What is S3? Buckets? SDKs? A Quick Overview

Amazon S3, or Simple Storage Service, is a cloud-based storage service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows users to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.

At its core, Amazon S3 is an object storage system. This means that data is stored as objects, rather than in a traditional file hierarchy. Objects can be of any size, from a few bytes to terabytes, and are stored in containers called buckets. Users can create, manage, and delete buckets through the AWS Management Console or with the AWS SDKs.

Oh riiiiight …What are SDKs? πŸ˜Š

SDK stands for Software Development Kit. It is a collection of software development tools that allow developers to create applications for a specific software package, hardware platform, operating system, or programming language. SDKs usually include libraries, APIs, documentation, and other utilities that help developers to build software applications that integrate with existing systems or platforms.

Now Back to S3…..

One of the key benefits of S3 is its scalability. It can handle an infinite amount of data and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This is achieved through a distributed architecture, where data is stored across multiple servers and locations. This also means that data is highly available and durable, with multiple levels of redundancy and built-in error correction.

Amazon S3 also offers a range of features for managing data. Users can set up access controls, encryption, and versioning to ensure that their data is secure and accessible only to authorized users. They can also use lifecycle policies to automatically move data to lower-cost storage tiers or delete it after a certain period of time.

Under the hood, S3 uses a combination of technologies to provide its high performance and scalability. It uses a distributed system architecture, with data stored across multiple servers and locations. It also uses a highly optimized network stack, with low-latency connections to AWS services and the internet.

In addition, S3 uses advanced algorithms and caching techniques to optimize data retrieval. For example, it uses parallel processing to retrieve multiple objects at once, and it caches frequently accessed data for faster retrieval times.

Overall, Amazon S3 is a powerful and flexible storage solution that offers a range of features for managing and securing data. It is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and is used for a wide range of applications, from backup and archiving to content delivery and data analytics.

Do you use S3? Comment & Let me know how – it’s free!

Broadcasting from: Baltusrol Golf Course, Springfield, NJ

The US Open golf tournament has been held at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, on seven occasions. Here is the list of years, winners, and their scores:

1. 1903 – Willie Anderson (307)
2. 1915 – Jerome Travers (297)
3. 1936 – Tony Manero (282)
4. 1954 – Ed Furgol (284)
5. 1967 – Jack Nicklaus (275)
6. 1980 – Jack Nicklaus (272)
7. 1993 – Lee Janzen (272)

ABC Network has covered several golf events at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, including the US Open and PGA Championship tournaments. Here is a list of the events, winners, and some additional details:

1. 1980 US Open: Jack Nicklaus won his fourth US Open Championship, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 8-under-par for the tournament.

2. 1985 US Women’s Open: Kathy Baker won her only major championship, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 4-under-par for the tournament.

3. 1993 PGA Championship: Paul Azinger won his first and only major championship, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 8-under-par for the tournament.

4. 2005 PGA Championship: Phil Mickelson won his second major championship, shooting a final round of 72 to finish at 4-under-par for the tournament.

5. 2016 PGA Championship: Jimmy Walker won his first major championship, shooting a final round of 67 to finish at 14-under-par for the tournament.

ABC Network provided comprehensive coverage of these events, with experienced broadcasters and producers bringing the action to viewers around the world. Some of the notable names on the broadcast team included Jim McKay, Chris Schenkel, Jack Whitaker, and Mike Tirico. The production was led by ABC Sports Executive Producer Roone Arledge, and the Director of the broadcast was Craig Janoff.

Overall, these events produced some thrilling golf and unforgettable moments, making Baltusrol Golf Club a true showcase for the sport.

I was the Production & Technical Assistant for the 1993 event held at Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, from August 12-15, 1993. It was an exciting event, with some of the best golfers in the world competing for the championship title.

As a Production Assistant, my role was to assist the Production & Technical Manager in various aspects of the production. This included coordinating logistics, setting up equipment, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly throughout the event.

The 1993 PGA Championship was covered by ABC Network, with a team of talented broadcasters and producers bringing the action to viewers around the world.

