VideoScanner Software for News Junkies :)

[AZScanner]

Hey gang,

Wondering if there would be any interest among this group on a project I'm getting ready to release hopefully this weekend. I got the idea after seeing someone selling a similar program on ebay a few months back but it was extremely basic and limited. I knew I could do better and set out to create VideoScanner:

The program uses embedded instances of Windows Media Player to play back both news video streams and radio scanners. Users will be able to add new streams easily and scan active ones automatically. The software tests each video feed in the background to see which ones are currently active, plus it will also notify you of a newly active feed using a system tray notification. Clicking on the notification will take you directly to the newly active feed:

I've been working on this for several weeks and testing it thoroughly, even on a network with a corporate firewall and it works great. Most recently I was able to watch the tornado coverage from Nashville and listen to ScanAmerica's Nashville area scanner feed yesterday while working at my desk, all from within this program.

Obviously, to make optimal use of this program you'll need to be running Windows XP SP2 or higher, Windows Media Player 11 and a broadband internet connection. I will be creating a limited demo version this weekend that will be free for download that will allow you to test the program to make sure it will work on your system.

I'm in need of some extra cash (hey who isn't these days) so I'm planning to set up a little ebay store or something along those lines to sell copies. I'm thinking of pricing it at $9.95, with a portion of the proceeds each month being donated to Gordon over at ScanAmerica to help cover his bandwidth costs because he spends a fortune each month hosting those feeds and I'd like to help him out as well.

The question is, would you buy it, and do you feel the price point is right?

Thanks for your interest!
-AZ

 

[WouffHong]

Scanner

Personally, I think it is a good project and has considerable merit. As a Beta Tester for years, be happy to test it for you, as well, if desired.
Tom (retired NASA Systems PE)

 

[Livewire3286]

While it may be cool - but the discussion has been (even recently) about making money on programs selling or sowing off feeds from other sites. I guess if you just include "just" scan America and no one elses then great - but if your caught doing someone elses then you might get in some hot water - or become one of those guys trying to cash in on someone elses stuff.

When I first saw your post I was like hey that would be cool - Id let you link into IBN's stuff - but when I saw that your charging that thought went quickly away. Sorry just my .02 cents

 

[EdmontonFireRadio]

I don't quite understand this line of thinking where if someone is trying to get a little pocket money by creating a program that could be of value to the end user they don't want their feeds listed in the program. The creator of the software is not charging for content but the convenience of having the content delivered to them in a certain way.

The way I see the issue is that it is very similar to paying for cable television. In most areas we can receive the local networks over the air for free. However if we subscribe to a cable service we are given the opportunity to enjoy a vast array of entertainment that is normally outside of our local area.

Your program looks interesting and I believe there would be people that would be more than happy to send some money your way for your hard work in creating software that gives news to the end user in a very clean, professional looking package.

Feel free to add our scanner feed to your offering if you would like. The windows media feed can be found here:

Edmonton Fire Radio

 

[Livewire3286]

Umm nice thought there -
The way I see the issue is that it is very similar to paying for cable television

You do realize that cable providers have to pay the the channels royalty fees right?
One big example - you know when a cable provider fails to negotiate a reasonable rate and they have to take the channel off line - thats why. Or why not all cable companies offer the same programing. Its not because they choose not to.

Just because someone provides a service with their bandwidth - doesnt mean someone has the right to use it without your permission and make what ever money they want.

IBn was the only one to provide the backbone to the Inaugural Day feed here in the US - cost me $400 just that day alone and I didnt see anyone help me pay for it. So if someone else jacked the feed and made money off it and it cost me that much I would be very un happy wouldnt you?

 

[EdmontonFireRadio]

Ouch, that is one expensive day.

You may want to think about going with a company such as ShoutcastStreaming.us. You can get a server with the following specs to run your icecast feeds:

50 mbit Dedicated Bandwidth Core 2 Duo Server - Intel Core 2 Duo Server - 2.4 GHz
Disk Drives: 2 at 250GB
Memory: 2048 MB (2 Gigs)
Bandwidth: 50 MBPS Dedicated Unmetered
2 IP addresses
Linux CenTOS 5 OS
Monthly cost - $349

The nice thing about it is that the bandwidth is unmetered. You have access to unlimited bandwidth so you wouldn't get hit up with a bill for $400 for one day. They have other server plans as well but 50 MBPS would handle quite a few feeds and a ton of listeners, especially if the broadcaster limits their feed to 16k or 24k for their feed.

 

[CharlesDom]

AZScanner I thinks that's a good idea, one central location for all my news links. Yep, I'm a news junkie. It's only $9.95 so I wouldn't have a problem paying for it.

Let me know when the beta comes out, I'll be more than happy to test it for. you