Isolation Day 10: Online Events Idea

Bridging the Gap for Live Events

After writing my post yesterday about a YouTube multiview for live streams, I had another thought—or rather, one I’ve been mulling over for a while. Wouldn't it be great if, when you can't make it to an event in person (whether you're ill or, like me, in self-isolation during a pandemic), you still had a way to attend?

We know this is technically possible if the organizer live streams it, but it rarely happens. The biggest hurdle is usually the fear of lost ticket sales. But what if there were a dedicated solution?

The "Virtual Ticket" Concept

Imagine a platform where you simply enter your ticket details into a website and gain access to a high-quality live stream. The organizer still gets their revenue, and you get to watch the event from the comfort of your living room.

From a technical standpoint, this is entirely achievable:

• Streaming Backend: Something like Wowza Media Server hosted on AWS.
• User Interface: A WordPress site integrated with a robust paywall/ticketing gateway.

The real challenge is convincing event organizers that this isn't a threat, but a massive opportunity. If they adopt online ticketing, they could potentially reach a global audience, making far more profit than they ever could with a physical venue alone.

Combining the Tech

If we combine this with my previous ideas—the multiview interface and a 4K NDI camera setup—you could create an incredibly immersive experience. By adding camera controls directly into the multiview interface and utilizing a VPN, you could even manage the production remotely. With the right gear, the only person you’d really need on-site is a sound engineer, and even that could be handled remotely if the system is sophisticated enough.

In times like these, I know I would love to watch a concert or two from home!

What do you think? Would you pay to watch a major event online if it meant the same production quality as being there? Would you actually prefer it to the hassle of going to the event itself? Let me know in the comments below!