Stream Basics: Introduction
In this article, we are going to outline everything you need to know to get started with live streaming.
Hi, I am Noah, and I have been streaming for Fortune-100 companies for about 6 years. I have also worked in the media business for a little over 10 years and am excited to teach a few things that I have picked up along the way. There are many styles of content that can leverage live streaming - gaming, weddings, product demonstrations, town hall meetings, corporate communications, and annual meetings are just a few. In this series we will focus on live streaming for business communication.
Live Streaming: A Breakdown Video
In this video tutorial we will take a look at a few things you need to know to create a great live stream for business communication.
Here is a 10,000 foot view of what a corporate live stream may look like from a flowchart standpoint. Depending on the project, you may have these parts or you may have more.
Let’s look at this flowchart from left-top to right-bottom. Your talent/show is the program or content that you are planning and want your audience to see. Your show will be captured by one or multiple cameras. The data will go through a video switcher which combines and mixes the images into a single feed in real time. The output (which is a program, but in the industry, it is referred to as the output) goes to an encoder or capture device and is translated to something your computer can understand.
Streaming software (like OBS) allows for some of the functionalities that a hardware switcher can do, and it can also allow you to send your program to a multicast software platform. This takes one signal and splits it into multiple destinations or platforms like Facebook, Youtube, and a company website.
Let’s not forget some of the support gear, like lighting and audio, which also help your team be better seen and heard. All these elements are the parts of the whole picture for streaming.
There is a lot to cover, so we are going to be taking a deeper dive into each part of this system in our free training series.
Topics
Here are a few topics we will cover in this series about the basics of streaming:
Workflow- Understanding the movement of video and audio signal from you to the viewers and everything in between.
Staging and Sets- What is on camera and how to enhance your look.
Audio- Cables, connectors, microphones, sound isolation, PA system, Capture devices, recorders, and mixers.
Lighting- The Instruments that brighten your subject.
Tripods- The fundamental building block that supports your camera system.
Cameras- F-Stops, ISO/Gain, Shutter Speed, Frame rate, White Balance, Lenses, Lens Mounts, ND Filters, Power, Interfaces (outputs), Record Media, Aspect Ratios, Resolutions, Sensors, Bit Depth, codecs, and compression.
Teleprompters- Traditionally used for scripts but can be used to view live video, PowerPoint, and other playback elements.
Graphics- Lower Thirds, titles, and overlays to tell your story.
Video Switchers- Tools used to intermix multiple cameras or sources to enhance your program.
Multicam Director- The person bringing all the elements together.
Encoders- Hardware devices that turn live digital video into something a computer will understand.
Streaming Software- The software that allows the output of your video to the platform of choice.
Backup Recorders- Stores a copy of the program or cameras for later use.
Networks- Connects your devices together and to the internet for worldwide connectivity.
Internet- Types of connections to broadcast your message and internet providers like Starlink, PTP, Bonded Internet, or Fiber.
Platforms- The destinations like Facebook, YouTube, or website that host the live video.
Future of Streaming- The future of live streaming is here with Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and other technologies like 3D.
There is a lot more
Checkout our current playlist to watch a deep-dive video about each one of the above topics (more coming soon!). Do not feel the need to watch them all at once; subscribe and save the playlist so you can come back and continue where you left off.
Bonus Tip
Like most things in life, if you plan ahead, you will plan for success. Make sure to give yourself ample time to setup your live stream gear and think through each point. Having a script or at least bullet points will free up the stress or anxiety about missing vital information.
If you want to find out how you can maximize your streaming potential, you can always contact us here at Corporate Streams.
Let me know what experiences you have with live streaming in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!
