Stream Basics | Workflow
In this article we will address the essential live stream workflow.
Knowing the sequence of your basic live stream kit is very important. However, the items needed per project may differ depending on the focus of the production. Items may be added or not needed based on the production’s goal, but knowing all elements in large productions (such as what is outlined above in the chart) will help you become an expert in any production from the basic to the complex.
This flowchart shows many of the elements used in a professional show. It’s a lot right?! Though the initial shock looking through this chart may be overwhelming, breaking down each element and knowing how each contributes to the project will broaden your scope and understanding of live streams.
Take a moment to look at this flow chart and ask, do I have a basic understanding of what these elements are? Yes, there are a lot of moving parts, but don’t fret! We will address each element in a basic overview below.
From the Top
The core of your broadcast all starts with the stage, platform, or location from which you choose to stream. A stage manager will ensure talent is at the right place at the right time. One or more cameras will be set up to capture an image; these cameras then get routed to a video switcher which intermixes the cameras or angles to amplify live video. This is your basic set up.
On larger productions, there may be a video router that manages the inputs and outputs of your cameras, graphics, machines, projectors, TVs, and many more. This simple device is the brain to the whole show. It usually is operated by an engineer or somebody who is technically savvy and understands the inner workings of a complex livestream system. Having some sort of spreadsheet or documentation to clearly outline the input and output frequency of all devises is essential to have as an engineer. Without it, even the best productions can get lost in the jungle of wires.
One of the outputs of the video router goes to an encoder/capture device which turns that video signal into a feed that computers can understand. This input can be seen though an encoding software program (OBS, Wirecast, Ecamm, Etc). That software program often has the ability to do switching, graphics, and other effects. Streaming software outputs the program to a Platform like Facebook or Youtube (or wherever your audience ultimately is watching). There are also multicast software services which take a single stream and outputs it to multiple platforms (if you wanted to stream to Twitch and Facebook simultaneously, for example).
More Support Gear
Everything listed above is the meat of any production, but no project is complete without its essential side dishes. There is also a lot of support gear that is needed to compliment the bulk of the heavy hardware.
Stage production calls for many lights, so having a DNX system that allows lights to communicate with each other is highly important and handy. Similar to an audio mixer, a lighting controller can fade up and down lights to give your stage specific cue points. A light board operator, which handles such equipment, is usually trained in their own special software and system to control these lights.
Often, technicians such as the camera operators, director, and the light and sound mixers are on radios/headset so they can easily communicate with one another. However, if your team is quite extensive, iIt is super helpful to have dedicated radio channels for each team - lighting, video, stage managers, etc.
Audio starts with microphones such as lavalier or handheld mics. Their signal is routed to an audio mixer which mixes the multiple microphones to an output. This gets sent out to a PA system so that an in-person audience can hear the speaker(s). A separate channel with it’s own mix is usually sent to the encoder.
Each show may have a slight variation in this workflow; the audio signal may be routed directly to the video switcher, to a camera, to the encoder, or through an audio interface depending on what is needed for the project. This is where things can get scary if not handled correctly, so it is absolutely essential to know where everything goes and how it is routed, especially if you are a technical director of the event. Understanding these technical elements will enable a faster troubleshoot when things don’t go according to plan.
Pro Tip: Make sure audio is routed to backup recorders. Having an audio backup recording, especially a multitrack recording, can be extremely helpful. It is preferred to have a primary recording in a backup recording of your program feed though the backup tends to be a lower-quality version. In many cases, the software encoder can do one of your backup recordings. The backup recorder further up the chain is usually the higher-quality recording, so make sure the primary capturing devise is the best quality available to you.
There are also some cases were each camera needs to be individually recorded (aka ISO). Most cameras can do recordings right in camera but some broadcast cameras do not have this function. You may need a dedicated recording setup for each channel. Make sure to check your cameras prior to the stream to make sure what is needed for your setup.
Take a deep breath, you made it through the components for a live stream set up! Though the initial read may seem like a lot, taking the time to work through and understand each component and how it integrates into the next step will ensure the success of your production.
Did you learn something new? Comment below with what you found most helpful in this overview. Help us share this playlist with someone that is curious about live streaming. Please visit Corporate Streams to find out how you can maximize your streaming potential. In the next video we will be talking about staging and sets! See you then!