Live streaming Blog

The beginning step is usually the most difficult. How do you start? It's great to know that there are ways to start off in the right direction. In this article we'll walk you through the ins and outs of the things you'll need to know before you go live the first time.

By the end of this piece, you'll be in a position to know the most effective methods of live streaming using the top equipment available that fits your budget, and the different live streaming platforms that will help you choose the ideal platform for your awesome videos.

In this article

•     Beginning with live streaming
•     How do you live stream live for the first time
•     5 methods to boost the bandwidth of your Internet connection to stream live

Starting by streaming live

Before you jump into streaming, start with the video.

There's a lot of well created, multi-camera broadcasts around the world. However, there's no need to pay a premium to get started. Be aware that the equipment you choose to use as well as the set-up process will only get you so far -- it's all about your content.

Take a moment to think about your last video call with loved ones and friends. Perhaps you had a catch-up or shared dinner. Similar to your last video call Live streaming serves only one goal in common: be authentically connected in a engaging manner.

How to live stream for it for the very first time?

Here's a complete list of what that you'll require before you begin live streaming:

• Audio input
• Camera input
• Encoder and switcher
• Internet bandwidth
• Live streaming platform

Terms of Live streaming

Before moving to the next stage, there are few terms to be aware of. This is only the tip of the iceberg that will help you dive into streaming languages for your first attempt.

• Bitrate The speed at which information that's transferred from one point to another. The standard measurement is Kilobytes per Second but can vary based on a range of variables, such as: connectivity between the receiver and source network as also video compression resolution and much more.
• Compression within the stream live Compression increases the effectiveness of processing , by reducing the size of the stream. The industry standard for this is H.264 (better than MPEG-4). This compression format is utilized for both live and uploaded videos.
• Transcoding or encoding If video is the first time recorded, it's recorded available in many different formats, depending on the device. Encoding, sometimes referred to as transcodingit is the procedure of making raw, analog or broadcast-quality video files to the digital format.
• Frames The series of still images which make up your video. Consider them as pages in an open book. Less motion per frame, and the higher number of frames per second smoother the video. Frames are calculated by the number numbers of frames per second (FPS) also known as the amount of frames shown in a second clip.
• Redundancy The HTML0 Redundancy feature offers several alternatives for backup when streaming live. Live streams that are fully redundant includes backup camera feeds stream of backup information originating from the mixer as well as backup RTMP streams as well as different backup signals. Backup encoders which are particular to master feeds and backup streams. Profiles for playback , and backup CDNs that every set of streams is receiving support from.
• Switcher is sometimes referred to as "video mixer" or "vision mixer" switches are devices that allows you to choose between various video sources. In some situations, switches can also be used to composit (mixing) video sources to create certain effects.

1. Pick your audio and camera

Here we'll take a look at the most popular options for your streaming setup for beginners. If you're hoping to stream without any trouble, it's possible to employ smartphones or webcams with integrated cameras to start.

No matter what audio and video configuration you choose, make sure your presentation looks stunning by applying the tips below:

• Choose a modern, clean background
• It is essential to ensure that your speaker/presenter's location is at the center in the frame.
• Make use of lighting, or even try to make use of natural light that is in your front, rather than behind .
• Choose a quiet spot and remove background noises
• Keep things as static as possible and limit movement

If you're trying to boost the sound quality and image quality to an industry standard There are some great suggestions to enhance your camera's performance as well as your lighting and audio setup.

Entry-level recommendations:  Camera: Mevo Start ($399)
   Microphone: Rode VideoMic ($150)
   Light: Aputure MC ($90)

Intermediate-level recommendations:  
  Camera: Canon XA15 ($1,800)
  Microphone: Rode ProCaster ($229)
  Lighting Neewer's ring light kits ($19-$110)

Professional-level recommendations:  
   Camera: PMW 300 ($7,500)
   Microphone: Shure SM7B ($399)
   Audio Mixer: RodeCaster Pro audio mixer ($599)
  Lighting: Aputure300dii ($1,100)

2. Select an encoder and switcher

When you've got your video and audio sources secured it is time to look at the encoders and switchers.

Software encoders

A encoder is essential to the distribution of your video. It's the tool that process and converts the video's data into a format more adaptable to various platforms like Facebook, Youtube, Twitch and others, so that viewers can watch your videos.

  Certain cameras come with encoders, others may require an encoder that is hardware (more about this further down) or use a program encoder.

What is the definition of an encoder?

A encoder is an item of technology that is able to process and transform the videos into a format that is compatible with various platforms including Facebook, Youtube, Twitch, etc.

If we're considering the best way to select the best encoder software, it's important to consider three key factors.

• Ease-of-use
• Accessibility
• Evergreen software

Three aspects can guarantee you have an encoder with ease of use as well as comes with technical support.

Hardware encoders

Hardware encoders are best used to push high-quality video along with audio as well as various video and camera sources into your streaming.

If you're looking for the perfect gear recommendations to use with your hardware encoder, we've got you got you covered. Here's a list of basic equipment you'll need with a focus on an (or several) Studio HD550 switcher as your workhorse encoder.

•     AJA HD5DA Distribution Amplifiers for HD-SDI
•     Datavideo DAC70 Up/Down/Cross Converter
•     AJA HD10AMA Audio Embedder
•     Netgear GS105 5-Port Network Switch
• 100' BNC and Cat 6 cables
• 3.0' Cat 6 and HD-SDI cables

Switchers

A switcher does exactly what is implied by the name. It lets the creator switch between audio and video sources. It is commonly utilized for multi-camera configurations, so it is possible to change between various shots in your stream.

