Author: Jake

AFO Live Stream – Day 3

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John Houck interviews Dave Murphy at the American Freestyle Open

John Houck interviews Dave Murphy at the American Freestyle Open

The American Freestyle Open 2014 is now behind us. Here’s a brief review of the live stream project for the final day.

We had 400 unique viewers and peaked at 72 concurrent viewers. It seems there was more interest in the finals than other rounds as people who tuned in , stayed tuned in. However, with >600 unique views on day 1, it’s clear that the PDGA and WFDF co-promotion added to the traffic.

Operationally, things went off very well with only minor glitches that including internet becoming unstable and camera memory filling up. The main learning I came away with is that we need better coordination between the tournament MC and the live stream commentator. In the gym, the audience could tell that John Houck was speaking, but could not hear him and became frustrated that they were missing something. At some point we began doing the interviews on the MC mic so the audience could hear them.

With a total of 1231 unique views across the 3 days, I’d say the AFO stream was a success. Look for the routines and interviews to be posted on youtube soon. And, if you watched the live stream, let me know what you thoughts in the comments section.

AFO Live Stream – Day 2

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IconA quick review; 220 unique views and 35 peak concurrent viewers. Feedback has been ultra positive. People like the interviews and the “commercials” between rounds.

Today I worked at the audio levels and I think they were good. Not really any major snafus except for rain on the camera lenses. I tried pick up audience ambiance by turning on a long range microphone at low volume. I’m not sure it worked, but it certainly did not detract. And, I really enjoyed interviewing the teams after their performances. Turns out, its not as difficult as I thought to be both the technical director and the host.

Jake Interviews James and Lori

Jake Interviews James and Lori

Seeing the drop in unique views is a little disappointing but I imagine the the PDGA and WFDF promotion yesterday drive the extra traffic. I am thinking that future events, I should time partner announcements with finals day so that new viewers will get the best experience possible.

If you watched today, tell me how it was. The feedback helps make the broadcasts better. And, let’s brain storm on how we get more eyes on the next broadcast. Finally, tune in tomorrow. John Houck will be back as the host. And we’re sure to have shredding routined. Thanks for all your support.

AFO live Stream – Day one

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Matt and Jake live streamed from AFOToday was the first day of Live Streaming from AFO 2014. It was alot of work, but I’d say it was successful. We had 611 unique views and peaked at 49 concurrent viewers. We also had player interviews and “commercials” (pre-recorded videos of Freestyle, including brand new learn to jam videos), and an awesome host, John Houck.

And, we had promotion from the PDGA and WFDF. Disc sports unite!

We also had a few things go wrong. For instance  John’s Mic volume was to low compared to everything else so he couldn’t be heard very well. And the stream bit rate was set so high we burned through way too much bandwidth. Whoops.

But, all-in-all, I’d say a success. But I want to know what you think? Did it look good? Sound good? Good filler between the play? Please leave feedback in the comments section.

Tomorrow, we do it again.

 

The Journey to a Championship Begins with a Phone Call

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Lori Daniels catches an Under the Leg.

Lori Daniels Catches an Under the Leg.

Lori Daniels, one of Portland’s World Champion Freestyle Frisbee players feels a tingle of excitement and a little nervous as she dials the phone. Ring…ring…

”Hello?” On the other end is James Wiseman, one of the up and coming stars in the sport who hails from Austin, Texas. James and his crew are also the hosts of the first annual American Freestyle Open (AFO) taking place on November 14-16, 2014.

James Wiseman Catches a Gitis.

James Wiseman Catches a Gitis.

“So, there’s this tournament coming up. You know, AFO?” (as if he didn’t know)… “I wonder if you have a partner for Mixed Pairs yet?”  she asks, sheepishly. Dialogues like this happen time and time again for Freestyle Frisbee players looking to form a competitive team. If they agree to partner, it signifies the beginning of a complex and emotional journey.

