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May 2010 Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Adds HD Streaming with Digital Rapids' StreamZHD
Streams were provided in three different bit rates for maximum audience accessibility, and encoded in the H.264 compression format for viewing through Adobe Flash. We chose the Flash platform for its ubiquity, with its deep market penetration and as the most operating system agnostic solution for viewers. In addition to three concurrent live streams, we also simultaneously created three equivalent file-based archives. In addition to allowing us the option of making them available on-demand at a later date, these archive files supported the time-shifting requirements of those theaters (mostly in different time zones) that chose to hold their performances later in the day rather than simultaneously. Files of the pre-show event were uploaded to a server by FTP during the live performance, and downloaded by the theaters for their subsequent presentations; similarly, files of the post-show Q&A were also distributed by FTP. The StreamZHD system produced all six outputs (the three live, and three archive) simultaneously in real time.
 StreamZHD was recommended to us by our systems integrator, HB Communications, and installed as part of our overall HD deployment. We built this project with replication and budget in mind. We didn’t want to create monolithic infrastructure or workflow that we couldn’t sustain and re-use for other projects within our operational budget, both in human cost (operators) and technical cost.
The ability to stream at HD quality over the Internet is phenomenal. Our streaming of the Laramie event was very well received, and we look forward to using StreamZHD to support future events. High definition streaming and our HD production capabilities are key benefits for artists, performers and groups holding events in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and StreamZHD is an important part of making that happen.
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