1. Summary

This document describes the software for computer systems in the KPFZ studio and remote computers.

It is reasonably up to date for the KBO (Borad Operator) computer.

Note that some computers in the studio will also be configured with the "remote" software.

I am including software that I use, but others might be available.

2. Studio Computers

2.1. Windows 10 Pro

This is used on all studio computers. The new Windows 11 is not suitable.

2.2. Chrome Web Browser

I recommend that we standardize on the Chrome Browser, so we can qualify plug-ins and share bookmarks between the studio computers.

2.3. Remote Desktop Computers

This software is used to connect from one computer to another.

I include the software we have used, and dome that I tried but aren't suitable

2.3.1. Teamviewer

This is the gold standard, but it is $50 per month for ONE computer and ONE user.

With a combination of "whitelists" and "windows login" I think I can get 'good enough' security on teamview

This is used on the KTR/CH17 computer.

2.3.2. RemotePC

This provides most of the capabilities of Teamviewer, but is $50 a year for 5 computers and an unlimited number of users.

I am using it on the KBO/CH15 computer.

I am still working on setting up the multi-user feature and security: for now we can use a shared account.

2.3.3. Windows Remote Desktop

This is free, but it doesn't meet our operational needs.

2.3.4. Google Remote Desktop.

This is free, but it doesn't let multiple users access one computer.

2.4. Total Recorder

Total Recorder Pro Version.
http://www.totalrecorder.com/productfr_trPRO.htm

This will be used for recording and replay (or pre-recorded).

It will also be used for playing files directly off the disk drive, or off a USB stick.

Installed on KTR/CH17 -- Trial Version on KBO/CH15

2.5. Digilink

I don't know if this is still used, or whether it has been replaced by Total Recorder.

2.6. Zoom

This is required to join and play a Zoom meeting.

2.7. File Syncronizer

I am using Syncovery, but there are many others.

For hardware "Plan A/B" this will be used to "mirror" disks on separate computers.

This is only needed for an integrated system, which is on hold.

2.8. OBS Host ?

This might be used so that a remote computer can feed a live stream directly into KPFZ.

2.9. Web Server ??

Some access to the system might be better through a "web" interface, rather than logging in with Team Viewer.

It is possible to instal LAMP under W10 pro - presumably as a service.
eg https://medium.com/@ssharizal/how-to-install-lamp-stack-server-on-windows-subsystem-linux-wsl-windows-10-133419c22473

3. Remote Studio

Warning : I only have access to Windows computers. Most of these capabilities are available on Apple Mac systems. Cell phones, Chromebooks and Tablets have limited functionality and performance, so they are not recommended.

3.1. Internet

If you are uploading files then WiFi will be OK.

If you are doing live shows then you need a wired LAN, and an upload speed of AT LEAST 5 MBS

Mediacom's basic package (about $50/month total) meets this requirement, though you might run out of data transfers.

3.2. Windows

Any version of Windows from 7 up will probably work, but Windows 10 is recommended.

3.2.1. Remote PC (Free for users)

This may be used for connecting to the studio computer(s). See above for details.

3.2.2. OBS Studio (Free)

At present OBS Studio is my prefered system for doing a "recorded live" show by a single person, because it lets you record from a microphone and from your computer sound system.

Warning : it produces a video file, so you will need an audio converter to convert it to an .MP3 (or .WAV) that you can upload. I use Audacity (see below)

It is also a candidate for doing a live single-person show.

3.2.3. Audacity (Free)

Audacity is a good audio editor. It lets you record and import audio files, but it can't access a CD (or web sound file) directly. It writes to a wide variety of formats, so I also use it as a converter.

3.2.4. Zoom (Free to use, $15/mo Pro for long meetings)

This is the only system which I have checked out for doing a multi-person remote show, live or pre-recorded.

If you have a pro account you can set up a zoom meeting yourself. With a "free" zoom you will have to run two 30-minute meetings back-to-back and then combine them with (eg) Audacity.

For pre-recorded shows, set Zoom to record, and use "original sound". You will probably need Audacity to trim any excess material (and add underwriters, intro, outro etc).

For live shows you can either join the Zoom meeting from a studio "remote server" computer, OR you can stream the zoom meeting to facebook or youtube and connect to that.

3.2.5. Connecting the Studio Board and Phones to a Zoom meeting.

This is working as a prototype, but relies on using Zoom Echo Cancellation.

I have requested the use of the studio board MONO2 output, so that Zoom can be used as "Mix Minus", with no risk of echo.

3.2.6. Connecting an Android Cell Phones to Windows

I haven't checked this out .. but it may be possible to connect your cell phone to Windows, and then to an OBS session (Live or Pre-recorded). You would have to announce this call-in number on your live show.

3.2.7. File Upload

For production use on KTR/CH17 John Saare is handling uploads.

At present we do not have a reliable method for uploading pre-recorded shows directly to KPFZ.

In the short-term, upload it the "the web" -- eg Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox ... or whatever, and then aks John Saare to download it into the KPFZ system.

Once the new computer system (Plan 0 or better) is installed, you may be able to use RemotePC.

We may be able to provide an "FTP" service (I use FileZilla)

3.3. Apple Macs

Note: I have Windows systems only, so I can't test Apples.

Teamviewer, OBS Studio, Audacity and Zoom are all available in Mac versions.

4. Security

I am using Bitwarden to store all KSC passwords.

Teamviewer can be set up with good security: a shared password, but with every remote computer whitelisted. (There are probably ways to tighten this up.)

I am using RemotePC on KBO/CH15, but havent sorted out user access. For the time being we will use a shared account.

The KTR/CH17 and KPS computers will have very few authorized users.

The KBO computer will be shared between all trained operators. But at worst a mistake/malicious use will affect one show only.

Simlarly, Windows will be set up so that operators can only access "user" storage, not the shared network drives.

The following are for quick-copying only

KSC : KPFZ Studio Computers (Software)