Last week I panned parliament for introducing new rules that prohibit video footage of its proceedings being used for satirical purposes. The answer to dumbo politician clips being posted to YouTube, it seems, is not to stop MPs giving the finger, falling asleep or braying at each other like horses on P, but rather strict prohibitions on how such images could be revealed to voters (the "out of context" argument is a total red herring, since there are already rules governing images being used out of context in political ads and so fourth).

I said that rather than having any rules about video coverage, the entire debating chamber should always be available, uncensored, to the general public via webcam.

Unbeknown to me, a web video project was already in the works, and it's due to go live tomorrow (July 17).

Eight remote controlled cams will capture 17.5 hours of parliament a week, which you'll be able to watch via www.parliament.nz. The crux of it will be whether the cams focus boringly on whoever is officially speaking at any given time, or if they capture the circus around them. We'll find out tomorrow.

Incidentally, the Speaker's Office press release says the cameras cost $4.137 million to set up (including a separate control room) and will cost $1.785 million a year to run. For that price, I expect high definition. If you want high def at your place, check out August NZ PC World - if I may neatly segue into some promo - which features a group test of HD digital video camcorders from $1999.