RISC OS Direct live launch at SW Show

RISC OS Developments is pleased to announce that the SW Show will be the “Live Launch” of the new RISC OS Direct project/initiative.

For those unfamiliar, RISC OS Direct is a combined software, video and physical project designed to bring RISC OS to new audiences, whilst also providing lots of content for existing users. At the heart of the project is a desire to meet modern computer users – young and old – in the mediums that they turn to for information ie. videos and download, something that hasn’t really been attempted since Acorn made a short promo with “Fred off Micro Live” in the 80s. We immediately realised that video alone would not be enough – it was essential to tie that in to a physical software distribution that could be downloaded or given out on (micro)SD.

The software side of RISC OS Direct focuses on Raspberry Pi devices, because these represent a large, low-cost, commonly available outreach platform. It features many current-version RISC OS applications, and whilst there an emphasis on programming, but we feel there really is something for everyone. This will be expanded over time (an extended games pack is planned shortly, plus further software updates later) with the goal of providing the best possible “out of the box” Open Source RISC OS experience.

Those last few words (Open Source RISC OS experience) are key, because for RISC OS Developments, it is essential to ensure that the Open Source version of RISC OS 5 is widely available to people. People are much more comfortable with the newer, well-understood Apache 2.0 licence, and this needs to be the focus going forward. RISC OS Direct represents a key opportunity to promote Open Source RISC OS and deliver new and existing users the best possible experience on a modern RISC OS platform.

The RISC OS Direct software will be available as download and as physical (micro)SD from RISC OS Developments, and also provided to our partners at ROOL for distribution via the usual download pages. In line with RISC OS Developments’ open and free ethos, the physical cards will be given away to enthusiastic new or returning users at Pi Jams, via clubs or other events to help encourage people to try RISC OS on their Pis. There will also be an effort made to show what RISC OS can do, so that those taking a free card will know what to expect, and what is possible, encouraged by the RISC OS Direct video series.

Note – we do ask that pre-existing RISC OS users make a small donation if they want the physical cards, as we’re having to pay for the SD cards, and the primary goal is to help grow and encourage the RISC OS userbase/scene. Otherwise it just turns into a “free SD card” scheme for everyone, which rather defeats the purpose of the project. It is also why we’re keen to engage new/returning users before providing free cards, so that the cards go to people who will actually use them for their intended purpose.

The SW Show this weekend will see the project launch, with the first video showing how to get everything up and running, and introducing the basics of RISC OS. As part of the “Live Launch”, the show, talks and events will be live-streamed so that those living overseas can have something of the “show experience”. This will be done via our partners over at WiFi Sheep, who are helming the video portion of RISC OS Direct.

Needless to say, this has been (and will be) a huge project for all involved. Also, its not too late for everyone to be involved. We’ll need (and want) suggestions and feedback for new applications to include, topics to cover in the videos, and any issues you might have. Also, if you’re involved in any clubs, Pi Jams or overseas events, please get in touch to see if we can help support your activities. This will be a team effort!

Finally, it is intended that !KinoAmp-friendly MPEG videos be made available via the ROD site in due course, as we’re aware that YouTube isn’t exactly RISC OS-friendly. Watch this space!

Update:
First video is now live at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecy0IXZt8BE&feature=youtu.be
Download your disc image at http://www.riscosdev.com/direct

RISC OS Direct – The Video Series will be available late Saturday morning (GMT) (Feb 22nd 2020) on the Wi-Fi Sheep Youtube channel to co-inside with the South West Show.

On demand it will found here: RISC OS Direct EP1

Im hoping to bring you live coverage throughout the day of the Southwest Computer Show.
Broadcasts should start around 10:30 AM GMT (Feb 22nd 2020)

Live Feed – This link will only work on the day and if we’re live…

Please Note: Im not aware how well or if at all RISC OS systems will be able to handle the video. I would advise using an alternative or smartphone device.

If we cant get signal or bandwidth in Bristol to stream ,the plan will be to record ‘As live’ and bring you an edited highlights programme on Youtube.
The intention is to be live for 6 hours between 10:30AM and 16:30 PM GMT

All content will be available on-demand and free after the shown on “Wi-Fi Sheep”http://www,youtube.com/wifisheep on Youtube if you cant join us for the live broadcast.

Have try to use the livestream with Streamer and YTPlay. Have made any small fixes to find the right StreamURL. Now it produces the right one (same in WIN and Linux) but it looks like ffplay and mplayer can not handle.

Youtubedownloader (Android) doesn’t work either. There’s something odd about live streams that they don’t “appear” as normal videos until the after-event processing has finished. Had the same issue with Eurovision live streams…

I not use it like a downloader. I try to find the URL with the -g option and save it to a m3u8 playlist file. This I use with ffplay/mplayer.
In WIN and Linux the combination youtube-dl / ffplay works with this. In RISC OS the playlistfile is the same but ffplay/mplayer fails. Maybe my settings are wrong. Have play around with but no success.

