The Thousand Solutions Blog

Live streaming Blog

Aug 11, 2022

The first step is always the hardest. How do you start? There is a wealth of information available to assist you in hitting with a bang. This article will provide information on how to go live your first time.

By the end of this post, you'll know how you can live stream and the most suitable equipment to suit every budget, as well as the various platforms for live streaming to help you find the best platform for your amazing content.

In this article

Live streaming will begin

Before we get into the streaming system , we must begin by streaming the content.

There's a lot of well developed, multi-cam live streams across the globe. However, it does not necessarily mean everyone needs to shell out a lot of money to begin. Be aware that the equipment you choose to use and the setup process can only get you to a certain point -- what's most important is what you put into your broadcast.

Take a moment to think of the last video chat with your acquaintances and family. Perhaps you were just caught up or having a casual dinner. As with your previous videoconference, the live stream serves one simple goal: connect people in a real and fun way.

What is the best way to live stream your first time?

Here's a checklist of things you'll require before you start streaming live:

  • Audio input
  • Camera input
  • The encoder and the switcher
  • Internet bandwidth
  • Live streaming platform

The terms of live streaming

Prior to moving on to the next stage, there are few terms you'll want to know. These are just the tip of the iceberg of terms that can aid you when you are learning to speak a stream language to the first time.

  • Bitrate is the rate that data travels between two points. The standard measurement is kilobytes/second however, it may be different depending on various factors, such as connectivity between the origin and the destination along with video compression, resolution and much more.
  • Compression: in the stream, compression increases processing efficiency through reducing the dimension of the video streaming. The industry standard for this is H.264 (better named MPEG-4). It's used in both live and uploaded videos.
  • Coding or transcoding when the video first is recorded, it's stored in the one of many formats, based on your particular technology. Coding -- also called transcoding- refers to the process of converting raw, analog or broadcast video files into Digital format.
  • Frames Frames: the sequence of still images which make up the video. Imagine these as the pages of a flip book. The smaller the amount of motion per frame, and the greater quantity of frames in a second, the more smooth the video. Frames are measured in frames per second (FPS) which is the number of frames displayed in a second clip.
  • Redundancy Redundancy in HTML0 HTML0 Redundancy function offers an array of alternatives for backup when streaming live. A fully redundant live set includes backup camera feeds stream of backup information originating from the mixer and backup RTMP streams as well as backup signal types. backup encoders, which are unique to master feeds and backup streams, profiles and profile to playback and backup CDNs from which each set of streams are serving from.
  • Switcher is also known as "video mixer" or "vision mixer," switchers serve as devices for selecting between several different video sources. Sometimes, they are used in conjunction with compositing (mixing) videos to create certain effects.

1. Choose your camera and audio

We'll look at some of the best options for stream setups for beginners. If you're looking streaming without difficulty, it's possible to use a smartphone or an integrated webcam, to begin.

No matter what audio and video format you decide to use ensure that your presentation looks stunning using the following guidelines:

  • Choose a modern, clean background
  • Be sure that your presenter or speaker is in the center of the frame.
  • Make use of lights or to use sunlight that is in front of you, and not behind .
  • Find a quiet place and remove the background sounds
  • Keep things as static as possible and limit movement

If you're interested in improving the quality of your sound and images to meet professional standards We've got some fantastic concepts to enhance your camera's lighting as well as audio.

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

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

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

2. Pick a switcher and an encoder

Once you've secured your video and audio sources safe, you'll look into switchers as well as encoders.

Software encoders

A encoder is essential to the distribution of video. This is the device that process and converts video file into a format more compatible with various platforms such as , Facebook, Youtube, Twitch for example, so that viewers can view your video content.


  Although some cameras come with encoders built in, you might need to use an actual encoder (more on that in the following section) or an encoder program.

What exactly is an encoder?

A encoder is a tool that processes and converts video content into a format appropriate for various platforms like Facebook, Youtube, Twitch for example.

If we are looking at the best way to select a software encoder, we will focus on three key factors.

  • Ease-of-use
  • Accessibility
  • Evergreen software

Three of the elements mentioned above ensure that you get an encoder with ease of use as well as comes with technical assistance.

Hardware encoders

Hardware encoders should be used to push high-quality video or audio along with a wide range of video and camera sources to your stream.

For those who are searching for the best suggestions on equipment for your hardware encoder kit, we've got you taken care of. These are the most essential components that will be required by one (or several) Studio HD550 switcher for your main encoder.

Switchers

The purpose of a switcher's job is as the name suggests. It lets producers switch between different sources of audio and video. It is typically utilized for multi-camera configurations, so it is possible to switch between different shots in the course of your broadcast.

Similar to encoders, there are different options for both switching hardware and software. For those who are just beginning out, we recommend picking a software that incorporates all of the functions required to switch between encoding and switching.

Livestream Studio, which is the native encoder/switcher program, lets users harness the potential of live control room that can tell captivating stories.

3. Check your internet bandwidth for live streaming

We can now tackle one of the most important problems that we face: connectivity.

However elegant or professional your setup -- your live stream will be dependent on the connectivity quality.

