The Recording of Thundercast episode 2

Site Discussion Team Discussion
21

Well, I don’t really use Skype unless I’m talking to you guys, so I haven’t really tested it since then. From what I remember recording, it only happened for a small portion of the recording.

My reasoning is this: we need to find a way to improve the audio quality by a lot and I feel that by using different programs, we’ll be able to see what works and what doesn’t. We’ve tried Kyle’s program and now we should try something else to see if there is an improvement. If not, we can go back to Kyle for the recording. It would help cut the editing time of the podcast if the audio quality was up to snuff. For example, Neil’s voice on the first episode was perfect while everyone else’s was very low, although I know it was late at night and you guys didn’t want to wake anyone up so that might have had something to do with it. :slight_smile:

Another thing that is a problem is the dropped calls. That has to do with the bandwidth of all the people involved. The person hosting the podcast (as in, inviting everyone to the recording) has to have high bandwidth.

Something (perhaps slightly controversial) that I am going to say is that I do think that future podcasts should be a little bit shorter in length than the last one - that’s purely my personal opinion, but I would say that, apart from Masterscast, all the other podcasts I’ve downloaded have all been 25 minutes at the most. I’m not suggesting for a second that we should aim to be that short, but if we could maybe try and aim for 50 - 60 minutes’ worth of content? What do you guys think? :slight_smile:

I agree. 30-45 minutes is usually the best time frame, but an hour should be the max.

22

Chris here…

I think part of the reason for the low volumes was a combination of factors - Kyle & I were definitely talking quietly, Kyle so as not to wake anyone, myself because I was aware that my booming voice was creating an “echoing” effect at times! :oops:

I definitely agree that we should experiment with different software and such, and I’m definitely happy to go with your set-up, Manny. :slight_smile: As I say, my big question is the “out-of-sync” issue, but one way we could test that would be to maybe do a very simple test recording beforehand on the night of the podcast recording to try it out - Kyle & I tested his software by taking turns saying a number immediately after each other (so, he said “one”, I said “two”, he said “three”, I said “four” and so on), which seemed to work OK as test. :slight_smile:

Looking forward to seeing the next episode(s) coming to fruition! :slight_smile:

Take care… :slight_smile:

23

And as I mentioned before the problem on my end with the low voice i think has been taken care of. I had to shell out over $40+ on a good headset.

24

Yes I do :slight_smile: and Andrew prefers to come on a future podcast sometime in the future.

As for podcast length I think we agreed at around 45 minutes to 1 hour when we first discussed the project so I’m cool with that. The only reason episode 1 was so long was because of the combination of the introductions and the news articles. Now it would have been ridiculous if we didn’t bother mentioning certain news items while discussing others.

If you look back on episode 1, I think the Exodus discussion only lasted about 35-40 minutes so I doubt we will go over an hour on future episodes :slight_smile:

Finally the recording times… like I said if everyone can post their available times over the next fortnight, I might be able to organise something so I can be available during the day so we can record then, instead of in the evening! :slight_smile:

25

I tested Pamela with Kyle and it sounds great so in case Kyle or Manny cant make it i can record. I am also trying to get a podcast editing software so i can also do editing and lighten the load a bit.

26

Anybody want to join me and Neil for tomorrows Toys podcast recording?
[B]Saturday 2nd June at:

12.30am UK time
7.30pm USA ET time
4.30pm USA PT time[/B]

27

Hey guys,

Chris and I won’t be able to make it this saturday (June 2nd)

Chris is feeling awful at the moment with his cold and I’ll probably be feeling a little sick by the end of tomorrow night! :smiley: We also don’t have an episode plan for either Toys or the S1V1 DVD discussion :frowning:

If, however the rest of you want to jump on and record something that would be cool. Well good luck if you decide to do something and sorry about pulling out of it.

I’m happy to try next saturday (9th June) or whenever everyone is available :slight_smile:

28

Chris here…

Just to add that in addition to my cold I also have a gig tonight, so doing that whilst fighting through a cold I’m not likely to be in a fit state to do a podcast, LOL! :slight_smile:

I should, however, be cool for next Saturday if you guys wanted to go for the S1V1 podcast (a.ka. Episode 2) - I would also add that, whilst I’d like to have a couple of days to get over my cold, from, say, next Thursday onwards I can actually be very flexible for times and dates! I’d love to try and get this podcast to include Angie and Martin if possible as well as Kyle, Neil, both Manny’s, and anyone else who wants to take part - unfortunately we won’t be able to accommodate everyone because I believe a Skype conference call will only take a maximum of five people! :wink: But, it would be great to try and include as many folks as possible - so, let us know when you’re available, everybody! :slight_smile:

Oh, and Neil did mention to me that he’d like me to both host and draw up the “script” for this episode - is everyone cool with that? :slight_smile:

