LoLa (low latency audio visual streaming system) is proprietary networked music performance software, first conceived in 2005, that enables real-time rehearsing and performing with musicians at remote locations, overcoming latency - the time lapse that occurs while (compressed) audio streams travel to and from each musician.

LoLa
Developer(s)Conservatorio di Musica "Giuseppe Tartini"
Initial releaseNovember 30, 2017; 6 years ago (2017-11-30) (v1.5.0)
Stable release
2.0.0 beta 1 / 18 October 2019
Operating system
Licensefree for all academic and education non profit uses; otherwise shareware
Websitelola.conts.it

Unlike similar systems, LoLa offers ultra-low latency video as well as audio streaming, and for this reason has extremely stringent hardware requirements (estimated cost over 12,600 euros).[1] The current version supports up to 3 connections, with up to 4 cameras per site.[2] Over 140 sites - primarily universities and conservatoires - are listed as LoLa installations.[3]

LoLa was conceived in 2005, when a Miami orchestra ran a master class accompanied by the Italian Research and Academic Network (GARR). Alternative solutions suggested at the time included EtherSound (Paris), NetworkSound (Silicon Valley) and Dante (Sydney) but these were limited to high-speed university or laboratory-based local networks.[4]

It has been used for live streaming by individual professional musicians unable to perform in public during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic,[5] as well as international concerts.[6] Pinchas Zukerman described the technology as "the savior of the profession".[7]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "LoLa suggested hardware" (PDF). lola.conts.it. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  2. ^ "LoLa, Low Latency Audio Visual Streaming System Installation & User's Manual, Version 2.0.0 (rev.001)" (PDF). lola.conts.it. Conservatorio di musica G. Tartini – Trieste, Italy. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  3. ^ "LOLA INSTALLATIONS". Google My Maps. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  4. ^ Siglin, Tim (14 June 2018). "Come Together: Streaming in Professional Music Production". Streaming Media Magazine. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  5. ^ Vnukowski, Daniel (22 December 2020). "As a concert pianist, the stage is my life. But the pandemic taught me to love the livestream". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  6. ^ Pooran, Neil (26 October 2018). "Poppies will be projected on campus for Armistice concert". edinburghlive. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  7. ^ "Pinchas Zukerman's Secret — Staying Curious". San Francisco Classical Voice. 14 February 2017. Retrieved 6 January 2021.