Not sure what specific codec it is but a default Ubuntu/Firefox won’t display the stream so it isn’t plain MP4 or webn because those are covered.
Download the extra codecs, that Ubuntu doesn’t include for legal reasons, and the stream works. Testing.

The Ubuntu machine is <— this is here and my tea mug is —> and I am on call so the beer is in the garage (cool but not cold)

I was going to wireshark the stream but “technical difficulties” and they are stopping for the day.

Ditto the downloader app I use.

I use YouTubeDownloader a lot, because the preview mode means I can watch stuff without Google tracking everything I look at. Useful if somebody sends me a link to a song, and I hate it, at least the suggestions won’t keep giving me stuff I don’t want to watch [even though I’ve turned my history off, so it’s all a bit suspicious]

Anyway, yes, it’s some weird codec that they use for live streams.

Edit: Just thought, it might not be the codec as much as the delivery. They might be chopping the video (normal MP4 with AAC audio) into little pieces so that adaptive streaming can work. To a downloader or video fetcher, this may not ‘look’ like a regular video.

I would like thank ROD and Wifi Sheep and to congratulate them for the the Live Stream video from the South West Show today.

For the last month I have been suffering from a flu like illness so was not able to get to the show for the first time in 10 years.

I watched the video stream on a large smart TV and it really felt as if I was there in person. In summary brilliant!

Please interpret the following comments, in the light of the above positive expression of the experience.

In between interviews the feed went to a fixed camera where it pointed at what appeared to be the charity stand.
This was best part of the video. People shuffled back and forth, came into focus and disappeared. I spotted various MUG members Doug, Ron, Stephen, Stuart, approaching Vince’s stand, talking and moving on.
After watching this footage for 10 minutes or so it morphed into the surreal. The video quality was quite low, 480p I think, and people moved in a slow jerky way – It may have been the association with wifi sheep but after a while Sean the Sheep came to mind and then it but a sort step to “Sean of the Dead” and I was immersed in a zombie movie with a familiar cast of RISC OS people.

The background music that played all through was excruciating. A live microphone feed would have been a whole lot more interesting. It would have been fun to listen in to what Ron and Vince were discussing. Though I guess there are privacy concerns that prevent this.

A disappointment was that there was no coverage of the Theatre talks. Although this might have an impact on show attendance if you could watch the talks from the comfort of your own living room, why travel a hundred miles or more in bad weather.

Another slight disappointment was that it was not possible to watch the video once the live stream finished at 4 o clock. Technical reasons no doubt but I was watching about an hour behind real time so was not able to watch the last hour.

Anyway, I feel privileged to have experienced this “first”. Let’s hope it becomes a regular feature of RISC OS shows.

This was best part of the video.

Yes, there were some people, eccentric in a way that only the British can properly pull off. It was great.

at what appeared to be the charity stand.

Ah, yes! I haven’t ever been to one of the post-Acorn shows, but I guessed that’s what it was.

and I was immersed in a zombie movie with a familiar cast of RISC OS people.

I know you by name. I have no idea what most of you look like, so I think I identified pretty much nobody. :-)

The background music that played all through was excruciating.

Oh God yes. It was like that sort of music that was popular in the old arcade games that annoys after a minute and drives you crazy after five.

It would have been fun to listen in to what Ron and Vince were discussing.

Was that Vince just to the right (sometimes the camera aimed at him)? If so, I got a screeshot of him holding his head in his hands. I can sympathise. I’ve had days like that too.

A disappointment was that there was no coverage of the Theatre talks.

Because of YouTube changing the rules on who/what can livestream, this was being done with a video camera (or webcam?) and a laptop. That combination means that there would be a certain lack of mobility involved. It would have been nice to have been able to ‘wander’ and see the talks, but for a first attempt, it was pretty good. Sure, there were glitches and problems, but given it was a first attempt at a hosted live feed with inserted content and camera changes without lots of rehearsals beforehand, it went really well.

Another slight disappointment was that it was not possible to watch the video once the live stream finished at 4 o clock.

That’s YouTube. Eurovision live streams are the same. Try it tomorrow.

Anyway, I feel privileged to have experienced this “first”. Let’s hope it becomes a regular feature of RISC OS shows.

Me too. I liked the interview with Tony.

But the best bit? The dead simple BASIC program stiffing the computer. I nearly wet myself laughing, and definitely lost some tea to gravity (had to put down the mug really quickly). That was brilliant! The power of BASIC’s END statement. It ENDed. Terminally. :-) :-) :-)

Thanks to everybody involved. The quick and the undead alike.