Paul Azinger emerged as the winner of the tournament, shooting a final round of 68 to finish at 8-under-par for the tournament. It was his first and only major championship victory, and it was a moment that I will never forget. The excitement and energy of the event were palpable, and it was a privilege to be a part of such an incredible production.

Overall, the 1993 PGA Championship was a tremendous success, and I was proud to have played a small role in making it happen.

What are you’re experiences? Please share!

Short Tutorial: UNC Paths in Broadcasting & Digital Streaming

Who May Need Them in Broadcasting & Digital Streaming?

UNC paths are commonly used in broadcasting to facilitate the transfer of large video or audio files between production facilities. This is because broadcasting often involves collaboration between multiple teams and locations, and UNC paths provide a standardized method of accessing shared resources on a network.

In broadcasting, UNC paths may be created by various professionals, including video editors, audio engineers, and IT staff. For example, a video editor may use a UNC path to access a shared folder containing footage that another editor has uploaded from a remote location. Meanwhile, an IT staff member may use a UNC path to connect broadcasting equipment to a shared storage device or backup system.

Overall, UNC paths are an essential tool for broadcasting professionals who need to collaborate on media production across a network.

What’s An UNC Path?

Creating an UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path is a method of identifying a network resource, such as a shared folder or printer, on a computer network. It uses a format that starts with two backslashes followed by the name of the computer and the name of the shared resource.

For Example:

For example, if a computer named “FILESERVER01” has a shared folder named “SharedDocs”, the UNC path to access it would be: \\FILESERVER01\SharedDocs

UNC paths are used when accessing network resources across different operating systems, such as Windows and Linux. They are also used in web addresses to access shared resources using a web browser. 

How-To Create One:

You can input a UNC path in various ways depending on the task you are trying to accomplish. Here are a few examples:

1. To access a shared folder on a network: Open File Explorer and type or paste the UNC path in the address bar at the top of the window. Press Enter to access the shared folder.

2. To map a network drive: Open File Explorer and click on “Map network drive” in the ribbon at the top of the window. In the “Drive” drop-down menu, choose a drive letter to assign to the mapped drive. In the “Folder” field, enter the UNC path of the shared folder you want to map. Click “Finish” to create the mapped network drive.

3. To reference a file in a UNC path in a script or program: Use the UNC path as you would any other file path, but include the double backslash at the beginning. For example, to reference a file named “Data.txt” in a shared folder named “Data” on a computer named “Server1”, the UNC path would be: \\Server1\Data\Data.txt

It’s important to note that UNC paths require proper permissions and authentication to access the shared resources.

Why You Need Them

UNC paths are necessary because they provide a standardized and consistent way of identifying and accessing network resources on a computer network. They allow users to access shared resources from any computer on the network, regardless of the computer’s operating system or location.

Without UNC paths, users would have to manually navigate to the network resource by IP address or hard-coded network path, which can be difficult and error-prone. UNC paths simplify the process by providing a unified naming convention that is easy to remember and use. They also provide security features that limit access to shared resources, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access sensitive information.

How Do You Use Them? Please Comment.

LPGA Cognizant Founders’ Cup 2023 ReCap

To my surprise after working the event I actually found a picture of Ashleigh Buhai putting with me in the background as her score bearer (I stood where I wouldn’t be in her putting site-line).

The LPGA’s Cognizant Founders’ Cup was an incredible experience. I was a standard bearer for 2 days, and 3 separate pairings. The Third Round: Ryan O’Toole & Gemma Dryburgh were both spectacular. For the Fourth (Final) Round Pairings I worked with: Yu-Sang Hou & Annie Park, then Ashleigh Buhai & Hae Ran Ryu, I had the opportunity to witness some of the world’s best golfers in action.

The event was held at The Upper Montclair Country Club, in Clifton, NJ. The weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. The tournament was played over four days, and the level of competition was intense. The golfers were all focused on winning the tournament, and it was clear that every shot mattered.

As a standard bearer, my job was to carry a sign displaying the players’ scores and walk with them around the golf course. It was an honor to be so close to the action, and I was amazed by the skill and precision of the golfers.

