The software itself is free, for both producers and talent, and can be installed on as many machines in your studio or office as you like.

Currently SoundStreak is in beta testing for qualified users. When the beta test ends producers will pay a per-session flat-rate fee each time they connect to talent and record. This session fee will be dramatically lower than the fees our clients now pay at sound studios. Our fee structure varies somewhat, based on client needs. Please contact us for more information.

Talent may be charged a modest support fee per month or year, but will not be charged session fees and can use the system as much as they need. All pricing will be announced at the end of the beta test period.

SoundStreak supports:

1. AVI Files: using the Cinepak codec
2. Windows Media Video 9 (.wmv)
   * recommended due to smaller file sizes

Quicktime can be used if both ends of the session are on OS X (Mac-to-Mac). QuickTime will be universally supported by November, 2007.

*Mac users must download and install the Flip4Mac plug-in before they can use Windows Media files.

• I’m a producer, what equipment do I need?

No special equipment is required; you can use nearly any recent, well maintained computer. See “What kind of computer do I need?” above. You will need either high quality headphones or speakers to evaluate the production audio you have recorded.

Note: Some Producers use Skype or other Internet phone connections instead of a telephone to talk to talent during the session. For this, a headset with a mic is recommended. We suggest using a USB headset although a non-USB (with dual mini-plugs) will work if your computer has a sound card.

• What kind of Internet connection do I need?

Any broadband Internet connection will suffice. Cable, DSL, or corporate LAN will all work.

• Can I use WiFi?

Yes. However, a wired/LAN connection is often faster, and should be used when possible.

• I’m a voice actor, what equipment do I need?

1. If you have a home studio, you need only to add a PC or Mac to your Sound booth. See “What kind of computer do I need?” above. You will need to situate your computer so you can read scripts off the computer screen while you perform. Care should be taken to assure noise from the computer can’t reach the mic. Contact us if you need help setting up your computer. Most home studio sound capture devices are compatible with SoundStreak 2-Picture™.
2. If you don’t have a home studio: home sound studios are not hard to create and more affordable than you might think, as low as $2,500. Contact us and we’ll help you plan a home studio that fits your needs. Once you have a home studio you’ll be able to take advantage of the superb service SoundStreak offers talent.

• Can I use my existing DigiDesign, M-Audio, Delta, Presonus, MOTU, Mackie or other sound capture equipment with 2-Picture™?

In most cases yes. SoundStreak has been tested with many professional audio interfaces. Currently Windows devices with DirectSound drivers, and Mac devices with CoreAudio support will work. Contact us for a current list of compatible sound devices, or for assistance getting your audio interface working with 2-Picture™.

• Can I use a USB Microphone?

Yes. USB mics are unlike conventional mics because they do not use a sound card or audio interface. You can plug them directly into any computer without a preamp or other equipment. The quality of these mics has recently increased, however they are not generally considered a replacement for high-end studio mics and professional capture devices. The Blue “Snowball” and MXL USB.006 are popular models and can be used with 2-Picture™.

• How many tracks does 2-Picture™ support?

2-Picture™ supports unlimited take tracks (subject to free disk space). 2-Picture™ allows one take to be played back at a time plus a base audio mix (stand alone or as part of a video). A mixer controls the relative volume of each track.

2-Picture™ makes uncompressed single track (monaural) recordings. Stereo and mutli-track versions of the application are planned for the future.

• I’m a producer, but how do I know if the talent I want to use is using 2-Picture™?

Please contact us to see whether the talent you’ve chosen to work with has already downloaded the SoundStreak software. If they haven’t, we can work to get them started. Downloading and installing our software could not be any easier!

• As a producer, how are my video assets secured?

Our FTP server is backed up daily, however the privacy of your login and password is your responsibility. Should you ever want your login disabled for any reason, contact us without delay.

• Do the producer and talent have to use the same operating system?

No. We support Windows XP and Mac OS X 10.4.0+. Either participant may user either OS. Note: Currently we do not support Windows Vista

• Can the producer work with multiple voice actors or singers simultaneously?

Not yet, although we’re investigating this feature. Check our web site for developments.

• Can the talent record without the producer?

No. This is planned for our commercial release.

• Does SoundStreak provide a file back-up service?

As long as a high-resolution take has been successfully transferred to the Producer, you may contact our support department and we can help you acquire copies of your files. We can deliver copies of your files within 24 hours. But even if you didn’t transfer a take from Talent to Producer, it will be clearly labeled and stored on the Talent’s computer, where any number of backup methods may be employed for safety. If the Talent machine crashes during a session, contact our support department for assistance retrieving files from their machine.