Similar to encoders, you do have different options in both switches physical and software. If you're only beginning out, we suggest picking a program that includes all of the functions you'll require for both encoding and switching.

Livestream Studio, which is the native encoder and switcher software, lets users harness the potential of live control rooms which will tell compelling stories.

3. Check your internet bandwidth for live streaming

Now we can address the big elephant in the room that is connectivity.

No matter how professional or nice the configuration it is only dependent on the high-quality of your connection.

Before we talk about how you can achieve the highest rate of upload for you stream there are two things you need to know.

The initial term you'll hear is called bitrate. It refers to the speed of data that you upload is transmitted to your encoderbefore being sent out to the various streaming platforms or services you've chosen. In general, the greater the bitrate , the better the quality of streaming. However, the higher rate of bitrates may be a sign of large file sizes, and can result in the stream to slow down.

It's important to find the right equilibrium between the bitrate you use and the speed of your connection. A way to accomplish this is by considering aspects like your frame rate and resolution.

What's the framerate and resolution for live streaming?

The frame rate of your video refers to the number of pictures that are transmitted and displayed in a second on screen. If live streaming is made available to live audiences, 30 frames every second (FPS) will become standard, but in reality, certain streams choose to stream at sixty frames per second in order to provide better clarity during sports events or games.

The resolution of your video is the size of the frame in the video. Although everyone wants 4K video on their televisions, cameras and other media isn't a guarantee that this is the most effective way to stream in real-time. In the absence of the capability to deal with the enormous file size you should think about better resolutions like 1080p or 720p that allow for more control when streaming and keeping your rate of bitrate to a manageable level.

4. Select the best platform to live stream

Once you've considered all elements of live streaming from cameras to encoders , to bitrates, you're ready to pick your preferred live streaming service.

To start the process, it's important to ensure everything is synced and your encoder is correctly connected to streams number (or RTMP URL or stream address) across all platforms. Some of these tools provide the complete procedures you'll need to follow before broadcasting or simulcasting across different platforms.

• Live With Premium and Enterprise versions the users can utilize a variety of live streaming tools for streaming their video and other occasions. Alongside live streaming, Premium also includes videos hosting and collaboration tools to support your overall workflow.
• YouTube Live YouTube Live service is a basic, free-to-use offering for affordable streaming.
• Facebook Live: Facebook Live might be best for people who are looking to integrate live streaming videos to their company's Facebook page.
• Twitch Twitch: one of the most prominent names in video game live streaming. Twitch is considered to be one of the top platforms due to its communities and unique ways of viewing media.
• Mixer Microsoft's live streaming platform draws gamers to stream games on video and compete with Twitch's audience.
• LinkedIn Live It was just launched, LinkedIn now offers its own live streaming service that has been designed specifically for business and social networking.

The best platform should compliment the kind of content that you're planning to stream as well your target audience that you'd like to connect with.

For smaller entrepreneurs, influencers and marketers, and companies that want to establish live streaming in the first place it offers a robust customer support service and tools to assist you in starting off how to do it.

Boost your live streaming skills

Are you looking to launch a live streaming enterprise? Get involved in the Experts community for detailed training on the equipment, software and equipment you require for establishing the perfect live streaming business.

Five suggestions for optimizing your bandwidth on the internet to stream live

It is recommended to test your stream on your smartphone or webcam, as well with an external camera prior to the date you'll be streaming live. For example, if you're used to video chat with your friends on Zoom calls throughout the day using your laptop from the couch, you might believe that your live video stream streaming to look identical in those conditions.

1. Connect directly to the router when possible

Once you're ready to maximize the quality of your stream First method is to connect directly whenever it's possible. This involves connecting directly via your modem or router directly to your computer via an Ethernet cable. For digital cameras or webcams, connect them directly to your PC instead of using WiFi or Bluetooth. It is generally recommended to connect devices physically connected to wireless networks. This helps you increase the number of streams you are able to stream.

2. Eliminate and shut down all other sources

As with the previous advice, when you're first getting into streaming, it's completely acceptable to experiment with streaming within your normal home or office environment. Another method you could consider trying is closing and removing any other devices that could negatively impact the speed or connectivity of your device. That includes other Wi-Fi enabled devices, your computer, and background programs that might be automatically synced and using up bandwidth.

3. Improve your upload speed and increase your bandwidth

Whichever platform you decide to make use of to stream your content, you should remember to check your speed online along with the bandwidth restrictions determined by the Internet provider (ISP). If you plan to stream often, you should think about changing your plans or choosing an ISP with greater upload speeds and bandwidth.

4. Install the buffer

Make sure you have a buffer in place to ensure your stream is operating at a stable bitrate. This will help lower the frequency of speed fluctuations in the stream. It is recommended to make sure that you upload speed at least about 30 percent more than the bitrate rate to ensure an uninterrupted and error-free stream.

5. Test extensively

If you're not sure you're not sure, try it.

Check your live stream in order to help you find that perfect spot that will enhance the components of frame rate, resolution , and bitrate without in a position to attract an crowd. Be sure to conduct many formal rehearsals or test tests to make sure that everything is to your liking.

Wrap up: start your live stream today

Live streaming is quite straightforward. When you take the time and effort required to get the proper equipment up front this allows you to concentrate on the big image. This includes honing in on the stream you are streaming as well as enhancing your individual design and aesthetic before you go live.

Now that you've covered all the basics, it's time to go for it and stream your content using quality, professional videos. If you're in need an update, take a look at our recommendations and tips for keeping that your video content is in order.

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