I think I have posted before about the Digital Planet show on the BBC World Service. I think it may have been one of the first podcasts I listened to, but I cannot remember how I first found it. It has gone through a few name changes, starting as Go Digital, then Digital Planet, then Click (sharing branding with a TV show) and back to Digital Planet. That has all been over 21 years starting in a time when a lot less people were online. I have been to several recordings that happened in the BBC Radio Theatre in the iconic Broadcasting House. The last one was when they celebrated 18 years. I had got to know some of the team and was one of those invited along to the BBC bar for a drink and some cake.
There has been a lack of live shows in recent years for obvious reasons, but they did one for this latest milestone. I got on the guest list via their Facebook fan group that has discussion of all sorts of technology topics. The show is very international and covers stories you might not hear about otherwise.
The presenter Gareth Mitchell brought along his 'presenter friends' who provide expert commentary on the show. These were Angelica Mair, Bill Thompson and Ghislaine Boddington. Angelica had come all the way from Brazil.
There was some discussion about changes in technology over the last 21 years, but they also had some other guests. The first was from ARHT Media who have a technology that lets you interact remotely with someone in a more natural way than things like Zoom. There was a wardrobe sized box on stage and the guest materialised in it. He was about life size and in high definition. I do not think it was actually 3D, but the shadows in the box made him appear so.
https://twitter.com/dgwbirch/status/1567220825413017616
- dgwbirch
I did not take pictures during the show as that is not generally allowed, but others got away with it. I spoke to Gareth afterwards and he said the system still lacked that crucial eye to eye contact as the cameras are not easily lined out with where our eyes would be. It was still very impressive and got a good reaction from the audience.
The other guest was from a project called Wiki Piano this is a collaborative composition using wiki type technology. As well as adding musical notes people can add text, video and instructions for the performer to do. We had pianist Zubin Kanga to perform the piece. It might not count as music to some, but it was entertaining.
After the show I and other guests were invited to the bar again. There was some wine and snacks there for us.
Someone made some special macaroons to mark the event.
I had some nice conversations over the evening. I had met some of the listeners before. In the theatre I sat next to a guy who works at the BBC and had produced the show at times. He had also worked on archiving the old BBC Domesday Project that I remember from my youth.
I like to put myself into situations where I meet interesting people. These shows are an example of that. Hivefest is another that will be happening next week.
I had a great evening. I managed to catch a train that got me home at a reasonable time. It is handy being so close to London so we can go events like this.
Stay digital!