A Freestyle Frisbee competition is a little like pairs figure skating or a dance competition. Players form teams of two or three and perform their Frisbee tricks in front of a judging panel of their peers.

“I don’t have a partner yet. Are you asking?” asks James.

“Well, when we jam together it’s always to easy to read your sets. We have a great connection. I think we could ‘spon’ and do really well.” responds Lori.

During a “Jam” (non-competitive Freestyle play) all the tricks are spontaneous. However, one of the central strategies for competition is whether to plan out and practice each and every trick ahead of time, or to just go on stage and be “spon”taneous.

“Plus, we both play Clock.” adds Lori.

Another unexpected concern for Freestyle Frisbee players is the direction the Frisbee is spinning while doing tricks: clockwise or counter-clockwise. A Frisbee spinning clockwise tilts to the left, counter clockwise tilts to the right. This phenomenon means each trick must be learned twice, once for each spin. Or, more accurately, a player will have a dominant spin; clock or counter. Finding a match can be key to success.

“Wow, I’m excited that you’re asking me. OK, what about music?” asks James.

During competition, players perform their tricks to music. Agreeing on a music choice is considered by many to be one of the most difficult parts of preparing for competition. This choice often sets the tone for the rest of their partnership. Music creates the basic structure of a freestyle performance since Musicality (how the tricks and music are integrated together) is one of the major aspects being judged.

“I’d think we should play to something upbeat and modern. I’m really open to ideas, but I have a few a I can share too. So what do you say? Do you want to be my mixed pairs partner for AFO?”

“Of course. I would love to partner with you. I think we will make a great team. In fact, I think we have a great chance at winning.”

And with that, a new team is formed and a journey begins. They will choose their music, decide how much to practice and choreograph, and then attempt to win the Mixed Pairs title at the first annual American Freestyle Open. But, with the tournament happening in less than a month, there’s not much time to prepare.

In the next article in the Portland series we’ll talk more about the American Freestyle Open, what it means for our home town Freestyle Frisbee Players, and what it will take for them to bring home gold.

AFO Live Stream Update – The Budget

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Here’s a quick update on my planned budget and how it’s tracking. Planned

Item Budgeted
Wirecast $495
Camera $400
Misc $105
Total $1000

Actual (so far)

Item Budgeted
Wirecast $845
Sony HDR-PJ540 $365
Microphone Adapter Cable $8
Camera Hot Shoe Adapter $20
Microphone Foam Wind Cover $3
Total $1241

Yes, I’m already over budget. Wirecast has two versions, standard and Pro. It turns out that the Pro version is required to control A/V sync properly. It costs $995. I contacted their sales department and got a %15 discount. Total cost: $845. I decided it was worth the extra cost since that feature was specifically one of my stated goals, especially with the discount. The camera I bought has the perfect features for this live streaming project and retails for close to $600 new. After shopping on ebay for a bit I ended up with a used one for $365. The other miscelaneous items are to connect a microphone to the new camera. There still may be a few small items yet to purchase, but I’m hoping to get by with what I already have, or can borrow. I was hoping to stay under budget enough to squeeze in a Pelican case to protect all of the equipment during travel. Alas, that may have to wait until next time. I’ll post a budget update if I acquire anything new. Thanks to everyone who has donated to the fundly campaign. Now you know exactly where the money is going.

AFO Live Stream Update – New Camera

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This camera will bring the HEIN to your computer screen.

This camera will bring the HEIN to your computer screen.

Today I picked up a new (to me) Sony HDR-PJ540 camera. This means the live streaming gear is now equipped with 3, HD sony cameras. While far from being a professional, or even prosumer level camera, it has some nice features that should improve the live stream from AFO 2014. First, it has a microphone input. This will allow for conducting interviews or picking up audience reactions without the background hiss that comes with many built in microphones. Second, it has a very good stabilization system that will hopefully improve action shots. Third, is that it is still fairly cost effective, though it is more expensive than the other two cameras (Sony HDR-CX220) currently in the kit.

These guys, directed by human volunteers, will bring you AFO 2014.

