Broadcasting Industry

A Webcast is similar to a television broadcast (the only difference is that this is done through the Web). It is equally similar to a Webinar except that in the case of a Webcast, data/information transmission is one way and does not allow interaction between the presenter and the audience unlike the Webinar that is two-way communication.

When you consider the complex nature of business processes and the challenge physical presence could play, a Webcast comes to the rescue. Obviously, because it is a cast, you could get it done at whatever time is convenient for you and then post to the web for your audience to access at their own convenient times.

To utilise a Webcast either for a product launch or presentation requires a number of considerations. The following are worthy of note.

1.) A very fast Internet connection. This will ensure that the streaming comes in quite fast.

2.) Sufficient Band-Width for your Internet website in the neighbourhood of several Gigabytes. This is essential when you consider that it is video streaming that will be going on for the entire length of the presentation. Besides, you also have to consider the number of participants that could be watching the Webcast at a given point in time.

3.) In order to keep track of those that will be a part of the Webcast, you may set up an online registration form. However if you are doing a webcast of a very topical issue, you may not bother about registrations. In the course of the Webcast, you could refer the viewers to whatever web location you desire.

4.) You will need to specify the time and date the Webcast will hold. If however it is not date or time based you may not bother about the time and the date.

5.) You would need a high quality Camcorder or video camera to record the event - perhaps one that is able to record in High Definition mode. (Of course that’s the highest quality presently available). There are lesser quality ones you could equally use. In fact, to do a quick webcast, you could actually use a home Camcorder and set the Recording to auto and do your Webcast recording.

6.) If you consider that there are different kinds of learners – audible, visual, etc, it would be a strong consideration in the packaging of the video.

7.) You would need a video software through which the Webcast will be accessed. Most of the Webcasts usually utilise YouTube. There are other software also used. I’ll be writing on these sometime later.

8.) Of course you have to decide if you will have some measure of physical audience at the presentation venue, or if you will be presenting directly to your online audience. (It’s advisable though to have some measure of physical audience. The feedback you get from their body language, eye-contact would be useful in your further communication). Of course you already know that you need a very good venue, office, etc for this. You are presenting to the whole wide world.

One advantage that a Webcast has over a Webinar is the opportunity to edit and cut off aspects of the video before it is posted on the web

To participate in a Webcast,

1.) You need a very fast Internet connection so there are no hiccups in the streaming. A very fast connection allows you to truly enjoy the Webcast. You wouldn’t need to wait for what seems like ages before the video streams.

2.) You will need a very good multimedia system comprising very good microphones and speakers.

3.) Of course you already know that you will need a fast computer system. Processor speeds would aid you tremendously.

4.) Finally, confirm if the Webcast has a time frame that it would be on the web and if registration is required. Keep a tab on these and have a wonderful Webcast.

Cheers!

Izuchukwu Ezeume

http://www.theempoweredlife.net