I don’t know if anyone else is having the same problem, but I can’t seem to get the Monday Feb.6 segment to play. All I see is the current real time pics.(which are not very helpful) Like watching a ball game from the parking lot. I am sure you guys had all the best intentions for this project, but I am quite dissapointed with it so far.Have we all been baited into purchasing the DVD and waiting until 2007 for the article. If so I feel duped.
ps I am aware that Adobe Macromedia needs to be downloaded. It still does not work. I am very dissapointed with this project so far.
Webcams are somewhat of a novelty and I think that’s the major drawing factor here.
However, there’s also the issue of what webcams are good for. With the current state of the art, a webcam is good for something you can just look at and know what you are seeing with very little explanation (think of a silent movie). Building a model railroad is an intricate and detailed process and doesn’t really play well on today’s state of the art webcam.
Just watching someone from a distance via a grainy stop-motion webcam image doesn’t quite do it, I think they’re going to find. Once the novelty wears off, it’s not especially informative.
Live layout construction over the internet might work well, if:
- You could see a higher definition image
- You could see live full motion video
- You could hear audio commentary to explain what’s happening
Trying to meet all these requirements is still beyond today’s state of the art over the internet for most people. Maybe eventually, but it’s not here yet.
I applaud MR for pushing into new technology and trying to find ways to forge ahead into presenting information via technology of the 21st century. While the webcam idea is an interesting experiment, I think they’re going to find it will be a disappointment for most people. The technology to really do what people were expecting just isn’t quite here yet.
Still, nice try MR! And don’t stop experimenting … your heart’s in the right place! [swg]
But let me add that an image that’s a little closer to the action and with a simple caption would do a lot to enhance the current webcam broadcast.
For example, you browse to the webcam page – the layout fills the frame and you see “building the layout table legs” – would really help and isn’t beyond today’s technology.
Right now we can see more of the cameras, lights, and other non-modeling stuff in the room than we can the layout – which is clear across the room. I can see people working on some tabletop, but that’s about it.
It’s a learning process … learning how to put the existing technology to best use.
Again, bravo MR. Keep it up and keep refining your use of technology to present model railroading via the internet!
It looked to me they were taping the actual construction with the closer cameras. Possibly for content on MR’s DVDs? The time I took a look the idea of watching two guys and all of the associated audio visual equipment surely didn’t make me want to come back again.
Bob Boudreau
It is sorta like that math class in college where the professor stands in front of the equation he is writing on the board. SEE, it’s easy!!! D-oh
Harold
As a former video production guy on the job, I agree completely as that was the thought I had immediately upon first seeing the feed.
Next thought I had was – Who’s the cutie that pops in and out of the picture while all this is going on?! [:p]