We receive many calls from customers who are looking to live stream the first time and need help purchasing and setting up the video/audio equipment that will help them produce a live stream. If you are looking for a low-budget solution for one single camera keep reading. For a more complicated setup with multiple cameras contact The Streaming Store.
Image 1: Canon XA15 HD Video Camera
How to Live Stream in 4 Easy Steps?
Get an HD camera that support external audio in connection. For example the Canon XA15 comes with XLR or mini ports to connect a single microphone or the output of an analog or digital audio mixer to the camera.
Get a good (wireless or corded) microphone that will isolate background noise. These units come with a transmitter and a receiver. If you plan on using multiple microphones get also an audio mixer and connect the program audio output from the audio mixer to the camera audio-in port.
Connect the camera to a stand-alone video encoder. Streaming appliances do not require the use of a computer to capture, configure, and live stream video. The Magewell Ultra Stream HDMI H.264 encoder can stream directly to Facebook or any other single destination and cost under $500.00. If you need to stream to two or more destinations order a Videolinq plan.
An operator will need to setup the camera on a steady tripod, connect the audio (microphone or audio system to the camera) and connect the camera to the encoder. You will need to configure most stand-alone H.264 encoders only one time with the help of a mobile phone. Later, just push the Start and Stop buttons to control the live stream. Record the broadcast in the camera on a low-cost 64 GB SD cards, or use the live stream recording option on social media platforms. Most social media platforms record live streams and make them available as video-on-demand after the live event ends.
Image 2: Magewell Ultra Stream H.264 Encoder
If you are looking to live stream an online group meeting with video from multiple participants - use Zoom. Read our blog post how to configure Zoom to stream to Videolinq. By using this workflow you can publish a Zoom meeting to a large audience or to multiple social media platforms at the same time.
Did you find this article helpful? Open a video trial account and stream live video to multiple social media platforms!