Online Citizen Participation with Video Streaming

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On-line Citizen ParticipationwithVideo Streaming

• Randy Bellinger

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Introduction

• City of Dayton, Ohio
• Video Streaming Implementation
• Randy Bellinger
• Station Manager
• City of Dayton Television Network

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Video Streaming

• Why we decided to stream video over the Internet
• How we got started
• What technology we used
• How much it cost
• How we let the public know about it

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Why Stream Video Over the Internet?

• Approached from a Television Perspective
• Department of Public Affairs
• Government Cable Access Channel
• Web Administration

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Exploring and Planning

• 2001
• Cost Effective Way to Serve our Citizens
• Mission Statements
• City
• Department
• Function

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City of DaytonsMission Statement

• As stewards of public trust, our mission is
  to provide leadership, excellent services, and
  participatory government to enhance the quality
  of life and sense of community for all who live,
  work, raise families, or conduct business in
  Dayton.

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Public AffairsMission Statement

• To promote the City of Dayton and its
  successes to local, regional and national
  markets. Share with Dayton customers information
  about government services, goals and achievements
  to foster a positive image of the City of Dayton.

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CDTNsMission Statement

• To inform citizens of Dayton about City
  services, issues, challenges and concerns and to
  provide an avenue for citizens to have immediate
  and continual access to government.

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Rationale

• Leadership, an excellent service, and
  participatory government
• Promote Daytons successes to local, regional and
  national markets
• And, inform citizens about issues, challenges and
  concerns while providing immediate and continual
  access to government

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Rationale

• Video Streaming Would Offer
• Flexibility
• Interactivity
• Availability

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Rationale

• Flexibility
• Where
• When

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Rationale

• Interactivity
• Specific Programs
• Specific Portions of Programs

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Rationale

• Availability
• Non-Cable Subscribers
• People Living Outside City Limits
• From Office
• Anywhere an Internet Connection Exists

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How We Got Started

• February 2002 proposal sent to City Managers
  Office
• Proposal called for two phases
• Phase 1
• Modest Trial Period
• Feedback
• Phase 2
• Expand on-line offerings

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How We Got Started

• Two Types of Streaming
• Live Continuous Stream
• Archive (VOD)

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How We Got Started

• Decided to start with Video-On- Demand (VOD)
  Concept because of frequent requests for
  videotape copies of City Commission meetings.

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How We Got Started

• Decided to offer both high and low speed
  connections.

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Limitations for Phase 1

• Cannot view Live programming
• Lag time between seeing on TV and availability on
  Internet
• Need QuickTime to view

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Programming Available with Phase 1

• Weekly City Commission meeting (Archived on a
  forward going basis)
• Special meetings
• Bi-Weekly Talk Show featuring Commissioners
• City News Beat
• City Parks program
• Special Announcements

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Technology and Cost for Phase 1

• High Speed Internet Connection
• Streaming Server and Software
• Video Encoding and Multimedia Tools

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Technology and Cost for Phase 1

• High Speed Internet Connection
• Roadrunner Business Class High Speed Internet
  Service
• 1 IP Address
• 1.5 Mbps down x 1.5 Mbps up
• Cost 239 per month (2,868/year)

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Technology and Cost for Phase 1

• Streaming Server and Software
• PC computer ?
• Red Hat Linux operating system 109
• Darwin Streaming Server 0

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Technology and Cost for Phase 1

• Video Encoding and Multimedia Tools
• Cleaner 6 449
• Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite 448
• QuickTime Pro 30
• Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 399
• PhotoShop 649

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How we let the public know about it

• Kick-Off at City Commission meeting
• Press Release to Local Media
• Self-Promote through In-House Media

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Feedback and Analysis

• Page on Website for Written Response
• Links to E-mail Address and Phone Number
• Analytical Software

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Analytical Software Cost

• Sawmill 99
• Funnel Web Analyzer 700 (free trial)
• Visual Route 50

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Phase 2

• October 2002
• Prompted by a need to access more video
  programming on-line
• Decided to implement Mac System

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Phase 2

• Continuous real time stream of two cable channels
• ALL programming available on-line
• Live public meetings and call-in talk show can
  be viewed on-line
• Link to Program Guide located next to viewer

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Limitations for Phase 2

• Only high-speed connection available for live
  streams
• People dont understand why archive programs are
  not available immediately, because they can see
  live streaming while program is being taped.

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Technology and Cost for Phase 2

• Upgrade High Speed Internet Connection
• Upgrade Streaming Server and Software

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Technology and Cost for Phase 2

• Upgrade High Speed Internet Connection
• Roadrunner Business Class High Speed Internet
  Service
• 5 IP addresses
• 1.5 Mbps down x 1.5 Mbps up
• 339 per month

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Technology and Cost for Phase 2

• Upgrade Streaming Server and Software
• QuickTime Streaming Server
• Apple Xserve 2,995
• Mac OS X Server software 420
• PowerMac G4 computer 1,079

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Challenges

• Budget
• Equipment Compatibility
• Organizational Support
• Trained Staff
• Staff Time

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Contact

• Randy Bellinger
• 937-333-4236
• randy.bellinger_at_cityofdayton.org
• Derrick Freeman
• 937-333-3348
• derrick.freeman_at_cityofdayton.org

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Contact

• Robert Lyons
• 937-333-3682
• robert.lyons_at_cityofdayton.org
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• City of Dayton Television Network (CDTN)
• www.cityofdayton.org/cdtn

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