Since the pandemic, a large number of companies have been forced to use live video streaming as a medium to communicate with their stakeholders. Video content is in high demand right now, whether for connecting with consumers, broadcasting events electronically, or keeping in contact with staff who work from home. If you already have the necessary equipment, you can go live in the quickest time possible, like the built-in audio on your cell phone.
Components for the live stream
There are four main components to get your live stream up and running. This includes the cameras, laptops, and any other picture source we address in this essay. To play audio in your stream, you’ll at least need a microphone and an audio mixer, too, if you’re a pro. We’ll also learn a few things about producing your video content using a streaming software or encoder, as you’ll use it to broadcast your live content to the internet. You will also need to obtain your streaming keys from the streaming platform you will be planning to stream, and lastly, a stable internet connection to help you stream at a steady video bitrate.
Encoder’s role-play
“It’s all about setting up your audio and video hosting platform and solution to your encoder, setting up the connections, arranging your broadcast, and connecting the encoder to the live streaming software solution. Once you’ve completed the setup, you’ll be able to record your digital material and share it with others immediately.” Shah, K. J. (2021)
A must-have Video camera
A video camera is a must-have for anybody serious about doing live broadcasting professionally. There are tens of thousands of live-streaming cameras to choose from. Live streaming video cameras have the same drawbacks as any other piece of equipment. Video cameras at the entry level are often less expensive and more portable. If the lighting is perfect, the video quality may be excellent. They don’t have any manual control and just have a rudimentary connection. “They are priced between $300 to $700.Smartphone cameras, action cameras, and entry-level camcorders are just a few examples.” Shah, K. J. (2021)
Audio quality – an important factor
“According to several studies, audio quality is more essential to viewers than video streaming quality.” Tucci, S. (2020), however, stuttering in the live streaming video may be acceptable if the audio quality is maintained. We can learn from this not to cut corners when it comes to audio quality. Audio streaming gear may be divided into three categories: desktop, laptop, and mobile. “For example, the built-in microphones in entry-level cameras are of low quality. Mics with medium-high fidelity: those connected through USB or 3.5mm jacks or those incorporated into professional live video cameras.” Tucci, S. (2020)
XLR microphones are the industry standard for professional use. A simple connected 3.5mm lavaliere microphone may substantially enhance the audio quality of entry-level video cameras and smartphones. It’s also possible to improve sound quality by using a high-end 3.5mm microphone. XLR microphones, on the other hand, provide the best sound quality while streaming audio. “For decades, this has been the professional standard for quality and longevity.
Switching between AV sources
You may collect and switch between several video and audio sources during a live broadcast by mixing or switching live streaming equipment. Mixing is optional but essential if you’re filming a multi-camera live broadcast”. Tucci, S. (2020)
When you have several camera angles, hardware switchers are great. Switching between cameras is a breeze with these gadgets. For professional live video production, Switchers are available for as little as $2,995 and may include “Black magic Design’s ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K Live Production Switcher. Using this device, you can connect four HDMI cameras and four SDI cameras, and there is also an 8-camera SDI version. When you click a computer to the network, you may use software to swap between them.” Shah, K. J. (2021)
Audio sources
Multiple audio sources are inevitable in a complicated shoot. For this, some audio mixing is required. “It may be possible to mix digitally on the computer using live stream encoding software. However, to capture the audio sources, you may utilize a separate audio mixer. Then, you may fine-tune your encoder’s levels and other parameters and import a clean sound signal.” Tucci, S. (2020)
Encoders- last but not least
Encoders, the last essential element of live streaming hardware, are a need. In video encoding, video data are compressed to be preserved as a single, continuous movie instead of discrete pictures. Engineers created video encoding that allowed firms to reduce the size of their files without sacrificing quality, which is critical. Streamable material is made by hardware encoders, which are particular processors that encode video and data into something streamed. More miniature, portable encoders for live streaming are also available, as are more significant, more permanent installations. In most cases, HDMI and SDI are the most often used inputs.
“They’re generally constructed to last for commercial usage and can handle 24/7 video streaming without crashing. In addition, there are specialized hardware encoders on the market that transmit live video from remote areas using battery power and 5G LTE connectivity.” Zhu, H. (2004). RTMP encoders need RTMP (real-time messaging protocol)-capable hardware or software to broadcast live. Broadcasters may pick from various encoders for RTMP encoding, including both software and hardware options.
Streaming from a mobile device
To stream live from a mobile device, you will need a different setup than broadcasting from your studio. There is some equipment you can invest in to increase the quality of your final product while live streaming using a smartphone alone, particularly if it has a high-quality camera like the new iPhone 13 Pro.
“To put your show together, you’ll need a wide range of different live streaming tools. This includes everything from cables and tripods to batteries and light stands.” Zhu, H. (2004). Using these accessories will help you get the most out of your live-streaming setup for your company. As each company is unique, so are the accessory requirements. Tripods are the most crucial piece of equipment for any live streaming project. A choppy video or your camera falling off its makeshift tripod is not what you want. Improve your setup by including new elements that will enhance the quality of your movies.
For a live stream, the equipment you utilize is critical. Viewers will go if the audio and visuals aren’t up to snuff. A noisy stream will only be tolerated for around 90 seconds by most viewers. As a result, you have only one minute and fifty-six seconds to grab the attention of a viewer.
Recording a Live stream for Subsequent Benefits