EFTM founder and Today show tech guru Trevor Long has shared his lockdown life with his EFTM.com readers and now Mediaweek.
Long’s office is not far from his Sydney residential compound. He has managed to keep the office operating with some help from JobKeeper. That is good news for his growing audience – pageviews are up 25% YOY at EFTM. Long has also just announced a $5,000+ EFTM giveaway.
EFTM’s office secrets
How just unexpectedly amazing is the world we are living in today. Amazing on one hand because we could never have imagined such a thing and Amazing how we’ve adapted as a society to the huge changes, and as workers to the concept of “not going to the office”
The answer is technology. And if you’re not keen to get really nerdy, look away – this is complex:)
All my radio spots stay the same, using the same technology, my phone, my Rodecaster Pro and a good set of headphones and microphone.
But TV – wow, that’s a whole new ballgame.
If you’ve watched almost any TV news or current affairs program in the last 8 weeks, you’ve seen the look – Pixelated screen, headphones – probably Airpods sticking out of the ear, and a less than flattering angle from lower than should ever be seen.
Fortunately, I have the luxury of a space I can work in to make it better for me, and for the TV shows I’m crossing to.
Early in the pandemic, I began to re-work the EFTM studio space to allow for a better live TV situation.
Using a Sony RX10iv camera, plugged into my PC via an Elgato Game Capture card which was then visible as a “camera” source in Skype.
On an NBN 100/40 connection, assuming things are good at Skype’s end, things turn out pretty well:
BUT – there’s one big issue with using Skype or Zoom for live TV crosses. You’re at the mercy of Skype or Zoom when it comes to quality.
Just like Netflix has done around the world, Skype and Zoom can and will reduce quality based on their own needs, either to save bandwidth costs, or ensure consistency of service.
This is why I’ve not been able to replicate that quality since late March.
For Today show, I needed a reliable, high quality solution.
All TV networks have a remote camera connectivity system. These systems use Internet, a combination of WiFi and multiple 4G SIM cards to connect back to the station and delivery high quality audio and video.
Some use LiveU, others TVU, others Dejero. The Nine Network for whom I do most of my live TV work uses Dejero.
Thanks to the resources team (Michael Sammut) at the Nine Network, I’ve now got what in the industry could be referred to as a “TOS” – Talent Only Studio setup at my office here at EFTM.
Firstly, I am using a standard iPhone 11. With the Dejero LIVE+ Mobile app installed, and my personal credentials and passwords locked in, I can make a direct connection to the Master Control team at the Nine Network.
Within the App Settings, we’ve chosen PAL format and 1080P as the resolution.
You might think it best to use the iPhone 11’s excellent rear cameras, but in fact the front-camera is a much better solution because the on-air talent can see themselves and check they are correctly in frame.
For more visit EFTM.com