Announcement: No webcast during Priesthood Session

[aebrown]

Is it possible that the new webcasting service also can also be used to webcast from the meetinghouse to people's homes? If so, then that might be a more likely explanation for the outage.

Yes, it is technically possible for anyone with an Internet connection who has been given the event code and URL to view the webcast. However, in the Meetinghouse Webcast FAQ we read:

Meetinghouse Webcast is intended to broadcast events from one building to other buildings. Allowing others to view the webcasts from locations other than Church buildings should be done only when unusual circumstances exist and stake and area leaders deem it necessary. (emphasis mine)

Note that if people are following the policy, anyone receiving a webcast anywhere besides a Church building has to have approval from both stake and area leaders. I imagine such approval would not be given lightly.

However, the only real security on the webcast is a 6 digit code. The Church goes to great lengths to secure the broadcast of the Priesthood Session, so I could certainly understand a reluctance to have local units then pass on this secured communication using technology that is far less secure.

[aebrown]

Thank you for the heads up. We will get on the phone tomorrow and let everyone know that they will need to travel. Our plans to save them several hours of driving time have just evaporated.

I certainly understand a desire to save members significant travel time. However, even if it had been technically feasible, I do wonder if it is appropriate at all to use Webcast technology to pass on broadcasts to other buildings. After all, the Meetinghouse Webcast FAQ says:

What type of meeting is appropriate for meetinghouse webcasts?
The letter from the Presiding Bishopic’s Office regarding use of webcast technology refers to “stake conferences, regional conferences, firesides, and training meetings.” Stake and area leaders should use discretion when determining what meetings should be broadcast. Webcasts should not be used to broadcast ordinances such as baptisms or the administration of the sacrament.

I don't see general conference broadcasts listed there as one of the appropriate webcast options. Just a point you might consider. But it is clear that stake and area leaders do make the decision.

[lajackson]

I don't see general conference broadcasts listed there as one of the appropriate webcast options. Just a point you might consider. But it is clear that stake and area leaders do make the decision.

Excellent point, and duly noted. We had already arranged to project the general sessions of conference at these meetinghouses using byu.tv (move.org) and laptops. Perhaps we got a bit carried away in thinking we could also arrange to show general priesthood meeting that way.

In any event, we are blessed with faithful brethren who will make the trip wherever needed to attend the meeting.

[lajackson]

. . . is it possible the the new webcasting service also can also be used to webcast from the meetinghouse to peoples homes?

Yes, as Alan has noted. The setup instructions say that up to 15 connections can be made via the Internet to the feed. The instructions also say that more connections can be arranged by coordinating with CHQ.

We have discussed sending the feed of our next stake conference to several meetinghouses, and also to locations where large numbers of our members are away for training or other service. We can still do it in under the 15 connection limit, though.

[russellhltn]

As one who seems to frequently find himself beating dead horses to new heights, is it possible the the new webcasting service also can also be used to webcast from the meetinghouse to peoples homes? If so, then that might be a more likely explanation for the outage.

Well, if we're going to join in the recreational kicking of a moot points..... perhaps the reason it's unavailable is because it's a limited resource that's going to be used to bring the Priesthood session to congregations that don't have access to a satellite system. Perhaps members without their own building in some far away land. The ones getting it have been selected by the General Authorities in advance.

[mkmurray]

Well, if we're going to join in the recreational kicking of a moot points..... perhaps the reason it's unavailable is because it's a limited resource that's going to be used to bring the Priesthood session to congregations that don't have access to a satellite system. Perhaps members without their own building in some far away land. The ones getting it have been selected by the General Authorities in advance.

Ok, ok...you both bring up good points that it may not be precisely the reason we are eluding to, the fact that maybe the Church wants to continue to protect Priesthood Session broadcast in some way. I concede your points may be factors or the whole reason altogether. I still agree with Alan_Brown that there is ample evidence that Church goes to great lengths to secure the Priesthood broadcast.

Anyway, we probably should refrain from guessing like this about Church HQ's intentions. I will be the first to withdraw from the fruitless hypothesizing.

[russellhltn]

I still agree with Alan_Brown that there is ample evidence that Church goes to great lengths to secure the Priesthood broadcast.

No question about it.

But, "Ours is not to question why, Ours is to do or die."