stream, and allow only authorized clients to join a conference etc, changing mostly auth, and none of the core functionality.)
You will need multicast. vls had multicast (proly vlc too), not sure about mplayer. Ofcourse one could use Ekiga. But then the fun of all the scripting is gone ;-)
But if all you need is a Point-To-Point Conference, a simple Zenity based GUI and you're up and running.. Also, here you're looking for HD quality, you are looking to cover a room, not individuals, so it is probably point-to-point(i.e. Room-to-Room usage, not many face-to-face usage, so unless you want to see the latest morning-after stubble, an old fashioned webcam is good enough for that).
Webcams (CMOS) add plenty of noise and hence increases bw, which is not noticed because pics are cif /qcif and frame rate limited to 15fps. the pics are baad compared to a good ccd cam.
The essence is ready, i.e. the ability for multiple parties to receive each others audio/video.
We should try it at the next lug meet.
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 12:55 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
We should try it at the next lug meet.
Mumpy is looking to have a meet at Directi on 8th March, I have spoken to Gaurav who is trying to get permissions for holding the LUG meet on the same date and to check if we could carry this out at Directi.
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 13:47, Mehul Ved wrote:
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 12:55 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
We should try it at the next lug meet.
Mumpy is looking to have a meet at Directi on 8th March, I have spoken to Gaurav who is trying to get permissions for holding the LUG meet on the same date and to check if we could carry this out at Directi.
HBCSE would be preferable.
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 3:24 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
HBCSE would be preferable.
Any specific reason?
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 17:56, Mehul Ved wrote:
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 3:24 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
HBCSE would be preferable.
Any specific reason?
Convenient for me ;-E. Especially since the railways are haywire on Sundays.
If not HBCSE then NRCFOSS lab at VJTI.
Last option would be Directi.
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 6:14 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
Convenient for me ;-E. Especially since the railways are haywire on Sundays.
Yes that's a problem unfortunately, but then if it's at HBCSE, those coming from other sides have to face the problem too. And since we are likely to have a python workshop at Directi on 8th and they do have the infrastructure in place, I suggested that as an option.
If not HBCSE then NRCFOSS lab at VJTI.
That lab was shut down almost a year ago. Still, we could try getting another Lab with Linux machines. But, getting permissions at VJTI is a difficult option TBH. Even trying for IIT would require about 1 month's notice.
Last option would be Directi.
Yes, it's difficult to travel by trains in Mumbai on Sunday but then that's the only day when people are willing to come/have time.
jtd wrote:
On Tuesday 24 February 2009 17:56, Mehul Ved wrote:
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 3:24 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
HBCSE would be preferable.
Any specific reason?
Convenient for me ;-E. Especially since the railways are haywire on Sundays.
If not HBCSE then NRCFOSS lab at VJTI.
Last option would be Directi.
And please have the session from morning.
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 12:55 PM, jtd jtd@mtnl.net.in wrote:
The essence is ready, i.e. the ability for multiple parties to receive each others audio/video.
We should try it at the next lug meet.
We have been able to obtain the permissions for holding a LUG meet at Directi on 8th March 2009 from 2 p.m. so we could have a LUG meet this Sunday at Directi. The demo can be held during the LUG meet.
Great! So what is the agenda?
And sorry for the top post.
With regards,
On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 12:47 AM, Dinesh Shah dineshah@gmail.com wrote:
Great! So what is the agenda?
And sorry for the top post.
We will start with the demo on video conferencing from 2 p.m. We will have some time after this and can chip in one session if someone can come forward with one.
From 4-6 p.m. we have python workshop for mumpy, so Luggies interested
in that can stay back for it. Details can be found here http://mumpy.org/wiki/Directi08032009
We will start with the demo on video conferencing from 2 p.m. We will have some time after this and can chip in one session if someone can come forward with one. From 4-6 p.m. we have python workshop for mumpy, so Luggies interested in that can stay back for it. Details can be found here http://mumpy.org/wiki/Directi08032009
Shouldnt we make a formal announcement in a different thread with a RSVP and all?
On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 3:34 AM, gaurav chaturvedi gaurav.p.chaturvedi@gmail.com wrote:
Shouldnt we make a formal announcement in a different thread with a RSVP and all?
I will do that by today evening.
Mehul Ved wrote:
We will start with the demo on video conferencing from 2 p.m. We will have some time after this and can chip in one session if someone can come forward with one. From 4-6 p.m. we have python workshop for mumpy, so Luggies interested in that can stay back for it. Details can be found here http://mumpy.org/wiki/Directi08032009
Fine but what about the equipment?
On Thu, Mar 5, 2009 at 12:55 AM, Rony gnulinuxist@gmail.com wrote:
Fine but what about the equipment?
Rajeev is already getting one set, we are looking into getting another set from Directi itself.
