Competition Webcast Dashboard

[blockhead]

Having not being able to attend some competitions, I got really annoyed by the fact I would have to search for the video feed and try to find what rank or how our previous matches were going. So this past year I decided to create a web application or dashboard called At The Control.

Similar to that of MLBs At Bat dash board, ATC would allow the user to watch the video feed, check our current and past match information and get the rank with out ever having to refresh the page. Realtime updating (Javascript and Ajax)... During the Wisconsin Regional I realized this thing could get big! We had a total of 110 different viewers (Google analytics). And in St. Louis we had a record high of 330 viewers, through out the day. But this web based program evolved from just video rank and match information. At the Queen City regional I added a chat which made the web-viewing experience more enjoyable for those who could not attend in person, it added more of a social feature.

Over the current summer break I had the idea of launching the site for other regionals and teams to use. It would be a very simple change to the code but I want to hear from others before I start working on this project again. Should I pitch this idea to FIRST?, Should I keep this to my self?, Should I not wast the time and keep it to the team?

Let me know what you think?

Heres the link to the site: http://atc.team537.org

[Chinmay]

I think there are some nice features on the we page you set up. I like the concept of a spot where you can add predictions or possibly like a fantasy first section.

In terms of making this site public for all FRC users, note that there are about 3-4 big webcast portals that already provide a similar service throughout the year, madstream and watchFirstNow are two such sites. It can't hurt to have another site providing a similar service, I caution you that it takes a bit of work to update the webcasts for weekly events and also to maintain the site during build season.

Furthermore, you may find that the sites that people will use te sites that are already established and proven until you can show that your site is somehow providing something new and better or is more reliable than an existing solution. Make sure to consider these things before you take a lot of time to put together the website. If you're aware of these things, then by all means, make the site and best of luck to you. I look forward to seeing your work.

[blockhead]

I appreciatee the feedback, I am aware of these other sites and think its grate to have compeititon (although this orginization is soly based on gracious profesionalism.) Some of the other sites provide a really good user interface. I don't want to brag about my site but the one thing that brought our users coming back was because it was simple and easy to use. but it was made for our team.

I think our web team is up to the challenge. And the one important thing about our site is that its devoted for gathering information for you team rather than gathering all teams data.

[JB987]

An interesting option...please make sure you make use of an editor/spell checker though

[Chinmay]

Ya awesome! Sounds like you know what market yore going into. Like I said, I really like the beginnings of your site, and I look forward to seeing the public version for all teams to use.

One more bit of advice, team up with some offseason event that you know will be webcasting and see of you can handle the task of getting your site ready, getting the chat moderated, and publicizing your platform for watching webcasts. Many of the sites don't bother setting up for smaller events in the offseason and you may be able to establish yourself as a great resource before the season starts. Good luck

[blockhead]

Spell checker MUST HAVE! Theres an off season event going on this week, just asked if i could borrow the feed... not sure if they will have the ranks ect updated but just so others can see the site running can show what we can provide!