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markt · Been Here Awhile Joined: 14 Aug 2009 Posts: 217

Anybody had any experience with Soundstreak? http://www.soundstreak.com. Or any thoughts?
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Bish · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 2:00 pm Post subject:

I'm usually quite scathing of anything that offers itself as an alternative to ISDN... but, in this case, I may make an exception!

Anything that uses the public internet can never provide a true live environment... even if you've got the bandwidth, you can never be in control of the variable latency, dropouts and other assorted problems. At best, it can only ever be as good as your best Skype session... which, while great for remote direction etc., will never be a solution. There seems to be a growing market for making it easy to monitor a session, make a local recording and the allowing automatic forwarding to the client.

Where this one stands out from the others is the simple use of the word "free". From what I can see, it's a simple, free install at the talent end and the session costs are picked up by the studio. At first glance there is no reason not to install it and offer it as an alternative service... where they have the uphill battle is in convincing the studios that it's worth the investment. By making it free to the talent, they seem to be attacking the problem head-on.

I shall watch with interest.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 2:04 pm Post subject:

That is one technology that could really impact our industry, but it has to prove itself. Until some major studios decide (or are eventually forced due to the retirement of the technology) to find an ISDN alternative, I don't think any system will take over the ISDN space. It's a cool idea, but it has years before that software will be popular enough to be used like ISDN is. ISDN will eventually give way to newer technology...but not anytime soon.

I wouldn't expect SoundStreak to really impact the industry for years, and I surely wouldn't count it as a viable ISDN competitor. Source Connect is "close" as a competitor, but until ISDN really becomes antiquated and too cost-prohibitive, nothing is gonna take its place.

Frank F · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 2:56 pm Post subject:

This product is STILL in beta - after many years. And is still only for Mac OS (although a Windows Beta is in the works).

Could be a good product but the proof is in the pudding and after a lengthy Beta Test it does not seem this is a workable solution for -- well almost anything. See previous posts above.

Frank F
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Bill Roberts · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 2:58 pm Post subject:

My local Telco continues to inform potential customers they no longer offer ISDN lines, that is unless your looking for internet connectivity, then ISDN will flounder as no new ISDN accounts will come online. I Live in Las Vegas, and know for a fact that our telco offers ISDN, sure I can retain the service of a consultant that knows how to get it installed, but should I consider putting money in the pocket of our local Telco (that have no clue they offer ISDN) when I have Source-Connect and can Bridge. I have seen sites that the talent promote the fact that they use SoundStreak, but I think Source-Connect will be the leading service due to the fact that it's the proven leader so far.

By the way, I have a Musicam RoadRunner 2.0 with the TA301 interface that I would consider offers on. George has a great video of this same unit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JztbS8Bdkz0
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:23 pm Post subject:

One definite advantage SS has over SC is the non-realtime system. Even with SC you still have to have fast, and fairly stable, Internet. Thats difficult to procure in some places. SS eliminates that. What rite of passage will there be then for differentiating pro from amateur talent? Other than ability and sound that is.

Velfin · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:34 pm Post subject:

I've tested it with a peer and my agent. It works very well - the low quality quickie update is a nice touch, but for the non-technical people (including my agent) it takes some getting used to - at first my agent thought that was the final quality.

The biggest issue I've seen is that while VOs are more than happy to use it, our customers aren't. The use of "buy takes" confuses some folks and the simplified interface aggravates my technical clients who prefer to work with their own boards.

I would be happy to use it - it worked like a charm when we tested it, multiple times - but it's a harder sell than Source-Connect. No bites yet from any of my customer base.
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2013 4:39 pm Post subject:

Agreed. I wondered about the choice of "Buy Take." It makes no logical sense to me, unless they started a pricing plan for actual takes, rather than per 90 minute session. I can just see every first-time user thinking..."Wait...am I buying something else? I thought we just paid for the session."

georgethetech · Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2013 12:00 pm Post subject:

They were interested in having me try to infiltrate the industry here in Hollywood, but I haven't heard a single thing from them ever since I requested they come on EWABS and do some real-time tests for our viewers. Coincidence? I do believe the concept is fantastic, but the business model is flawed indeed. I'm betting they are trying to figure out the next step. SaaS (software as a service) is not really appealing to major corporate entities, they want ownership.
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