Live Streaming HD with the HMC80

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Ken1212

Well-known member
Have anyone used the HMC80 or 40 to stream live HD footage, did you use the HDMI interface, is it a good camera to stream HD?
 
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I have not done this but capturing via the HDMI interface makes the most sense since audio and video is in one cable...less clutter is better. The key question for me is where can you stream to that accepts at least 720HD and at what unfortunate low bit rate will it stream at? I know here in the wonderful state of Maine where the download speeds are nice but the uploads SUCK for general Internet I don't think it wil matter. But I do agree that starting with the best quality is always better, whether streaming or editing. I have the HMC40 and am very, very happy with the HD I get out of it. So as far as it being a good camera for streaming HD I would have to say yes. But of course the end result quality relies way to much on the software from which you stream and upload speeds I would say. I have used the AV out and a CHEAP capture device on ustream to test and would say it was acceptable for a conference or meeting type situation. Anything with action I don't think would work, but haven't tested the theory. Quick movement with the camera caused pixelation.
 
I used the HMC40's component video out to my Osprey-240 card for a number of streaming HD events last year in a corporate meeting/conference setting. Streamed via Limelight WMV Push hosting at 1000kbps (including audio & video bitrate) with no problems using Microsoft Expression Encoder v4.

If you have the light for the 40 or 80 in the setting you're streaming from, yes, they are great cameras for the task!
 
I was also looking at Matrox MXO2 mini as I have some older SVHS video I need to upconvert to 720p. How does it compare to Blackmagic and the Osprey cards?
 
Well the Osprey is a card that you might put into a computer, the Matrox is a box you'd hook up to a computer or laptop, the blackmagic is a stand alone piece of hardware. I'd go with the blackmagic for reliability sake in a field switching application and probably the Matrox for ingesting footage.
 
@Ken, I'd use the following solutions for the following tasks:
-Osprey for upconversion tasks (our card is in a desktop computer - not 100% portable for field applications)
-Matrox for field work b/c it's far more portable and laptop friendly
-Blackmagic for switching as cheapass recommends

All of them should work well for streaming to the best of my knowledge with them.
 
I have done lots of component out in SD Streaming. I used an ADVC55.

Most streams do well with a stream of 500 or less. (can't recall uom). I prefer to be in the 700 range. True HD, I believe, would require something a LOT higher and be tough to stream as a viewer.

Who is your audience? My thought would be to determine if you really need to stream HD. Perhaps, you can stream 16:9 and not fully HD.
Rob



EDIT:*** Apologies. I thought the OP said HMC40.
 
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I need it for events in the field and also for studio use, that's why I thought the Matrox would probably be the best fit as it's portable and could use it with a laptop in house or in the field. As I mentioned I also need to upconvert older SD footage to HD.
 
I would really suggest you look at two separate solutions Ken. Relying on a laptop in the field during production can be a serious mistake. Especially during live streaming. Just my .02
 
I would love to get a tricaster but it's beyond my budget, what solutions do you suggest, I need to stream HD 720p.
 
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