All are/were fantastic players, but Ashleigh Buhai and Hae Ran Ryu both finished in the top 4.  It was a privilege to be a standard bearer for all 6 players.  They were gracious and kind.  I was truly moved at how much time they all gave to the young ladies’ golfing β€œclinic” held right there on the grounds. 

The event production was well done.   Was it perfect?  – no, there were many pain points, but the attendees did not seem to notice. The organizers had put much effort into making sure that everything ran relatively smoothly, and it showed. The course was in great condition, and the facilities were top-notch. There were plenty of food and drink options available, and the staff were all friendly and helpful.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the Pro-Am event, which took place on the Wednesday before the tournament started. This gave amateur players the chance to play with the professionals and experience what it’s like to compete at the highest level. It was great to see so many people getting involved and enjoying the game of golf.

Another highlight was the closing ceremony, which of course took place on the final day of the tournament. The atmosphere was electric as the golfers made their way to the 18th hole, and the crowd cheered them on every step of the way.

In the end, it was Jin Young Ko who came out on top in a sudden death round with the amazing Minjee Lee. An impressive match-up to say the least.

Ashleigh Buhai finished in third place, and Hae Ran Ryu in fourth, both with strong performances throughout the tournament. Both β€œburned” many of the hole rims throughout the competition.  Those misses were so so close, it could break your heart.

Overall, the LPGA’s Cognizant Founders Cup was an amazing experience. It was a honor and a privilege to be so close to the action to the end.  I witnessed some of the world’s best golfers live in action. 

Thank you Ladies!

USFL uses HRP Cameras, Drones, & Helmet Cams

The USFL (United States Football League) was a professional American football league that operated from 1983 to 1987. It was created to compete with the National Football League (NFL) during the spring and summer months.

The HRP (High-Resolution Panoramic) model is a type of camera that captures high-resolution panoramic images. It uses multiple cameras to capture a wide-angle view of a scene and then stitches the images together to create a seamless panoramic image.

Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that can be used for a variety of purposes, including aerial photography and videography. They are equipped with cameras that can capture high-quality images and video footage from unique perspectives.

HelmetCams, also known as action cameras, are small cameras that can be attached to a helmet or other equipment to capture first-person point-of-view footage. They are often used in action sports such as snowboarding, skateboarding, and mountain biking.

Overall, these technologies have been used to enhance the viewing experience of sports broadcasts by providing unique and immersive perspectives on the action.

HRP (High-Resolution Panoramic) cameras are a type of camera that captures images with a wide field of view. They use multiple cameras to capture a scene from different angles and then stitch the images together to create a seamless panoramic image.

There are several manufacturers of HRP cameras, including Panoscan, Seitz, and Roundshot. Each manufacturer offers a variety of models with different resolutions and features. For example, the Seitz Roundshot D3 camera has a resolution of up to 80 megapixels and can capture full 360-degree panoramas in just a few seconds.

The process of stitching the images together is typically done using specialized software, such as PTGui or Autopano. These software programs use algorithms to analyze the images and find common features that can be used to align and blend the images together. The software can also correct for any distortion or perspective issues that may occur due to the different angles of the cameras.

Once the images are stitched together, they can be exported as a single panoramic image or as a virtual tour, which allows viewers to navigate through the scene using interactive controls. HRP cameras are often used in applications such as real estate photography, tourism, and virtual reality experiences, television broadcasts.

How is all of this technology used specifically in sports production broadcasts?

HRP cameras, drones, HelmetCams, and other similar technologies are used in sports production broadcasts to provide viewers with immersive and unique perspectives of the action.

HRP cameras are used to capture high-resolution panoramic images of stadiums and arenas, providing viewers with a 360-degree view of the venue. These images can be used for pre-game introductions, establishing shots, and post-game analysis. They can also be used to create virtual tours of the venue, allowing viewers to explore the stadium or arena in detail.