Rajeev R. K. wrote:
Correction, it's already been done before, both byu hobbyists and professionally. I have even set up a system for a couple of clients of mine using HD quality Digital Camcorders. Interfacing was through ieee1394(firewire, dvgrab), Encoded into Theora Video(ffmpeg2theora) and Streamed(via Icecast), Played at the remote end using both mplayer and VLC, an end to end Free Software HD Video Distribution system. There is even a GUI for it, though i havent personally used it... CLI Rules ;) (theorur, or something like that... google for it)
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference. Now, if someone wants to have this set up, as a demo at HBCSE or somewhere, i'll be glad to do it, as part of a lug talk. Sadly, i have only 1 firewire capable camcorder.. so someone else will have to pony up a second camcorder, and the bandwidth too.
That is encouraging news. Lets hope something positive come out of it (the other cam).
Rajeev R. K. wrote:
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference.
Nowadays with high megapixel cameras ( not HD ) available cheap, can't they be used for HD? I believe HD is some 19XX x12XX pixels?
On Tue, Feb 24, 2009 at 10:30 PM, Rony gnulinuxist@gmail.com wrote:
Rajeev R. K. wrote:
Now, all that is needed to turn this into a conference, is a camera and linux box at the other end, and voila, we have a 2 way video conference.
Nowadays with high megapixel cameras ( not HD ) available cheap, can't they be used for HD? I believe HD is some 19XX x12XX pixels?
Sadly, most of them are still cameras, and most of them cannot stream over a high speed interface. A Digital camcorder is the only option for now, that is still affordable.
btw, full HD technically is 1920x1080....
Regards R. K. Rajeev
-- Regards,
Rony.
GNU/Linux ! No Viruses No Spyware Only Freedom.
On Sunday 22 Feb 2009, Rony wrote:
There is an advt. of CISCO where a group of people from China and Some European country come face to face virtually on huge screens. Is this really possible or just trick photography?
I think it is part reality and part SFX. Just as any product/service in life there is a significant difference between the marketing hype and the ground reality.
They want people to buy their products thinking that such a thing will be in their realm but what they don't tell is the b/w requirement.
On Sunday 22 February 2009 00:52, Rony wrote:
Hello,
There is an advt. of CISCO where a group of people from China and Some European country come face to face virtually on huge screens. Is this really possible or just trick photography? If possible, it would not only help in overseas conferencing but also in huge office complexes where one has to travel a long distance or even a few floors to get to the boss's cabin or some place else. The normal video conferencing has a very small screen where one cannot even move one's head or it would get out of the visible area. With high resolution videos, a huge life size image is possible and groups of people can talk to each other. It has a fantastic effect and looks really good.
Keeping aside the cost and availability of net bandwidth, is this possible with Linux.
It is
If it is not very expensive, could we actually setup a prototype in HBCSE during our forthcoming GLUG meets over the months?
We can. Good idea. Setup a streaming video cum conference system. We could also experiment with doc sharing. FOSS setup for e-learning.
A LAN cable should provide good bandwidth for intraoffice video conferencing. We can link up two classrooms or the lab and classroom. We already have a projector and a 17/19" LCD screen. I am sure this has good commercial potential too for big corporate offices.
The bandwidth requirements for a D1 res is 8Mbps per feed. That is the main cost. Also the ad does not tell you that you need a properly setup room, not azad maidan to do any video conference.
Rony,
On Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 12:52 AM, Rony gnulinuxist@gmail.com wrote:
Hello,
There is an advt. of CISCO where a group of people from China and Some European country come face to face virtually on huge screens. Is this really possible or just trick photography? If possible, it would not only help in overseas conferencing but also in huge office complexes where one has to travel a long distance or even a few floors to get to the boss's cabin or some place else. The normal video conferencing has a very small screen where one cannot even move one's head or it would get out of the visible area. With high resolution videos, a huge life size image is possible and groups of people can talk to each other. It has a fantastic effect and looks really good.
Not sure what advt you have seen, but I have seen an review about this on some techshow, maybe it was clickonline or something, about a year back. Its not a gimmick. The intended customer base is the jetsetting CEOs and such so that they can save time and monies on air travel thus reducing some carbon footprint as well. The whole setup costs a bomb.
Btw, thats not the end of their products and research. Remember holo-deck from star trek days? They have successfully done that :). It was demoed at the Cisco engineer meeting in Bangalore or some such [1].
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrjwKEzRhFI
Cheers!
Pradeepto
Pradeepto Bhattacharya wrote:
Btw, thats not the end of their products and research. Remember holo-deck from star trek days? They have successfully done that :). It was demoed at the Cisco engineer meeting in Bangalore or some such [1].
Wow! Thats great.
There is an advt. of CISCO where a group of people from China and Some European country come face to face virtually on huge screens. Is this really possible or just trick photography?
The screen images in the ad are simulated. The disclaimers are present in the ad for a few seconds.
-
aditya -
Arun Khan -
Dinesh Shah -
gaurav chaturvedi -
jtd -
Mehul Ved -
Pradeepto Bhattacharya -
Rajeev R. K. -
Rony -
Sachin Gopalakrishnan