Took me hours to decide on a name: The Artist’s Bane. A friend of mine came up with it, so I don’t take the credit on coming up with the name. But it is a good one.

I managed to get an affordable compression. I’d like to share them in case someone else is wondering what kind of compression works.

Specification as below:

High Quality: HDTV PAL. (1280×720, 25p)
I’m using Xvid MPEG-4 Codec with default settings.
Audio is compressed a lot: 8000kHz, 16-bit, Mono.

File size: ~320kb per 4 seconds of footage. 4.8Mb per minute.

I’m only speaking and it serves its purpose. If and when I have sound effects of music, I may have to up-spec the audio compression.

Low Quality: 640×360 25p
I’m using the standard FLV flash video setting.
Audio is also default.

File size: ~180kb per 4 seconds of footage. 2.7MB per minute.

The FLV is streamed online right on the site, as well as for podcasting RSS feed. The HQ version will be embedded on the site for download and archival purposes. :]

Tags: Compression, Podcast, Web Streaming
Posted in Technology | Leave a Comment »

A few hours ago I decided to take my vocal skills a step ahead - going to buy an unidirectional microphone. I’m looking at around $40-$80 AUD in price range, a good entry-level professional recording device. I have a basement at home where it’s sound-proof - perfect for recording without extra noises, and hopefully by hearing myself singing I can figure out where my weaknesses are.

But the next thought kicked in. What about a podcast? I always wanted to do one, but never figured out why. I already have the awesome free software CamStudio for recording my computer screens; adding a microphone with a USB input, I would have all I need for a podcast in terms of equipment.

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Tags: Freetalk, Podcast, Xavier Ho
Posted in General Talk | 1 Comment »