Online streaming is one of the most effective ways to increase event audience, which has become incredibly widespread in recent years. Simultaneously with the increased demand for online streaming, the number of companies and individuals offering relevant services has increased.
Live streaming requires reliable equipment and qualified personnel capable of solving any technical problems that may arise. Using consumer-grade capture cards, cameras, and connecting to the internet via wifi instead of wired internet allows for online streaming on a very modest budget, but increases the risk of technical failures manyfold.
Streaming with professional cameras with SDI output, wired internet, and using professional video equipment operated by qualified personnel ensures uninterrupted broadcast with high-quality picture and sound.
No retakes
The stream is live, so the picture must be high quality immediately. Under no circumstances should image defects be allowed: exposure errors, loss of focus, camera shake.
However, there are nuances here too. In live broadcast, the camera operator works in conjunction with other operators under the direction of the streaming director. It is important that the team works smoothly. To achieve this cohesiveness, special equipment is required.
First, a director-camera operator communication system — a device through which the camera team receives commands from the director with instructions (which object should be in the frame, shot size, camera movement, 'camera ready' and 'camera on air' commands).
The last two commands are the most important. The operator must clearly understand whether their camera's picture is going into the stream, so they must be extremely attentive. For additional control of the picture being broadcast, professional groups also use special devices with a tally interface. The device indicators show the operator the status of their camera — whether it is on air or not. Knowing all this and hiring professionals will protect you from picture problems during the broadcast and you will get high-quality video material.
Speed matters
Needless to say, a good internet connection is required for a high-quality online stream. The parameters of the access point at the venue are one of the first questions we clarify when preparing for a stream. And the internet available at the venue is not always suitable for uninterrupted broadcasting.
First, it must be a dedicated channel with a speed of at least 10 Mb/sec, and second, this point should not be a source of Wi-Fi signal. Low bitrate or a large number of connected devices to the wireless network can affect signal quality, and the stream may simply be interrupted. To prevent this, our team uses its own high-speed access point.
This allows us not to rely on chance and the parameters of the local network, but to have a reliable, high-quality signal at hand and, as a result, an uninterrupted stream. And, of course, on the day of the stream, it is necessary to test the internet at the venue. By ordering a stream from us, you can be sure that everything will be set up, checked, and ready exactly on time. Moreover, we test the internet at the venue on the day of the event for free.
Only professional equipment
There are no small details when organizing a live stream. All equipment — from cameras to the cable that transmits the signal — must be specially prepared for live broadcasting. For example, cameras must support signal transmission via SDI. This interface, unlike its consumer counterpart HDMI, ensures signal transmission with minimal delays and no loss of quality. In addition, HDMI cables and connectors are generally much less reliable than the SDI interface and can literally fall off! Agree, it would be a shame to lose the picture because of a cheap adapter.
CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR
FOR ORGANIZING ONLINE STREAMING
Own internet access point and preliminary internet testing at the venue
Outside broadcast van with intercom communication director-camera operator
Video cameras with SDI video output