It was like that sort of music that was popular in the old arcade games

I mentally classified it as “Zombie elevator musak” or “music for the undead.”

The quick and the undead alike.

I see you may have had the same thoughts.

I believe the nicely attired Mr. Wurthner was in shot for a while – bow tie a give away even for people who haven’t seen him before but have heard of the dapper presentation.

My downloader app is showing valid file information for the show live stream, so it is probably watchable/rippable now.

It’s 480p and runs to 1GiB (MP4) or 645MiB (WebM), plus 304MiB for medium quality M4A audio or 240MiB for high quality Opus audio. Other options exist, right down to 144p if you want to watch it on a Beeb. :-p

The biggest point though is that the only thing that has registered negatively is the use of the canned music.

On an unrehearsed first shot…

The Risc OS Direct looks like it has a lot of milage. Should be interesting to see how that develops.
I’ve spoken of ‘hooks’ before – the things you use to get individuals following where you lead. I think this is one.

Yes, there were some people, eccentric in a way that only the British can properly pull off. It was great.

I’ll have you know that I’m perfectly normal. Er, some of the time, at least.

Although this might have an impact on show attendance if you could watch the talks from the comfort of your own living room, why travel a hundred miles or more in bad weather.

Indeed. There was some discussion amongst exhibitors today as to whether the slightly Mary Celeste feel in the venue was due to people watching the event on YouTube instead of making the effort to attend in person¹. To be fair, the show theatre did a good job of emptying the main function room for prolonged periods, leaving short bursts of activity in between, and that could have left the wrong impression.

¹ I’m aware that other reasons for non-attendance have been given.

in the venue was due to people watching the event on YouTube instead of

There were an average of 17 viewers. I think it peaked in the mid 20s towards the end. Remember, though, it’s a global feed so one must account for viewers who wouldn’t have been able to get to the show anyway (raises hand).
I’m not sure if enough people watched for YouTube to bother to give a breakdown of where the viewers were located.

So, +1 from France. Anybody else want to add to that? David, were you watching from your end of France?

that could have left the wrong impression.

No no no, you were just taking precautions with the impending coronavirus doom, and imposing an exclusion zone around every individual. That’s what it was. Right? ;-)

There was some discussion amongst exhibitors today as to whether the slightly Mary Celeste feel in the venue was due to people watching the event on YouTube instead of making the effort to attend in person1.

Bad weather, and an enlarged venue space might have something to with the lower people per metre.

It is watchable again. I was able finish watching all of it.
A tip is to watch at 2x speed and to mute the sound. The speed increase brings people back to life and the absence of music is a blesssing.

the show theatre did a good job of emptying the main room

The SW Show definitely wins the prize for most impressive theatre!
https://twitter.com/RISCOSDevLtd/status/1230899952936726534

John:

A disappointment was that there was no coverage of the Theatre talks. Although this might have an impact on show attendance if you could watch the talks from the comfort of your own living room, why travel a hundred miles or more in bad weather.

I’ve recorded them, as usual. I don’t know yet how good they are, given the size, shape, and acoustics of the hotel chapel, where the theatre was held this year. There was a sound system set up, but at this stage I don’t know if it was used (ISTR Charles mentioning a possible problem before the event started).

On the plus side, this particular location meant I could position the camera somewhere that it wouldn’t get jostled – so there won’t be any sudden changes of angle as it gets knocked and accidentally repositioned. The flip side of that coin, though, is that if anyone walked just inside the doors and stood there for any length of time before deciding to either leave or find a seat, they’ll be blocking the view.

I’ll know when I look at them properly, and do the minimum necessary before uploading them (like last year, I won’t do the all-out time consuming editing job that I had previously started doing).

It would have been fun to listen in to what Ron and Vince were discussing.

At least some of that conversation covered the important topic of alcohol. HTH. ;)

Rick:

Was that Vince just to the right (sometimes the camera aimed at him)?

Yes, that was my stand at the bottom right of screen – so I am in shot a lot of the time (when I’m not off wandering around the hall taking photos, or nipping into the theatre to check the video camera), mostly from behind so that the extra thin area of hair at the back of my head is plainly visible, which is nice. Mostly I try to ignore it, but when I look at images of me I can’t help but notice it. :/

If so, I got a screeshot of him holding his head in his hands. I can sympathise. I’ve had days like that too.

I’ve not spotted that yet, but I had the added bonus of a cold that I must have picked up in the run up to the show – that may have been a factor. (First signs on Thursday, really bad on Friday, still bad on the Saturday but not as bad as Friday, and much worse over all today.)

If you watched carefully – assuming the feed from the main hall was on at the right time – you would have seen me take some cold capsules at least a couple of times during the day. Although skipping through it myself, I’ve so far only spotted me eating the chocolates on my stand! ;)

Steve:

To be fair, the show theatre did a good job of emptying the main function room for prolonged periods, leaving short bursts of activity in between, and that could have left the wrong impression.

