Updates on TWiT.tv live video stream status, issues, outages, and schedule changes.

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Status Report

Here’s a quick rundown on the state of the TWiT feeds and known issues:

  • Audio Issues - If you’re a regular viewer, you’ve probably noticed crackling or “scratchy” audio during some reruns over the past few weeks. We traced this to the TriCaster we use for switching cameras, generating lower thirds, and both recoding and playing back reruns. (We use an independent system to make the recordings we publish to iTunes, TWiT.tv, etc.) Over the weekend we swapped out our TriCaster with a new unit NewTek sent us last week, and we’ve had no audio issues since. We run the TriCaster Broadcast 24/7 (both for switching live shows and playing reruns) so it’s not at all surprising that we need to swap in a new one every few years.
  • iPhone/iPad Stream - We’re continuing to work with Ustream on the stability and reliability of the iOS stream. While we were previously broadcasting a separate iOS stream from the cottage, the current stream is transcoded from the full Ustream feed. If the full stream is up the iOS stream should be up as well. We’re also working with Justin.tv and MediaFly on alternate streams for mobile devices, so stay tuned.
  • Justin.tv Audio Sync - Synchronization of audio and video on the Justin.tv stream drifts slightly such that after we’ve been streaming for a full day you’ll notice a slight lag. We’re working with Justin.tv to troubleshoot the problem. Meanwhile, we’re restarting the Justin.tv stream each morning to reset the sync.

Stay tuned to the TWiT status blog RSS feed for more info.

    Ustream Feed is Down

    Our live Ustream video feed has been down for much of the day. We’re currently working with Ustream to restore the feed, however we don’t have an estimate when the feed will return. Meanwhile, live video is still available via BitGravity and Justin.tv at live.twit.tv.

    Update (3:03pm PDT) - The Ustream video stream has been restored.

    Scheduling Note - Security Now 256

    Update: Taping of this week’s Security Now has been rescheduled for Friday 12:30 PDT.

    If you were watching the taping of Security Now yesterday, July 7th, you’re aware the show was disrupted by network connectivity issues that prevented us from keeping a stable Skype connection with Steve. Leo and Steve also discussed rescheduling taping for today, July 8th. Unfortunately, further scheduling conflicts prevented us from taping this morning, and Leo and Steve are currently working to find a new time to make up the episode. We’ll post again here when we have a new time set.

    Streaming Studio Setup

    The TWiT cottage and studio will be closed this Monday, July 5th. We’ll be using the three day weekend to do some work in the studio, including construction of a new lighting grid and some general IT maintenance. We plan to stream the work live, so tune in bright and early Monday morning (Pacific Time) and track our progress at live.twit.tv