What broadcasting equipment do you actually need Using broadcast equipment through integrated solutions These days it is easier than ever before to get broadcast equipment and get it working within minutes due to an integrated service approach; broadcasting equipment providers supplying the hardware and software all under one roof. Fundamentally you need a camera to capture a livestream and encoder and a hosting platform to broadcast your feed.
Broadcasting Technology There are two types of livestreaming solution, one based on satellite line-of-sight technology and wireless cellular IP broadcasting. In addition to this broadcasting equipment these days may include hybrid systems that use both technology and automatically switches between the two to get the best picture and data cost balance. For example, satellite data costs more than IP broadcasting and therefore IP is preferred where possible. Interestingly with bonded cellular IP broadcasting where multiple IP connections are used to ensure the picture quality does not drop the picture qualities are comparable. Now, while both satellite and IP broadcasting have been around for the past 30 years it is bonded cellular along with more robust and faster IP communications that are helping reduce the cost of broadcasting from remote locations. Further more software used by broadcasting equipment is now cloud-based, and servers being used automatically worldwide to ensure there is no picture lag in livestreams. 30 years ago it would need a lot of setting up and cause severe challenges when it came to worldwde broadcasts. These days thanks to 4G and 100x faster 5G wireless IP, the increased number of satellites with better precision, it is easier than ever to get a high-quality picture using as many replica servers as you need in any country. While this sounds like some complicated way to send a video it is not and can take only a few minutes to set up and forget about it later. This is thanks to broadcasting equipment software being consistent for the hosting of solutions and the devices used. For example, if you buy all of your equipment from one provider you save time and effort getting the system working. The key is to use a cloud-based solution as all the hosting is taken care of allowing your production team to concentrate on switching cameras and adding graphics and other production values on your livestream.
Cameras Cameras will vary depending on requirement, for example some will use SLR cameras that have a livestreaming video capability, while others may use extreme sports cameras that are compact and fit onto backpacks designed for livestreaming. Most hardware supports HD output or above, however note that after a certain level of resolution the human eye will not pick up on a difference unless situated less than a foot away from a screen. You need to think about the balance between resolution and data costs for the livestream.
Encoders For people that use laptops or camera phones to livestream the encoder is built into the device, while this can be a great way to start a dedicated encoder that is specifically designed to change the video format to a format that can be sent and received for decoding at lighting speed is normally a good idea to invest in. This is because many products that have integrated encoders are designed to be able to do many things with resources not normally dedicated for one task or another. This means that bottlenecks from processing data, buffering and restricted data pipelines mixed with other data for processing means that they should only be used until you can afford an encoder or cannot afford the cost of poor picture quality as it reflects the uses business.
Summary Use an all-in-one solution from a broadcast equipment provider as this will allow you to setup livestreaming to a professional standard within minutes through the entering of the serial code into the cloud based software. Thankfully all devices are modular and systems can be created small and professional and upscaled according to broadcasting need.