Indeed. It’s worth noting that this happens at all the shows.

Not sure what specific codec it is…

The codec was not the problem. I have record “any seconds” of the stream without postprocessing.
The dump is usable with ffplay. No problem.
Looks like there was a other problem. Maybe it is only a small one. Is there a comparable stream to try?

This URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJk6JrikdOY&feature=youtu.be with the stored stream is working with YTPlay and Streamer.

First post has now been updated with links to video and RISC OS Direct download.

A common question is – how does this differ from ROOL Pi build, and why is it necessary?

1) It is based on Open Source RISC OS 5.26+ (actually 5.27 in order to incorporate key Pi-related improvements)
It has been well over a year since RISC OS went fully Open Source under the Apache 2.0 licence, and that needs to be the version of the OS that is supplied. The old licence had a lot of “behind the scenes” obligations and potential payments to Castle, which need to be severed. This cannot happen whilst versions prior to 5.26 are out in the wild and being distributed.

2) Expansive software selection
RISC OS Direct is designed around an 8GB disc image, rather than a 2GB (or smaller) one. This provides room for a much more extensive selection of programs, files and resources as compared to previous. The focus is on providing new and returning RISC OS users with the best experience we can offer, with immediate access to a wide range of RISC OS software.

3) There’s an emphasis on programming/coding
One of the subjects which will be covered during the course of the accompanying video series is coding, and how RISC OS users can develop with BASIC, C and Python. We were very keen to promote this aspect of RISC OS, and the distribution includes plenty of tools “ready to go” with more to follow.

4) It’s actually replacing another distribution of RISC OS, that you may not be aware of
WiFi Sheep already had their own build of RISC OS to support their channel and coding and retro initiatives. Rather than forking or splitting development, it presented a alternative perspective on RISC OS to a different audience. RISC OS Direct replaces that build, and includes highlights of both that distribution and RISC OS Pi.

5) It’s not proprietory
The OS in RISC OS Direct doesn’t contain proprietory code or anything designed to split the OS. It is based on standard RISC OS code, all available through ROOL. RISC OS Developments aren’t including features or content not present in ROOL builds of RISC OS, but rather building on it with additional software, presentation, content, videos, tutorials and initiatives to get more people using RISC OS. It has been given to ROOL to add to their hosting/repository too, so that it can be available wherever RISC OS is found.

6) It’s a team effort
RISC OS Direct isn’t the result of work by one person, or even a handful of people. It is made possible by a whole community of RISC OS folks, providing software, tools, resources, hosting, videos, SD card, attending user groups, posting on forums, twittering and so on. That may sound a bit cliche, but more so than anything we’ve done before, there are many voices in RISC OS Direct, and we hope there’s something here for everyone.

7) It’s just the beginning
There’s a lot of content that we haven’t been able to include yet due to time and manpower. Most notably a games pack, but there’s a lot more software and content that we want to provide too. Watch this space, and feel free to make suggestions :)

8) Why Pi?
Put simply, the Raspberry Pi is one of the most common, cheap computer systems available, which mature RISC OS support. It is the platform with the lowest barrier for entry for anyone toying with RISC OS 5 (with the possible exception of RPCemu, but that’s a bit different). If we’re going to introduce new people to RISC OS, then starting with a platform which boasts over 25 million units sold seems like a reasonable place to start.

9) So why would we do all this for free?
RISC OS Developments own RISC OS, and have made it available to everyone via Open Source RISC OS 5, hosted and maintained by RISC OS Open Ltd. We want everyone to use RISC OS, and the only way to achieve that is to meet new users where they are at, with the best free & open RISC OS we can make. We’re a poor excuse for owners if we don’t promote our product to the best of our ability! A growing market is a healthy one, and that will benefit everyone who uses RISC OS. It is worth remembering that the biggest threat to RISC OS these days isn’t Microsoft or Apple, but rather old age and apathy. We need new users, new software, and new ideas/initiatives. RISC OS Direct is about all of those things and more.

Watch this space, and feel free to make suggestions :)

Koi-Koi is a card game, harder than Patience, prettier too.
KanaTutor if you’re interested in “educational” stuff.
And, of course, Manga for wasting way too much time.

Interested? Just pick ’em off !Store.
If you want/need any sort of customisation, you know how to get in touch…

Thanks Rick, I think Koi-Koi and Manga are both on the list for the next software pack focussing on entertainment :)

As I said, there was quite a lot we didn’t manage to complete in time, and rather than do it half-baked, we went with a nice starting build, with the idea of expanding on it in the next couple of months (Wakefield show, anyone?). This also means that more videos can be produced, which can then reference new and expanding software library.