Take care… :slight_smile:

29

Hey guys, I got some good news for the podcast! My friend said he could make us a remixed music intro (and exit music) for the podcast! So we don’t have to worry about using the copyrighted stuff. :slight_smile:

30

Chris here…

YES!!! :slight_smile: That’s absolutely brilliant news, Manny, fantastic! I’m looking forward to hearing what he comes up with, I think that should really add a professional edge to our podcast! :slight_smile:

Quick thought - as well as the main intro and exit music pieces, would he be able to come up with some really short, non-descript pieces, utilising similar themes to the main music, that could be used to link between the different “sections” of the podcast by way of fading in and fading out again? I have no idea whether what I just asked made sense, or indeed whether any of the rest of you guys would think them necessary, but I think they could be useful - please can you LMK what you guys all think, and also whether anything I just said made sense?! :smiley:

Take care… :slight_smile:

31

Plan for ThunderCast episode 2!

Chris here…

First of all (and I promise this is meant inoffensively), can I ask for confirmation that we’re still going ahead with recording ThunderCast episode 2 tomorrow (Saturday)? Everything has gone really quiet on this front… :frowning:

Anyway - assuming that we are (and as nobody objected), I’ve taken the liberty of working out a very simple plan or “script” for episode 2, which I will (apparently) be hosting! :slight_smile: Here we go:

Introductions - “Welcome to ThunderCast”, etc., introducing the “panel” for this episode

News round-up: Talk about the most recent ThunderCats news, primarily focussing on:

  • The new (abandoned) production artwork from artist LeSean, showing the “ThunderCats rock band” concept - discuss views on the artwork and concept, as well as talk about where a new ThunderCats series would appear to be in development terms now.

  • The new rumours about a live-action/CGI-animated TCats movie - what’s been reported and what do we think of the idea?

  • News of the release of S1V1 on Region 2 DVD in the UK - where can folks buy it? (Via the front page of our site, of course! ;))

(Have I missed anything here, such as magazine articles, etc.?)

Main discussion:

Discussion regarding S1V1, prompted by the UK release but talk about the release in general. Possible topics could include:

  • Differences between UK and US packagaing.

  • Differences between NTSC and PAL masters.

  • Discussion of favourite episodes - provided we keep the conversation focussed (which is a comment aimed more at myself than anybody else, LOL! :D), I think we could virtually go through episode-by-episode.

  • Talk about special features (or lack of same) - how do we all feel about Wil Wheaton?! :smiley:

So, that’s what I’m thinking, folks - how does it sound to you? :slight_smile: I’m never comfortable just shoving myself forward and so hope nobody minds me having done this - if anybody has any additions, comments or suggestions to make, please feel free to add them! :slight_smile:

My final question is - are we agreed on these as the recording times for the episode:

Saturday 9th June

12.30am UK time
7.30pm USA ET time
4.30pm USA PT time

The reason why I ask this is because I know there had been some discussion about altering times to accommodate other team members who have not yet been able to take part - although obviously I love working with all of the team, in a way I think it would be good to try and inject some variety into these by having a fluctuating “cast”. Anyways, not a big deal, but confirmations and comments would be great! :slight_smile:

We’re on to a winner here, guys and gal - let’s keep it coming! :slight_smile:

Take care… :slight_smile:

32

That’s an excellent plan Chris, great stuff! :slight_smile:

I’ll try to be online at that time tomorrow for sure. I bet MannyC will be there as well, so if we have at least 3 people that could work. Though it would be cool if Kyle and Manny can join us as well! :slight_smile:

33

Sure deal, count me in.

34

I’ll try to make it! I have A LOT to say about the designs and the movie news…so this would be a perfect episode for me. If I’m not there, start without me! I want to get a USB headset…

35

Hopefully you can make it. I have a USB headset and it works great but of course I paid $40 for so it better be good

36

Hoping to attend, possibly from a new venue. This will allow me to contribute more to the conversations and humor (whispered jokes just don’t do it some how lol) See you all Sat Night

37

Guys, my internet keeps dropping in and out (been doing it all night) :frowning:

At the minute it’s fine (obviously, lol!) but if it goes again in the next hour you’ll know why I’m not online.

I have my fingers crossed it will be fine! If it isn’t I’ll send Chris a text :wink:

38

Update on episode 2…it should be good to go by Friday. I have to somehow edit my voice to sound not so…horrible. :oops:

39

What do you mean? You sounded fine to me Manny, don’t listen to Chris :wink:

40

Chris here…

And I think Michael Jackson sounds fine too! :smiley: Joking well and truly aside, Manny, you honestly sounded fine, I thought you came over really relaxed and full of ThunderCats knowledge - if anyone sounds like an idiot, it’s the guy who was hosting! Who hired that guy, anyway?! :wink:

Take care… :slight_smile: