We get asked often what is the best way to stream conferences, conventions, tradeshows and events. So we thought we would throw some ideas out to the community for discussion (hopefully some smarter people than me add their 2 cents as well!). With a few key purchases you can be up and running in about 2 minutes.
There are several ways to do this effectively, including using just a regular video camera (DV to firewire or USB). However, many conferences already have professional videographers present at the event who handle camera switching, powerpoint feeds, and videos.
So why not just use their video and audio feeds?
My personal preference is to use a Mac to accomplish this as Firewire tends to handle video better than USB resulting in a smoother stream.
I recommend using the Datavideo DAC-100 DV Converter.
This great piece of hardware runs about $99 (in fact I know of places where you can rent it for around $20/day). The DAC-100 is a Firewire device thats able to take full frame PAL or NTSC analog video and convert it into digital video at 25Mbps (DV25), and back again, all in real time, complete with 12 or 16bit audio. Bottomline: it allows you to pull the video feed from the professional videographers on site. Adobe Flash and the Ustream Broadcast Panel is then able to detect the device as DV Video (Located under the advance settings tab). Most videographers should be able to easily give you a RCA video out that plugs into the DAC-100. For PC’s, I know many people are also using TV cards to convert the analog signal to digital using USB Video drivers that are detectable by Flash (many people use the Osprey Video capture card). So certainly it is possible as well with a PC.
Video setup time equals about 1 min.
There are several ways you can get a quality audio feed directly from a sound board or malt box (ie for press, etc) at the conference. Depending on the sound board and a simple trip to Radio Shack, you can convert the feeds down to a 1/8″ stereo input. This feed then goes directly into the line in on the Mac or PC. You can adjust the feed volume from both the sound board or the Ustream Broadcast Panel.
Audio setup time equals about 1 min.
Total setup time equals 2 minutes!
There are a million ways to skin a cat, but this solution takes me about 2 minutes to setup (although I strongly recommend you give yourself more time than that!).
Also, for any help I encourage you to ask our Ustream community from our message board located here USTREAM MESSAGE BOARD! >>
I know the Ustream community has some serious video experts out there, so please feel free to add your thoughts!
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cools tips thanks muchly
Best wishes
Lewis
I have read this post. This is very much true. Even I own a blog account on video conferencing. Video conferencing is indeed a great innovation in technology and communications. One day video conferencing will be like an ordinary house-hold item in the next 5-10 years.I will mention your post in my blog.
Being a saleman it was much easier for me to get connected to customers and colleagues residing anywhere in the world through video confererncing. I get connected to the customers in the world from your desk. You can develop stronger working relationships and gauge their reactions instantly.
Once I was video conferencing with my college classmate and I had to go on a bathroom break, my computer was completely idle till when my kid sister thought it was just a movie so while she was just playing around with the mouse and my classmate scared her by conferencing. It was very scary for her but it was funny.
Hi, interesting post! I’m a student of computer sciences and also work as a part-time employee at a store that deals in sales and rental of video conferencing equipment and setups. I’ll be looking forward for your updates.
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http://www.avi-converter.net
Thank you very much.
“Hi, interesting post! I work as a part-time employee at a store that dealing in sales and rental of video conferencing equipment. I was browsing on the latest releases of the equipment and found your post. I enjoyed reading it.”
Some people want to do television in the worst way – and they succeed!
Audio: First, the presenter needs a BP892 Omnidirectional Condenser Headworn Microphone. ANd that audio needs to be processed through an Orban 1100 or 1101 PCI card.
Video: Second, you need a decent quality camera with an operator – it it’s a PTZ or on a tripod – either way.
Third: You need decent lighting – key + fill + back light + kicker.
Talking heads can be o.k. if they are presented correctly. Few ever get the above Trinity of Production.
Cheers,
Chas