Directed by human volunteers, these will bring you AFO 2014.

So, with wirecast loaded and the new camera in hand, it’s time to do some testing. I have always strived to run these streams on a very small budget. As such, the other cameras are the lowest entry level models and don’t include anything beyond the basic point and shoot video features. Not only am I looking forward to learning some of the advanced features of this camera, but I really think that it will improve the quality and capability of the AFO 2014 live stream, which is part of the overall vision.

Anyone subscribed to my ustream channel may see the stream go on and off. Feel free to tune in and let me know how it looks. Perhaps later I’ll do an official test broadcast.

Also, thank you to everyone who has donated to help make this possible. Funds were directly applied towards this camera. Of course, there’s still time to donate to the AFO stream, or to tell your friends that this is worthy cause. All help is extremely appreciated. Sharing our sport and spreading the jam are truly a community effort.

Stay tuned for more updates. I’ll talk about my budget, progress on testing, any marketing efforts that are underway, and more! Also, would anyone out there like a writeup on my live stream setup? Maybe it could help others build their own. Or is there anything else that you want to hear about? Let me know in the comments.

Frisbee Tricks – How to Airbrush

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Airbrushing is the act of hitting or slapping the frisbee to keep it in flight. Ryan Young and Jake Gauthier show you how.

 

To start, face the wind. Then, toss the frisbee up into the wind on steep angle so the wind blow it back to you. Then, follow the disc. When it returns to you, hit it to send it back up. Remember, the spin of the disc is what allows it to fly. So you have to swipe your hand in the same direction as the spin to keep it spinning. For a clock wise spin, aim for 5 o’clock on the disc. For a counter clockwise spin, aim for 7 o’clock. Airbrush as many times as you can, but don’t let it fall to the ground. When you feel you’ve done enough, go for a trick catch.

Today I Learned – Freestyle Frisbee

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Freestyle Frisbee SignImagine this. It’s a beautiful autumn day. The leaves are just beginning to turn yellow, but the grass is still lush and green. You’re out for a stroll on the riverfront trail in Willamette Park, Portland Oregon. A jogger runs by. A family is picnicking on the big grass field while someone else is playing fetch with their dog. A little further. Some folks are playing catch with a frisbee. What a beautiful day to be outside. And, oh, what is this? A home made sign…”Freestyle Frisbee”. What is that?

You look back at the Frisbee players. One of them is holding an orange disc, while the rest are standing, looking very focussed. They seem awfully close together to be playing catch. Then, ZING, he unwinds his arm and the frisbee flies at high velocity a few feet toward a woman. She lifts her leg and puts out her hand and catches it.  No…wait, it’s still spinning… balanced  on her finger, perfectly level. What!? She is clearly in control of the disc as she swings it behind her back and then shoots it between her legs to another player. He kicks it to someone else who lets it roll across her chest then performs some sort of aerial trick catch.

Okay, what is this Freestyle Frisbee? In a nutshell it is both a pastime activity and a competitive sport. It was born from players doing tricks and trying to “one up” each other nearly 50 years ago. “I can catch it under my leg.” “Oh yeah? I can tip it twice and then catch it behind my back.” To this day, players of all skill levels get together to “jam” and show off their tricks to each other, always in search of the next big trick. It’s a unique sport to play as an amatuer with no score keeping, and no rules. Just creative, supportive playtime with friends.

Lisa Hunrichs, world champ, doing a back roll at Willamette Park in Portland, OR.

Lisa Hunrichs, world champ, doing a back roll at Willamette Park in Portland, OR.

As you watch, you notice that they are constantly moving. As one person is in control of the disc, two others will take off running. Then, the one in control will slap disc so it flies toward the running group. One will make a hoop with their arms as the disc flies through toward the next person, who does a trick catch. On another series of tricks one player will control the disc on her nail and set it up in the air, under another players leg. As he takes control, she moves to his back side and waits. He turns the disc on an angle and sets it to her and she finishes by spinning around once and catching it by her ankles in a single, fluid motion.

