Monday, March 21, 2016

How To Stream Live Video Like A Pro

Live streaming an event takes a lot of work.  You have to consider the content, the cameras, the lighting, the audio and the content.  But apart from those basic considerations (which are difficult enough to configure on their own) creating a fantastic stream live video takes a lot of patience and agility.


Tip 1: There Is More Than One Way To Live Stream Video
This may be good news to some and bad news to others, but the truth is that there is more than one way to live stream video.  What you have to figure out is which solution is best based on the event and the audience you are trying to reach.  After that you need to also weigh:

·         The cost
·         The quality
·         Possible failure points


Tip 2: Use More Than One Camera
The best stream video is taken when two or more cameras are shooting the action.  Then, if you are using multiple cameras, make sure that you use a video switcher.  These devices allow you to create a more visually dynamic show which will keep your audience interested and captivated.

How to choose a switcher: Inputs mean a lot when it comes to your video switcher.  You may think that you will only use three cameras, but you may need additional inputs such as:

·         Extra GoPro camera positions
·         Video playback sources
·         Animated backgrounds

Switchers can fall into one of the following two categories:

a) Hardware-based switchers
b) Software-based switchers

Hardware-based switchers run on dedicated boxes and have their own control surfaces.  A software switcher runs on a laptop or desktop computer and includes converters or video capture cards.  They also tend to be more cost effective and offer fantastic production value, but the best switcher for you is whatever you feel the most comfortable with.


Tip 3: Use The Right Unit For Your Event
There are companies which specialize in producing live stream cameras for a variety of different purposes.  Some units are ideal for field shots and are compatible with any camera while others units will be more cumbersome and expensive yet offer more options and functionality.

Regardless of the unit you choose, you will want to find one within your budget that best satisfies the following factors:

·         The unit should be lightweight
·         The unit should be easy to use
·         The unit should ideally offer cloud-based management and video distribution for quick and efficient live streaming
·         The unit should be compatible with numerous cellular links including Wi-Fi, 4GLTE/3G, WiMAX and HSPA+


Tip 4: Don't Forget To Encode The Video
There will come a point when you will need to encode your video into a live streaming format.  This often happens at the venue where the event is taking place.  There are free software encoders, and then there are paid hardware encoders which may cost anywhere between $10,000 to $50,000.

Software encoders are less dependable, but they are often free and are what beginners and smaller video production outfits use.  If you are serious about live streaming and want to achieve optimal results, however hardware encoders are the best way to achieve a flawless webcast. For more information on Stream Live Video, visit: http://www.liveu.tv/lu200



No comments:

Post a Comment