Live streaming advice

TubEfingers

TubEfingers

Well-known member
We sometimes shoot presentations etc and currently have:

a Blackmagic 1 ATEM production studio 4K,
4 x cams
2 x MB Pros's - 1 as controller and 1 for dropping in the slides
Atomos samurai blade to record the final video output from the BM prod studio to hand off to clients at the end if the day,

we want to take the next step and offer live streaming, what additional kit and crew would we need?
does anyone know of relevant forums that cover this topic?

Thanks

Luke
 
Hi Luke,

Many different options available. One is to use a PC or Mac as the streaming encoder, providing you have a way to get the HDMI video into said computer. On the MacBook Pro, that would be a video capture unit with Thunderbolt, such as a BlackMagic Intensity Shuttle with Thunderbolt, or Matrox MXO2 Mini with Thunderbolt. Use the free Adobe Flash Media Live Encoder software to take the video from capture device and encode to send to your CDN (Content Delivery Network) such as LiveStream, Ustream, YouTube, etc.

Another option is a stand-alone encoding device. LiveStream offers the LiveStream Broadcaster, a small battery-powered box that sits atop the camera and encodes HDMI input and streams it, though I believe you MUST use the LiveStream service. Connect wired internet or connect a 3G/4G USB wireless modem.

Matrox offers the Monarch HD stand-alone encoder. Set up encoding parameters using a web browser, and once configured, works stand-alone. Connect HDMI source and wired internet, and push the STREAM button. A nice extra on this unit is that it can also RECORD the video as high-quality H.264 to your choice of USB drive or SD card, providing another backup or delivery option. Works with any CDN.

Probably the most pressing issue is getting enough bandwidth/internet access at different venues such as hotels and auditoriums. It is recommended to have an upload speed that is 1.5-2.0 times the rate you want to stream at. So if the stream needs to be 1mb, then the internet connection should provide 1.5mb-2mb upload speed to provide some cushion.

Best advice once you do get the kit is test, test, test. So many things can go wrong, all you can do is make sure you are prepared.

Thanks

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers
 
Jeff,

Thank you for such an informative answer!
A tech guy here has recommended a Teradek Vidiu or cube and a Livestream subscription,
the events we are covering are small scale conference/board room shoots with (hopefully) a good wired connection - do you think that set up sounds adequate?

I'm happy to invest if it means as close to a failsafe setup as i can achieve

Thanks

Luke
 
Last edited:
@Luke... I see you looked into Vidi U. I have a concert for a non-profit operatic society end of May.

They want to livestream via Concert Window.

Local recommendation here is to use Vidi U.

I have a Panasonic Ag-AC160A and will want to hard wire out the the Vidi U to the internet in the concert hall.

Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Hi - I still haven't invested in the kit yet - in my experience so far live stream clients are indecisive/disorganised,
I've had 4 different jobs cancel for various reasons - 2 directly through us and 2 through other production companies I was to supply camera + crew for!
 
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