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Live Broadcast DGT Chess Board test

By GilaChess - June 08, 2014

One disappointment with the DGT Chessboard is the problem broadcasting using the common software known as "LiveChess". An example of how it looks like on a web page is like below (taken from KedaiCatur.com live broadcast).

The Bluetooth version of the DGT chess board simply won't work with LiveChess broadcasting software. :(

Not a great loss as there is a good alternative. Taking a cue from what Starcraft gamers are doing broadcasting their games online, I decided to do the same. They use twitch.tv a website that helps to "stream" live games online.

After some tinkering and a bit of hair pulling I finally got it working with my DGT chess board. Here's how it looks like:-

One thing I like is the fact that I can customise the screen to my heart's content. The chess pieces, board colors, size of board, windows are all customisable!

It's possible to add camera view replacing the empty black space above and add a video of two commentators for example or maybe just a chat box.

This is how it looks like embedded into this website:-

What is missing now is a live chess tournament where I can test a live chess broadcast. Oh well, the nearest one will be the coming Malaysian Chess Festival set on September 2014. Also not forgetting the Johor Open which I should be there too.

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chess equipments

DGT chess board is here!

By GilaChess - June 01, 2014

Well actually it was here for almost a month. I just didn't get around to testing it properly.

I wasn't too worried if it worked or not because just using it as a chess board alone is good. The wooden board and pieces look very nice.

It is a bluetooth DGT chessboard meaning there is minimal wires. Only one wire connecting the board to the chess clock when needed. Other than that it's pretty neat that there is no wires hanging all over the chess table.

I did try it the first day I got the board and it didn't work. The reason was I was using my Mac Book Air and I didn't install the full set of drivers from the CD.

Today I finally installed the drivers and it is shown here working together with Fritz 9 SE (given free with the board). Played a game vs Fritz with the moves announced via voice and it was a pretty smooth experience. I made my move and it registered in Fritz in the computer screen. Fritz then made it's move and announced it so I moved for it on the board.

I lost of course :)

Related link: Online Chess with the DGT board

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New Chess Website

Thanks to GilaChess supporters - relaunch and a new look for GilaChess

By GilaChess - May 07, 2014

MCF website has inspired me to restart GilaChess website which has been 'dead' for almost 2 years.

If you haven't seen the 'new' MCF site take a look at it at:

http://malaysiachess.com

Here's a screenshot:

It looks absolutely professional. Best of all you needn't spend a bomb to get this design. It's wordpress and cost about USD 59. It's called the SportsGazette theme and can viewed and bought from http://magazine3.com/sportsgazette

MCF website is refreshing as it carries not only local news but lots of international news as well. However, I had hoped it carried more relevant content too like the recent Masters selection criteria which was splintered and left to be announced on Tse Pin blog and Haslindah's blog respectively.

Thanks to the contribution of those who bought my picture DVD (RM 10 per DVD) of the Selangor Open I have enough money to pay for my own theme. Though tempting I won't go for the same theme as MCF website.

Instead I am looking at this:-

Demo of this template can be seen here.

Main reason being, it is suitable for displaying chess results and announcing upcoming events which is mainly what the old GilaChess website was about.

It costs USD 45 and I am letting GilaChess supporters know that the money you gave me goes right back into the website. It will take some time for me to customise and set up the template (hopefully not too long :) )

Again. Thanks for the support guys!

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Chess Food

Sugar boost!

By GilaChess - May 06, 2014

I am always on the lookout for the type of food consumed by chess players.

This is what I've managed to find out during the Selangor Open.

Many of the top players frequently will take "snack breaks" in the form of candy bars and chocolate.

They do so at least once but only in the middle of the game.

Some will take it sitting down.

Others will get up and secretly unwrap their Kit Kat and eat it while watching a game far from their board.

I am sure there are benefits especially in a draining tournament like Selangor Open where any boost in the mental faculty will help immensely.

Timing is all important too. I saw one player take his sugar boost a few minutes after the round start which was too early and coincidentally I saw him lose at the end of the round.

So will you be packing Kit Kat or some Mars bars for your next tournament ?? :)