TV "Broadcasting" Over Wireless Networks?

nuggetman asks: "This year we're starting an in-high-school TV network. What we would like to do is be able to broadcast from anywhere in the building using our wireless 802.11b network. In doing some tests at home, I discovered 802.11b has enough bandwidth to allow me to send live video at VHS quality (320x240 29.97fps) w/ FM quality audio when using Windows Media encoder on the sending end, and Windows Media Player at full screen on the receiving end. When applied in school, the receiving computer would simply output the full screen display to a TV signal. Are there any other free (as beer) solutions that would let us do this, other than WMP?"

Comments

Re:This is not VHS quality

[RzUpAnmsCwrds]

"A fresh, first generation tape in a good machine blows 320x240 away any day."

Yeah, and a 128kbit MP3 may not hold a candle to a fresh, properly mastered CD. But most CDs aren't properly mastered: they have their dynamic range compressed so much that they are clipping almost constantly. When most people think of VHS, they think of their own personal recordings or old tapes from Blockbuster, not the full capability of the medium.

Huh?

[RzUpAnmsCwrds]

So, let me get this straight:

1: You use Windows Media Encoder/Player, and it works fine
2: You come to Slashdot asking for a free (as in beer) alternative.

Huh? You already have a free (beer) solution, so long as the server and client are running Windows (as they most likely already are). Now you want to find a free (beer) solution that's different? Why? Want better quality? Cross-platform support? Just hate Microsoft? These are important details overlooked in your post.

BTW: With 802.11g, you can get around 5mbits/sec of actual throughput. That's enough for near-DVD quality video if you use a smart codec.

Oh man WMP streaming...

[curious.corn]

... goto videolan.org and enjoy. I've streamed a divx @ 150Kb/s by just pointing to an http location; you on the other hand can't do that or you won't be able to stream more than 2~3 clients. You want broadcast and videolan does just that! Check the link ASAP, it was designed for you.

Re:Use Shoutcast!

[irc.goatse.cx troll]

Too inefficient. Shoutcast is just mangled http -- Each client makes a new connection. For broadcasting you really need multicast (everyone gets the signal, but not everyone is 'listening')