7 Things You'll Need to Stream Church Services or Non-Profit Events

How To's
Written By Noah Sargent

The Corona Virus has sent many organizations in a panic; with so many uncertainties, one of the largest questions is how do we connect with our teams when we are stuck at home? Thankfully, technology has granted us great tools to take your entity to an online audience. Yes, things will not be the same as an in person event, but it will help keep your corp fastened.

Here are the 7 thing’s you’ll need to get your organization streaming.

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Camera

Yes, I said it; You will need a camera to show your audience what is happening live. In theory, you could get away with using screen shares such as Google Hangouts or Zoom to convey the minimal message and presentation, but, especially in our current practice of social distancing, most people have a deepened desire to connect with a human, even if it is virtually. Therefore, a camera is quintessential to capturing that relationship.

With hundreds of different models and brands to choose from, there are a few thing’s you’ll want to consider when choosing the right camera for your stream:

  1. Resolution- (720p, 1080p, 4k): these seem like buzz words to the average person, but is also an important factor in your decision for a camera. The higher the resolution, the better the image. However, in 2020 (and probably for a few years in the future), the standard issue is 720p for online video streaming and still a solid choice for camera image. However, 1080p is my personal recommendation as it melds the beauty of a high quality image with the best price available. You don’t need a 4k camera to have a solid picture for your online broadcast, even though many are pushing for it. As a professional broadcaster and someone who owns 7-4k cameras, my personal consideration is still a 1080p camera (Full HD). Try one of these and you’ll be set.

  2. Output- (Composite, Component, HDMI, SDI): Output is the ability to have the camera feed sent out to the web directly. Some cameras only allow you to record video internally and then upload the footage to a site later, which is less than ideal to use when it comes to a live streaming. For streaming, the camera must have output capability. This output can be transfigured in many forms, but SDI is my favorite professional standard; however, HDMI has become a consumer standard and is very popular. Generally, if you can afford an SDI system, it’s worth the upgrade. If you’re looking to get by with the minimum, then HDMI is ok as well. If you buy or have a camera with composite or component video options, you’re looking at an extra step of converters, so, it can still be used for streaming, but takes more work and is a little bit of a headache. If at all possible, move to a camera with HDMI out.

  3. Power: 95% of the time where I conduct a live stream, the camera is plugged into a direct source of power. Some cameras (like DSLR’s) don’t have power options, while other’s have battery converters that allow you to add power. Camcorders generally will have those power sources, but I’d highly recommend plugging in, especially if you’re in the same spot every stream. Having a direct source of power insures a more reliable stream, because the last thing you want to worry about is swapping out batteries in the midst of an event.

  4. Lens-(Fixed Lens, F-Mount, E-Mount, MFT, EF, B4 Lens, primes, zoom lenses): The lens of a camera can be an added expense, but is honestly the breath of any video footage. Camcorders generally will have built in lenses, and those are represented by a zoom number (12x, 20x, 50x, etc). The larger the number, the greater the range you can achieve in getting a wide or tight shot. In most settings, 12x or 20x is just fine. For live streaming, having a lens with a servo (motorized lens to help it seamlessly zoom in and out) is also helpful if you have someone operating the camera. Camcorders with fixed lenses typically have servos built into the camera which is what I would recommend. Other cameras that use a specific lens mount type (EF, PL, F-Mount, E-Mount, Etc) generally don’t have built in servos/zoom rockers.

  5. Ability for Rear Controls- (Brand specific; Also known as LANC, zoom controls, or just camera controls): Rear controls are a helpful tool to help make your zooms smoother and easier on your operator controller. Though these controls are not directly on the camera (they are actually found on a tripod), the ability to use this function depends on your camera. Not all cameras allow this function, so if you have to zoom in and out consistently during a broadcast, having rear control options is a must. If you are planning on having a stationary rig without zoom (I’d encourage you to have a volunteer operator and to move the camera occasionally), then you can go without this. Please see “Other Accessories” below to see the rear controls I would recommend.

Tripod

Tripod

This piece of gear is the foundation of your stream as it holds the heart of your project, the camera. A good tripod should be adaptable to 2-4 generations of cameras if they are quality and well treated. They will have a payload capacity. I would recommend the payload to be double your camera weight.

The main difference between a cheap tripod and a really expensive one is how long it will last, its counterweight balance system, and the quality of its leg locks. Generally, cheap tripods (let say under $100) are frustrating if you ever plan on moving the camera (panning or tilting the camera to follow a targeted stage presence) during a production. If you set the camera and leave it as is, which I also don’t recommend, then you can get away with a cheaper one.

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Encoder

An Encoder (aka capture device, capture cards), is a hardware device that plugs into your computer that takes the video signal and turns it into something that a computer can understand. It also brings in the audio from your camera, which is not always recommended. If you are using a microphone or sound system, you’ll need to send audio to your computer as well. Not all encoder devices have the ability to capture audio, so an audio interface may be needed (See below).

