Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Out of curiosity, how difficult and expensive is it to stream live announcers booth racing, similar to Johnny's at each WoO show? Is it possible for local tracks to do the same by just "hooking" up an internet connection?

It is very easy, there is lots of free software. You would need inexpensive mixing board, computer and internet connection.

So much for people heading for the race track when there is even a remote chance of rain or they happen to be a little tired.

Local tracks would be signing their own termination papers! They need to learn to use the internet to their advantage and not just grab at straws because "someone else is doing it".

JMS ProPhoto

We launched a new service over the weekend called Race Cast that allows tracks to broadcast audio for $25 or video for $75. It also allows the ability to make your stream Pay Per View. We are adding streams and will have anywhere from 3-5 broadcasts running a night on the weekends soon. Plug in a laptop, a microphone (even a cheap PC mic will work), log in into your account and broadcast.

There are a multitude of free services that will work but as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for." Free streams have bandwidth limitations (they have no issue limiting your stream when a big client is broadcasting i.e. an Obama speech), substandard user interfaces, no tech support, and may require additional software or plugins to even make the end product decent. Race Cast offers a super to easy use interface, capable bandwidth (even for HD video), and 24/7 tech support. If you have an interest send an email to [email protected] or call 218-226-5661 and I can setup a demo account for testing.

Thanks,

Barry
RACECASTLIVE.com

Strongly disagree.....unless you can give us facts to back up your claim.

I have a multitude of user generated surveys and vital broadcast analytics from my clients that will prove otherwise. On top of this our service allows the track to CHARGE if they want to. Not only does it generate interest in the facility/event but it allows the track to generate additional revenue.

While I agree that some would stay home in the case of rain it is a very small percentage, if any. What about those folks that want to watch the PA Posse that live in Arizona? How about my good friend that watched the USAC feed a month back and now wants to attend Indiana Sprint Week? How about the families that can't afford the $50-70 in a night to entertain the family but they would be more then happy to purchase a broadcast for say, $4.95?

This is a prime example of "taking advantage of the internet" by getting your races out to a worldwide audience and possibly creating new revenue. The expense of broadcasting an entire season is the same if not less then running an ad in the local paper (that hardly, if ever work). Internet broadcasting is getting the same treatment that the internet and now social applications got before, blowback. These opportunities have worked out pretty well for these events/series/tracks no?

The time is vital to move into a new demographic and create new fans that are web and cell phone based. Technology is your friend .

Barry

even if they charge for the service, $5 to listen online compared to the $50-70 at the track like you say, the track is still losing

it's smarter to give away free tickets to new fans, because just like hockey, the auto racing experience is much greater LIVE and in person

I see it as a tool for those fans from other places to listen. For example, I want to listen to a show out of Oklahoma or Florida from my home 1000 miles away. At the same time, I can now become more familiar with drivers and tracks from other areas, so that if I am ever in that area, I may be more apt to attend.

nobody is questioning the fact that it is better live. We all know that, anyone who has attended a live sprint car even knows that. At the same time, you're worried about losing "new fans". You know just as well as I do, it is hard to attract the "new fan" to go to a live event. You think that "new fan" who doesn't want to go watch live really would rather sit at home and listen to it on the computer. Most "new fans", the ones we/ you're trying to attract, don't get racing and really don't see the attraction. We always want to expose them to it just once. We know they will be hooked, but you're fooling yourself if you think they will get hooked because of an internet feed. Gotta be a diehard to listen to racing on the radio or internet. thats who I think the feeds are for and the reason why I asked in the first place.

My 2 cents worth is ....if you are going to DO a broadcast ...(I understand doing it or not is the issue here) BUT why wouldn't you use the track announcers? I missed Knoxville a couple of weeks ago and listened to the race on hoseheads.com. I don't want to get into a p!ssing match here .... but the track announcers don't get off message and talk about their families lives and wasting a trip the week before to watch it rain and blah ..blah ...blah. I didn't log on to hear about the broadcasters personal lives .... give me drivers stories, track facts, recap of the other races nationally both that night and prior events. Keep it racing .... not Baking in the Kitchen with Aunt Bee.

R.A.

S.H.S.