Drones are used to capture aerial footage of the action, providing viewers with a bird’s-eye view of the game. This footage can be used for replays, establishing shots, and highlights. Drones can also be used to capture footage of the surrounding area, giving viewers a sense of the location and atmosphere of the event.

HelmetCams are used to capture first-person point-of-view footage of athletes, providing viewers with a unique perspective of the action. This footage can be used for replays, highlights, and analysis. HelmetCams are often used in extreme sports such as snowboarding, skiing, and motocross.

Overall, these technologies are used to enhance the viewing experience of sports broadcasts, providing viewers with new and exciting perspectives of the action. The use of these technologies has become increasingly common in recent years, as broadcasters look for new ways to engage viewers and provide a more immersive viewing experience.

Sports Broadcasting Tracking Systems

Broadcasters and Sports Teams use varied tracking systems to enhance the viewer’s experience, as well as tracking players’ performance and stats.

Some examples:

1. NFL Football: The NFL uses a tracking system called Next Gen Stats, which uses sensors that are embedded in the shoulder pads of players to track their movements and performance on the field. This system captures data such as player speed, acceleration, and distance traveled, which is then used by broadcasters to create enhanced graphics and visualizations for viewers.

2. Major League Baseball: MLB uses a system called Statcast, which uses cameras and radar to track the movements of the ball and players on the field. This system captures data such as pitch velocity, spin rate, launch angle, and exit velocity, which is then used by broadcasters to provide real-time analysis and insights for viewers.

3. Major League Soccer: MLS uses a system called Opta, which collects data on player performance and match statistics. This data is then used by broadcasters to provide real-time analytics and insights, such as player heat maps, pass completion rates, and shot accuracy.

4. Basketball: The NBA uses a system called SportVU, which uses cameras and sensors to track player and ball movement on the court. This system captures data such as player speed, distance traveled, and shot trajectory, which is then used by broadcasters to provide enhanced visualizations and real-time analytics for viewers.

5. Golf: Golf has multiple tracking systems, including ShotLink, which uses lasers and cameras to track the trajectory and location of each shot on the course. This data is then used by broadcasters to provide real-time analysis and insights for viewers, such as distance to the hole, putting accuracy, and shot dispersion. Other golf tracking systems include TrackMan, which uses radar to track ball flight, and Toptracer, which uses cameras to track the flight path of each shot.

Overview: 30 Cloud Security Companies

Cloud security is a hot topic as streaming, processing, editing in the cloud is growing at a brakefast speed, not to leave out AI learning for meta data, closed captioning, transcribing, and DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion). Keeping information secure is essential.

Below are 30 cloud security companies and the specific services they provide:

1. Microsoft Azure: Provides cloud security services such as identity and access management, threat protection, and security management.

2. Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers security services such as identity and access management, data protection, network security, and compliance.

3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Provides security services such as identity and access management, data encryption, and threat detection.

4. Palo Alto Networks: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

5. Symantec: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

6. IBM Cloud: Offers security services such as access management, data protection, and threat intelligence.

7. Cisco Cloud Security: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

8. McAfee: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

9. CrowdStrike: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

10. Akamai Technologies: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

11. Fortinet: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

12. Check Point Software: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

13. Trend Micro: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

14. F5 Networks: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

15. Zscaler: Provides cloud security services such as web security, DNS security, and cloud firewall.

16. Cloudflare: Offers cloud security services such as DDoS protection, web application firewall, and bot management.

17. Sophos: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and web security.

18. Rapid7: Offers cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response.

19. Tenable: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

20. Alert Logic: Offers cloud security services such as intrusion detection and prevention, log management, and compliance.

21. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

22. Carbon Black: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

23. Netskope: Provides cloud security services such as data loss prevention, web security, and cloud access security broker.

24. Bitdefender: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and cloud security.

25. Barracuda Networks: Provides cloud security services such as email security, web security, and cloud security.

26. CipherCloud: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

27. FireEye: Provides cloud security services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and forensics.

28. Imperva: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

29. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

30. Skyhigh Networks: Offers cloud security services such as cloud access security broker, data protection, and threat detection.

