Runner-up Winner: John (California, USA)

TelePresence for music production/entertainment. Through Telepresence using real-time technologies, Cisco could create a latency free premium sound environment that is tied to an HD 1080 picture that would allow efficient movement of music data. Producers, artists and engineers can discuss musical creations from their home studios. Music data can be streamed as heard by one individual to another who is critiquing or spectating. Cisco can collaborate with digital audio companies to create a high functioning real-time audio editing platform.

TelePresence for Music Production & Events: Q&A with John

How did you find out about the Connected Life contest?  Why did you decide to enter?
I have wanted to talk to Cisco about my idea for two or three years … and then I was browsing on the Cisco site and came across some promotional material about the contest.  It was the perfect opportunity to get my idea in front of Cisco.  Music is my career, and I’m doing some big things in Hollywood at the moment.  I saw an application for the technology and went for it.

What inspired your entry?
My idea of music is all about live shows.  I’ve seen where music is going – independents and home studios are blossoming – and I saw there was an opportunity to produce something that was real.  There are a lot of pop entertainers out there are the moment, but they’re not showmen.  My contest idea is all about incorporating a live aspect into music production.

Which technologies do you use today?
Personally I use a mobile phone and a laptop, but the main technology I use is in music studios, mostly Pro-Tools gear.  I have a home studio in my loft with 96 inputs, a vocal booth, and a whole arrangement of gear.  I also mix on large console boards at some of the major studios, as I work a lot on orchestrated and score music.  

Which technologies do you think you’ll be using in the future?
Well, today I have a RAZR phone, so I’m definitely hoping that in the future I’ll have a phone that makes all my music accessible, including letting me email it and transfer it around.  I also compose music for film, so I’d love to see as much visual content entering our lives as possible.  And of course, everything will be digital.

What will you do with your prize money?
I’ll probably buy more gear for my studio!  I have my eye on a nice microphone at the moment …