Live Streaming Tips

Report from AVC’s recent video streaming production

Here are the elements to produce a successful live video streaming webcast. This is what we did recently when we streamed a weekend conference from the Craneway Pavilion.

1. Planning Weeks prior we performed a test to make sure the internet connection at the location was fast enough. We generally like to have at least a 1.5 Mbps upload speed at the originating location.  This is equivalent to a T1 line or a cable modem.

2. On-site Compression Computers and Technicians The computer needs to have a board capable of real-time streaming as well as speedy software.  It is a good idea to have a backup computer and a hard drive recorder to archive the footage.  We chose Event Compression Group to provide that service. We also produced two different streams — one at a high-quality fast speed and one at a slower speed for those with slower internet connections.

3. Professional camera and camera operator Many events require two or more cameras, and the camera(s) should have smooth pan and zoom controls.  Camera operators should have experience with live broadcast television.  We own two broadcast cameras, but we contracted with Magnetic Image who has live-switching gear and special long zoom lenses.

4. Content Distribution Manager (CDN) When streaming to multiple viewers, a CDN distributes the signal so every viewer gets high-quality reception.  We chose Bit Gravity to whom we sent the signal from the filming location.  They distributed it to the 2000 online viewers of this event.

5. Client Website The client generally wants its viewers to go to its own website rather than lose them with a third-party site.  The client’s webmaster created a site with two video windows — one for the live stream and one for the archived video.

6. Archive for On-Demand Video Not everyone will be available to watch the stream live as it happens.  We produced an archive version, on site, during the live streaming.  That required a second encoding computer and a hard drive recorder.  The archive allows for on-demand video viewing.  We were able to have an archive of the video available for viewing at the close of the live sessions.  Viewers control the archive video as if it were a video player.

Profit in Video Streaming
2000 viewers paid $60 each
$120,000 income to our client

The incentive included two months of on-demand viewing, an edited version of the conference on DVD and an eBook.

Contact AVC and we can discuss how video streaming can be profitable and a way to distribute your message.

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