Freestyle Frisbee really is just a sophisticated game of throw and catch. In your short time observing you recognize at least four different throws and an unquantifiable number of catches. But what separates Freestyle Frisbee from other disc sports is all the stuff that happens between the throw and the catch. You observe their various maneuvers with the Frisbee: nail delays, tips, air brushes, body rolls, and cuffs. You also notice that they constantly play into the wind, allowing the disc float up and away until the wind gently blows it back towards them. In some ways it’s like juggling, in others it’s like dance, yet it has an extreme bent to it.

You watch the Frisbee players for a bit and then chalk up another “Today I Learned” – Freestyle Frisbee. But what you don’t realize as you continue to down the path is that Portland is home of four of the best Freestyle Frisbee competitors in the world who are actively working to push their games, and the sport, forward. What is a competition like? And how did these Portland players get so good? What’s next for them in their careers? And why Portland of all places? Stay tuned as this is the first in a series on Freestyle Frisbee in Portland, Oregon.

The AFO Live Stream Vision

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In my initial request for help streaming AFO 2014, I set a goal of making it the best live stream ever. So, what does that mean? Well, I am starting with very lofty goals. I think they are doable, but they will take alot of of work. So, don’t be disappointed if only some of this comes to fruition. If we don’t make it for AFO, there’s always the next big event. Here they are in a nutshell:

Improved Software: Since FPA 2013 I have been using open source (free) software. While it works, it is not as fully featured as a paid software package. I’m planning to purchase Wirecast. This will allow me to keep audio & video in sync and to support multiple quality streams. It also opens the door for better graphics embedded in the stream.

Better Graphics: Ryan Young is working on an electronic judging system. As part of that effort he will output a screen that includes scores, players names, and other information. I will be able to pull that into the stream.

3rd Camera: Most events I have streamed use a single camera because it is the easiest to produce. However, for major events I like to setup 2. It gives better viewing angles and a more professional feel. So why a 3rd camera? 2 reasons. 1st, I want the 3rd camera to be fully wireless. This way it can move in the jams and find the best viewing perspectives. 2nd, I’d like to add post routine interviews to the stream. A mobile camera, with microphone will make this easier.

Commentators: Most professional sports broadcasts have commentators. My hope is that commentary will help keep new viewers tuned in and maybe turn them into fans. All I need a 1 or 2 extra mics, a better mixer, and 2 knowledgable people willing to add commentary. Anyone want to volunteer?

Audience Audio: I’ve had numerous requests to mic the audience. Viewers like to hear the cheers as a team shred. I’ve been trying to figure this out since FPAW 2013. I almost had it working at FPAW 2014, but the software I had was too limited and I had to turn it off. With the new software, I will try again at AFO.

Better Promotion: I know we have a good product. And I believe the more people who see Freestyle Frisbee, the more people who will become fans or even become players. So, getting the word out about the live stream could be the most important aspect of all this. Exactly how to do this, I am still figuring gout. Any ideas? Perhaps this is a good topic for future posts.

So, what do you think of the list? Will these items improve the stream? Think we can really pull it off? Which items are the most important? Let me know in the comments, or by sending an email. And if you want to help, don’t forget to donate at my Fundly campaign.

AFO Live Stream – first milestone

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A few weeks back, I submitted a Spread the Jam Grant to the FPA to help with the cost of professional live streaming software called Wirecast. This software is integral to making the stream better. It allows for controlling A/V sync, managing multiple cameras, producing multiple quality streams, and much more.

Well, today the FPA approved my grant request. So, I now have Wirecast up and running on my streaming laptop. I am learning it’s ins and outs and preparing it for use at AFO 2014.

In the next day or two I’ll share a little more about my grand vision for live streaming AFO 2014. But, this software is a key component. Thanks to the FPA for supporting this endeavor!

Also, thanks to everyone who has donated so far to my fundly campaign. It’s just shy of 40% of my goal.