Apple finally allowed an app called Ustream Live into the app store.  It allows the iPhone to broadcast live to a website.  In this case, ustream.tv.  Previously, only jailbroken iPhones had this ability, and Ustream’s dominance in the field of live IPTV has made this technology really usable and accessible now.

Tonight, John, the moderator of productionapprentice.com, tested out the app at a nighttime event.  I was able to logon to our Blackburst Ustream.tv site, and watch the broadcast live.  It sputtered a bit, but it was remarkably clear, and the audio was rock solid.

Here’s a practical production application.  Just the other day Blackburst had a production where the client was not able to attend.  Having used Ustream in the past, we decided to test out a remote viewing using a macbook pro on set with us and a wifi connection.  We pointed the laptop at the field monitor.  It worked swimmingly.  The client was able to see and hear the talent run lines from 100’s of miles away.  The setup couldn’t be easier from either the broadcaster or the viewer side.

The implications of a service like this available to all smart phone users are staggering.  Imagine the live news that will be captured.  Did I mention Ustream allows you to save the broadcast on their site as well.

I’m going to give Ustream, my seal of approval as I believe people in our industry are absolutely going to gravitate towards this service.  It’s important to note that Ustream.tv is not alone providing this service.  Justin.tv is another one that works just as well.

Oh, I forgot to mention…everything is free.

-Joe

*Full disclosure:  Productionapprentice.com and I Joe Dorsey are in no way affiliated with any of these apps or websites.  I own no stock in them either.  They’re just that cool.