Streaming Updates

Today I updated the version of the JW Player we are using on DOM. Most users won't notice the update when watching the preview videos on the show pages, but I've also switched from the a customized version of a Flash based player included with the Wowza streaming server to the JW Player on the live stream pages for 56 and 57. Now that JW Player includes support for streaming H.264, we're hoping to build on JW Player's plug-in architecture as we continue to update DOM.

My hope is to integrate as many features as possible from the DOM site (rating, chat, etc) into the player so users can interact while watching in full screen mode. As always, I'm trying to make television less of a passive experience by allowing the audience to engage each other and the system directly.

The icon to toggle between the 400x300 size and full screen mode is no longer on the screen. To enter full screen mode, simply click the video. I've also removed the debug message about having to be on version 9.124 or higher. Now that Adobe has updated Flash to version 10 (update), I'm not as concerned with tracking that. Flash 10 seems to have even better quality video when playing on machine with h.264 hardware.

Another change made behind the scenes was made to the scripts on the encoders that restarted the QuickTime Boradcaster every 24 hours. The QuickTime Broadcaster os now restarted every 90 minutes. This causes a short 4-6 second pause in the stream, but keeps stream in sync rest of the time. I also updated the version of Java and Wowza on the XServer.

All of these changes appear to have improved the playback, but please complete the Report a Problem form linked at the bottom of every page if you have a problem and I'll look into it.