DIY public participation?

Low Cost Webcast Optimizations?. ChunKing asks: "I work for a small community broadcasting organization, and we operate a limited streaming media facility for a number of not-for-profit webcasters. It has always been an issue to optimize our streaming media infrastructure to most benefit our users. We operate a small cluster of servers from a data center with good connectivity and a highly-rated ISP, who will occasionally allow us to burst to unlimited bandwidth. For big webcasts, we will load balance the stream over a number of servers using round robin DNS. However, we still get problems with stream buffering and network drop-outs, particularly with streaming video. We cannot afford a network of edge delivery servers like Akamai, so in what ways can we further optimize our streaming media capacity to better produce smooth webcasts?" [Slashdot]

 

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Super Bowl Footballs Gets The DNA Touch. theodp writes "All 120 Super Bowl XL footballs will be marked with a drop of synthetic DNA to thwart potential counterfeiters who might be tempted to sell phony game-used Super Bowl footballs, which can be worth thousands of dollars. Exposed to a specific laser frequency, the DNA glows to a bright green. 'The chance of replicating this exact DNA sequence is one in 33 trillion,' said the president of PSA/DNA Authentication Services." [Slashdot]

 

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Multi-task?  You got it!

The Type-A, High-Tech Bathroom. Carl Bialik from the WSJ writes "Hard-driving homeowners have converted their loos into virtual satellite workspaces, with retractable desks or waterproof touch-screen monitors, the Wall Street Journal reports. Among the features: showerproof computers and mirrors with stock quotes. But beware the accidental "BlackBerry dunk" in the toilet or sink. 'Audio One says about all of the 30 home-automation systems it's installed near its Miami head office in the past year--prices can reach $200,000--have featured TVs in the bathroom. "It's become a given," says company engineer David Sussman. "There's not much sanctity left." '" [Slashdot]

 

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Dell websites drop LCD TV line-up. Exclusive While demand outstrips supply [The Register]

 

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Still wondering about OS for your office?

French police uses open source for variety, consistency.

(InfoWorld) - France has two national police forces, each reporting to a different ministry. One ministry is trying to avoid the kind of IT monoculture that allows viruses to spread and disable all key systems; the other wants to bring uniformity to a sprawling IT infrastructure. Both are turning to open source software to achieve their aims.

By Peter_Sayer@idg.com (Peter Sayer). [InfoWorld: Top News]

 

10:33:00 AM    comment []