Answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Is webcasting easy?

YES! You can be up and running in as little as 5 minutes.

How does the webcasting process work?

The process is very easy. All a broadcaster needs to do is to be at a game with a few items - 1) a computer, 2) a microphone, 3) an internet connection, and 4) a camera if doing video. Meridix provides the broadcaster with free audio/video encoding software, and the broadcaster updates the data portion (the live scores, stats, game info) directly through any browser window. Any internet connection can be used, from dialup/modem to DSL, Cable, Ethernet, WiFi, mobile broadband, etc.

What equipment do I need?

There is very little equipment needed to complete a webcast, though it depends on how complex you want your setup to be. The most common setup for audio broadcasts includes simply a computer and a microphone (can be a very simple $10 computer microphone). If you want a few different people talking, such as a play by play person and a color commentator, you might obtain multiple microphones. If you choose to add video to your account, you would need a video camera or webcam. You might need a network cable or wireless card, depending on how you connect to the internet.

What is a LiveID?

A LiveID is your unique channel on our network, that could represent your school, team, or organization. Thus, a school such as Naperville Central High School could have a LiveID of "NapervilleCentral", or a broadcaster with multiple LiveID accounts could be "ILSportsChannel1" and "ILSportsChannel2", or a single team could be the "RamblingRedhawks". You can use and customize LiveIDs in any manner you need. A single organization can also have multiple LiveIDs (channels).

How do listeners/viewers access the webcast?

Directly through embedding in your organization's existing website, or via a customized channel page that we give to you. Once your listeners/viewers arrive at either of these locations, they simply click once to launch the broadcast instantly - no need to wait, nor login.

Does my audience have to pay anything?

No, your audience does not have to pay anything to view your games and events. Fans simply visit your existing website or the channel page we give you, and with one click they can launch any of your broadcasts. Meridix does have tools available if you want your listeners/viewers to buy a ticket to each event or purchase a season pass, but a vast majority of broadcasters allow their audience to listen or watch for free.

How many viewers/listeners can access my events? How many events can I cover?

An unlimited number of people can access your stream, and there are no limits on the number who can listen at any given time. There are also no limits on the total number of events that you can produce during each month - produce as many webcasts and events as you need. The "unlimited" nature of our network is within reason however - if you have events drawing 10 million people, we'll obviously need to work out something different with you - but most organizations are fine.

Which types of internet connections are needed for the service?

Nearly any type of internet connection can be used, though the faster the better. For any of our text, data, and audio services, dialup modems have been used, all the way up through DSL, cable modems, wifi, ethernet, mobile broadband, and other connections. If you add video to your account, the requirements are higher (~500K upstream or faster), and dialup will not work, but most DSL/cable/Ethernet will. Some broadcasters have also been successfully using mobile broadband cards, which are wireless cards you can plug into any computer to give you portable internet access via cellular phone towers.

Do listeners have to refresh the screen to get the updated game data?

No refreshing of the screen is necessary. Our system automatically updates listeners/viewers with the latest data every few seconds.

What type of media format do you use?

Meridix uses H.264/AAC format for all broadcasts and archives, which is one of the most widely used and widely available media formats. This ensures that listeners can access your webcasts instantly without needing to download additional software, on nearly any device. Our live data screens use open standards including JavaScript and XML, meaning that they can be viewed with any web browser, including Internet Explorer, Firefox, Mozilla, Opera, Safari, and others.

How do I sign up?

You can sign up in several ways, online or by phone.

1. The easiest way is to simply visit http://www.meridix.com/signup, which will allow you to create an account immediately online.
2. You can also call us at (630) 300-8747
3. Send us an email at sales@meridixcreative.com and we can personally assist you with the signup process.

What are my costs to use this service? What packages are available?

For the latest pricing information, we always recommend visiting:

http://www.meridix.com/golive

...in order to view the various packages and details. Also on this page, you can view screenshots, feature lists, and descriptions, examples, and other information about the network.

How does the text messaging system work?

Text messages can go out to your fans via two different ways - either automatically as a result of your webcasts, or manually at the touch of a button. In the first method, you go about doing the webcasts as you normally would. However, when your games go final, our system will automatically send text messages out to fans, without you having to do a thing. We know that text messages are useful for more than just scores, so we also offer a console in your account from which you can manually send text messages with one click. In this manner, you can send out last minute schedule changes, practice changes, cancellations, postponements, news, venue moves, and other information even if people are already on their way to the game (and thus an email would be too late). You can even target messages to only certain teams or event types. Fans, parents, players, students, and coaches sign themselves up and select only the types of notifications they wish to receive, so you do not have to maintain any lists, numbers, or names. Our system automatically determines who should receive appropriate messages for you.

Do I have to maintain my own text message lists or long lists of numbers?

Not at all! Recipients sign themselves up to receive messages and can customize their alert types by sport or team, and this takes the work off of you. They can even sign themselves up for these messages directly on your website, using a signup link that we give to you. Within their accounts, recipients can customize their preferences, notification types, and turn messaging on and off at will.

How do fans/parents/players/staff sign up for text message alerts?

The signup process for text message alerts is simple. In fact, we provide you with a special link for your website so that individuals can sign up for your alerts directly on your site, or they can use the console on your webcast pages. Once they have created an account and entered their mobile number (only necessary the first time), they can then use those same credentials to login and customize their alerts at any time in the future. Users can customize their notification types, relevant event types, turn messaging on and off, and customize other preferences.