To mark the Christmas festivities, internet users will be able to access a brand-new service on the websites of Radio Vatican (www.radiovaticana.org), the Pontifical Council for Social Communications (www.pccs.va) and www.pope2you.net, in close collaboration with the Vatican TV Centre (CTV), and thanks to an agreement with Telecom Italia.
Liturgical celebrations presided over by the Holy Father Benedict XVI: Christmas Eve Holy Mass from 10 p.m. onwards on Friday 24 December, the Christmas message including the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing at midday on 25 December, and Holy Mass for the World Day of Peace at 10 a.m. on 1 January will all be broadcast live in audio and video feeds over the internet. Live feed commentaries will be available in six languages: Italian, French, English, German, Spanish and Portuguese. On Christmas Eve, commentary will be available in Chinese; an Arabic commentary will be provided for the 1 January celebration. An audio channel without commentary with just a live audio feed will also be available.
The service leverages the Telecom Italia Content Delivery Network platform, which efficiently delivers high-speed multimedia content over the web and iPhone around the globe. Use of the platform also ensures optimal distribution of multimedia content to a high number of viewers at the same time, ensuring service continuity and optimal picture quality.
“Smooth Streaming” technology for distributing video events over the internet is a new development built in to the new player. Smooth Streaming ensures that viewers enjoy the best possible video experience given the resources available (internet bandwidth, computer speed, etc.). The technology makes it possible to broadcast video at standards up to and including HD (High Definition).
Developed in Silverlight, the player also offers access to audio channels from Vatican Radio, and to on-demand video news either from a schedule or via the built-in search engine.
Rome, 22 December 2010