Before we discuss ways to achieve the highest upload speeds for your streams There are two words you should be aware of.

The primary term to consider is bitrate. This refers to the rate that your data is uploaded to an encoder prior to being transmitted to different streaming platforms or platforms that you've chosen. Generally speaking, the higher rate of bitrate, the better quality of the stream. The higher the bitrate, however, it could be a sign of large information, which can lead to a slowdown in the stream.

The key is finding the right balance between your bitrate and your internet connection. The best way to achieve this is to take into account factors such as frame rate and resolution.

What's your frame-rate and resolution when streaming live?

Frame rate refers to the number of images that you send and display in a second on screen. Live streaming to live viewers live online with 30 frames per second (FPS) is accepted as the standard it is true that many streams opt to broadcast in 60 frames per second in order to provide greater clarity for sports events and video games.

The resolution of your video is based on the size of the frame you are using for your video. Although everyone would like resolution of 4K for their TVs cameras and content does not mean that it's the most effective option for live streaming. Unless you have the capacities to handle the massive size of files, consider the more sensible resolutions, like 720p and 1080p that can be quickly managed for streaming and keep your bitrate reasonable.

4. Pick the most suitable platform for live-stream

After you've considered each element of live streaming, including cameras, encoders and bitrates you're ready to pick the right live streaming provider.

Before starting the broadcast, it's essential to check that the entire system is in sync and that the encoder is linked to your stream keys (or RTMP URL or stream address) on each platform. These solutions will provide the different steps you'll need to follow before broadcasting or simulcasting on different platforms.

  • Live With Premium and Enterprise accounts, streaming users gain access to an array of applications to live stream the stream of their videos or other events. In addition to Live streaming, Premium includes all features for hosting videos and tools for collaboration that help the entire process.
  • YouTube Live: YouTube's live streaming service is a basic, free-to-use offering for affordable streaming.
  • Facebook Live: Facebook Live might be best for those who want to add live streaming videos to their brand's Facebook page.
  • Twitch Twitch is one of the most well-known brands in live video game streaming, Twitch is one of the most well-known platforms thanks to its community and niche styles of video content.
  • Mixer Microsoft's live streaming platform creates video game streamers and is competing with Twitch's viewers.
  • LinkedIn Live Just launched, LinkedIn has now live streaming on its own platform specifically designed for business and social networking community.

The best platform should compliment your content plan to stream as well as also the target audience that you wish to reach.

Small-scale businesses, influencers, marketers, and brands who want to make streaming live content in the first place It provides a comprehensive assistance service for customers and tools to assist you in starting in the right direction.

Boost your live streaming skills

Are you looking to launch your own live streaming business? Sign up to the Experts community and get access to in-depth training for equipment, including software, tools, and the equipment needed to build a professional live streaming company.

5 tips to optimize the speed of your Internet connection to allow live streaming

Be sure to test the stream using your phone, web cam, or external camera before your live date. For example, if you've been accustomed to video chat on zoom calls all day using your laptop from the couch, you might think that your live stream will look similar under the identical conditions.

1. Connect directly to the router whenever possible.

When you're ready to improve the quality of your streaming experience, an easy step is connecting immediately anytime you are able to. It's as simple as connecting your router, modem or your laptop or computer using the help of an Ethernet cable. If you're using your online or digital camera, make sure to connect the device to your PC instead of relying on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It is generally recommended to use physically connected devices which have wireless connectivity. This can help maximize the amount of streams you're able to stream.

2. Remove and close the other sources

Like the tips above that when you're just starting out, it's appropriate to play around with streaming inside your normal office. Another method you could want to try is to close down and remove any other source that may have a negative impact on your connectivity or the speed of your internet. This includes Wi-Fi enabled devices, computer systems, or all background applications that are synced automatically, and consuming bandwidth.

3. Maximize your upload speed and increase your bandwidth

Whichever platform you decide to utilize to stream be sure to check your connection speed along with the bandwidth restrictions that are set by your Internet service provider (ISP). If you intend to stream frequently, you must consider upgrading your service or finding an ISP who can provide you with more upload speeds and bandwidth.

4. Create a buffer that is appropriate.

Make sure you have a buffer in place to ensure that you're operating at a steady pace. This will help reduce speed fluctuations across your broadcast. One good rule of thumb is to ensure that the upload rate is 30 percent higher than the bitrate rate you use for a smooth and trouble-free broadcast.

5. Test extensively

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

Test your live stream can aid in finding that perfect spot that will increase the resolution as well as frame rate and bitrate, without the danger of not having an audience. Make sure you conduct several dress rehearsals or rehearsals to ensure that you are satisfied by the result.

Wrap up: start your live stream today

Live streaming is surprisingly effortless. If you put in the time and energy to get the right equipment and concentrate on the big picture. This includes honing in the live stream you are creating as well as perfecting your unique design and aesthetic before going live.

Now that you've covered all the fundamentals, it's time to take the next step and start broadcasting your content via quality, professional videos. If you're looking for a refresh, check out our recommendations and tips on how to make sure the parts of your stream in order.

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