Encoders can be added to a majority of custom built computers via a PCIE slot, but be aware that not all standard computers have the capacity to add an encoder. Speak to a computer expert first to see the best means for setting up one on your device.

The links above are for external encoders. The deck-link listed in the “Other Accessories” towards the bottom of this article is internal encoder. Please also note the “good option” doesn’t have any hardware encoding support. That means your computer is working a bit harder to support video. The “better” and “best” options have built in hardware support which takes some of the workload off your computer.

Also note: Pay attention to your computer’s interface. Some computers will have USB 2, USB 3, or Thunderbolt. Make sure your encoder plug matches the ports you have and that you have enough ports on the intended computer. The “good” encoder listed above doesn’t come with a thunderbolt cable, so please get one of these as well if you intend to use this brand. The thunderbolt cable can be found in the “other accessories” listed below .

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Audio Interface

(Optional)

As mentioned above, your stream may need an audio interface if you are running audio separately from the camera. The audio interface is similar to the video encoder: it takes an audio signal and turns it into something your computer will understand. There are also audio mixers like the QU-16 “best” found in the links above, that can work with logic and other software programs so you can add music tracks, effects and the ability to create a separate mix for your stream. This is super helpful for audio mixers where you have a live band because the sound you hear from the room with a PA system is mixed best for the room, while the online stream may require more drums, less guitar or other specific settings depending on the space where the actual event is located.

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Switcher

(Optional)

A switcher allows for the ability to switch between multiple camera angles and shots seamlessly in a live production such as wide shots of the room vs. a close up shot of the speaker/minister). You will also have the ability to switch between live cameras and a presentation platform such as Powerpoint.

In a perfect world, everyone would have the ability to use a switcher because the quality of its use is unsurpassed. However, the reality is most non-profits won’t have the volunteers to run multiple cameras, so the switcher is listed as an “optional” devise though I highly recommend its presence. If you are averaging more than a few dozen views, you may consider growing your team to include a switcher.

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Streaming Software

  • Good- Ecamm

  • Better-OBS

  • Best-Wirecast

There are several streaming software solutions that all offer their own set of features. Like most things on this list, they will need to fit your specific needs and desires. I put together the same scale of “good, better best”, but those are very loose terms depending on what is needed for your specific set-up.

Ecamm streamlines the system and makes setup very user friendly. OBS is free, and has great features but requires more tinkering. Wirecast is the most reliable system that I use professionally, but costs a pretty penny. All these do the same function: they ingest your video and output it to a “Platform” like Facebook, Youtube, or a private platform. You can also use multiple encoders and add multiple cameras in your streaming software, and use the software as a switcher. I personally prefer buttons and a hardware tool to do this, but it can be done.

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Platform

  • Good- Facebook

  • Better-Youtube

  • Best-Multicast

A platform is the host of your video stream. Like the streaming software, platforms each have their benefits and some are tailored to specific things like gaming. In my general opinion for non-profits, if the goal is to impact many people, you should want to broadcast on many platforms. Some larger churches pay for a hosting service like https://churchstreaming.tv, which allows them to have more control of their distribution of their message and content. There are several multi stream services (that are paid), and I currently pay for Restream.io. It’s up to you on which platform you choose, but I will recommend at least both Facebook and Youtube. If you are just on facebook, you may miss people who don’t have a profile. If you’re just on youtube, you’ll miss those who spend their time on Facebook.

Other Accessories

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Other Accessories

Working in the tech industry is a blessing and a curse. Its major drawback is that there is always something else you need to get whether it is to connect gear, adapt ports, or have extra functions. Here are a few extra accessories for your consideration:

Mini HDMI to HDMI cable- Depending on the camera you choose, having a 10ft cable (or longer depending on your setup) will be beneficial.

Thunderbolt 2 cable-The cheapest “encoder” doesn’t come with this cable. Again, make sure your connections have the right ports to support this device.

Rear Control- Also known as Lanc controls, zoom controls, or just camera controls. This allows you to zoom and operate the camera easier and smoother. The controller is camera specific, so make sure to get the controller that fits your camera.

Decklink- This is a replacement of your encoder and can be built into a computer via a PCIE spot.

Atem Mini-This highly sought after device is on backorder. It is a switcher, audio interface, and encoder all in one for $300. It’s quite a powerful tool if you can get your hands on it.

Summary

Everyone’s needs are different, but if you make sure you are covered as far as a decent camera and reliable tripod paired with an encoder, audio interface, switcher, streaming software, platform and other accessories, you’ll be covered. Don’t want to spend all day going though this article? Here are the 3 lists to pick and choose from: (Good, Better, Best).

Better

Still Not Sure?

We do consulting for $50/hr for 501(c)(3) non profits, and $100 an hour to companies. Email us at noah@corporatestreams.com to schedule an appointment.

We’ll also come in and setup your gear for you if you prefer that. Please feel free to message us.

Affiliate links are used in this article to support our small business at no extra cost to you.

Noah Sargent
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