Overall, these cloud security companies provide a range of cloud security services, including identity and access management, data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

Top Live Broadcast Providers, Overview: CP Communications, NEP, Broadcast Solutions, Gearhouse Broadcast, & Gravity Media

ο»ΏThere are Many Live Broadcast Event Companies out there, all with their own range of services.  Following is a short overview of some of them.  Feel Free to chime in with others…..

CP Communications is an audiovisual and live event production company that provides services for sports and entertainment events. They specialize in live event production, audio and video equipment rental, and staging and lighting design. The company offers a range of services, including:

1. Live event production – live event production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Audio and video equipment rental -offers a range of audio and video equipment rental services, including cameras, microphones, speakers, and projectors. They also provide on-site technical support for equipment setup and operation.

3. Staging and lighting design – staging and lighting design services for live events, including custom stage design, lighting installation, and video projection mapping.

NEP Group is a leading provider of production services, engineering solutions, and media management for live sports and entertainment events worldwide. NEP Group provides a wide range of services, including:

1. Live event production – production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Remote production – remote production services for sports events, allowing broadcasters to produce live events from a centralized location. This includes remote camera control, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

3. Media management – media management services, including content storage, archiving, and distribution. This includes video editing, metadata tagging, and asset management.

4. Technical support – technical support services for audiovisual equipment and systems, including equipment rental, maintenance, and repair.

Broadcast Solutions is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and media management.

Gearhouse Broadcast is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental.

Gravity Media is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental. Gravity Media also provides specialized solutions for specific industries, such as esports and motorsports.

The differences between the above competitors include their range of services, geographic coverage, and industry specialization. It is recommended to evaluate the features, capabilities, and pricing of each provider before making a decision.

Wiki Collab

Wiki collaboration refers to a collaborative process of creating and editing content on a wiki platform. A wiki is a website or online platform that allows users to create and edit content collaboratively. Wiki collaboration can be used in a variety of contexts, including education, research, business, and community building.

Some of the benefits of wiki collaboration include:

1. Collaboration – Wikis promote collaboration among users by allowing them to work together to create and edit content.

2. Easy accessibility – Wikis can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for users to contribute and access content.

3. Version control – Wikis typically offer version control, which allows users to track changes and revisions to the content.

4. Transparency – Wikis are transparent, meaning that all changes made to the content are visible to all users. This promotes accountability and encourages users to contribute responsibly.

5. Knowledge sharing – Wikis can be used to share knowledge and information with a community of users, which can be beneficial for education, research, and business purposes.

To collaborate on a wiki platform, users typically create an account and log in to access the content. They can then create and edit pages, add images and videos, and collaborate with other users. Some wiki platforms offer features such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and task management tools to help users collaborate more effectively.

There are various wiki platforms available, including:

1. Wikipedia – The world’s largest and most popular wiki platform, Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

2. MediaWiki – An open-source wiki platform that powers Wikipedia and many other wikis.

3. Confluence – A wiki platform designed for business and team collaboration, Confluence offers features such as task management, calendars, and chat rooms.

4. Fandom – A wiki platform for fan communities, Fandom allows users to create and edit pages related to their favorite TV shows, movies, and other interests.

5. DokuWiki – An open-source wiki platform that is easy to use and highly customizable.

Overall, wiki collaboration can be a powerful tool for promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building. By allowing users to work together to create and edit content, wikis can facilitate the sharing of information and ideas across a wide range of contexts.

Short Tutorial: SMB

SMB stands for Server Message Block, which is a protocol for sharing files, printers, and other resources on a network. In Mac Finder, SMB is used to connect to Windows file servers or other network-attached storage devices that use the SMB protocol for sharing files.

When you connect to an SMB server using Mac Finder, you can access files and folders on the server just like you would on your local computer. You can browse the server’s file system, open files, copy files to or from the server, and perform other file management tasks. 

To connect to an SMB server using Mac Finder, you will need to know the server’s name or IP address, as well as a valid username and password with permissions to access the shared files or folders.

Practice this at least 3 times – get your clicks & Muscle Memory In!

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