Help with Live Streaming + Video Mixing

S

shortnstout

Well-known member
Hi,
I've been asked to research what it will take for us to do some live streaming of an event and it's a bit overwhelming to me. I'm on a Macbook Pro and will be using a camera (or possibly some video mixer??) going into that computer.

1. What do I need to broadcast a live stream? Doesn't need to go to thousands of people, but potentially a couple hundred. I'd like to keep it very inexpensive if possible. I've considered Apple's QuickTime Broadcaster along with their OSX Server, but don't want to pay $500 for the server if possible. What about something like www.stickam.com? Looks pretty low quality.

2. Ideally I'd want to be able to cut between footage of the speaker and the powerpoint they have coming from their computer into a projector. I suppose I'd need some video mixer/switcher that feeds into my computer's usb or firewire??? Can't spend a fortune on that.

Please help!!!
Thanks
 
What's your budget? I think we can help you more if you give us more info. These things can range from nothing to thousands depending on your setup. Since you need powerpoint slides, you can either get a small switcher or have a copy of the file on the Mac and click with the speaker. As for the camera, obviously, you would need a firewire port/cable, and fast upload internet connection (don't use wireless). The quality of your free stream will be "ok", but it's sufficient. You have to pay a little more for HD quality and would need faster internet connection. Another thought is that once you put a video switcher/mixer into play, you gotta turn that into a digital signal for your computer via video capture card (ie. Blackmagic Design Intensity Shuttle). This will up your expenses quite a bit. Hope that helps.

Here are some popular software solutions:
http://www.ustream.tv/producer

http://www.livestream.com/platform/procaster
 
Thanks guys! I'd like to do it as cheaply as possible, but let's say my budget is $1000.
At this point my main concern is cutting these two sources live (before trying to stream). This would reduce my post-work greatly. I need a small video switcher and a way to get that into the computer, yes. What is a decent switcher? I can only go to these shoots with a MBP laptop so I don't think a blackmagic card would work. Is there a switcher or some combo of devices that could get the signals into my computer for recording?
thanks!
 
Tricaster

Tricaster

You should look into renting a Tricaster. Studio version or lower. It'll be well under $1000 and will take all your problems away in one swoop.
 
We use a great product called Wirecast by Telestream (http://telestream.net) ...Allows us to stream from multiple sources, import pics, video, audio, etc. Also allows us to record to disk which is helpful for post production!
 
Great! Thanks everyone! I just also found wirecast because I currently use screenflow by the same company.
But if I use wirecast, what is the cheapest way to get multiple inputs into my MBP laptop (I can't use my built-in webcam because I'm not the speaker). I'm also not sure how to get a feed from the speakers laptop while still allowing them to plug into a projector (some splitter?).
will look further into all these links. you guys are the best!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top