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Live Streaming

The first sub-section, has three suggested videos that cover an overall perspective on different setups. The second sub-section, has videos on what “types” of CAMERAS are available & goes over the Pro’s & Cons of each Camera type. The third sub-section has the videos on Livestream Software platforms and key considerations. And the last (but FAR from Least!) sub-section has videos on the importance of ensuring a good AUDIO setup, some options & key considerations.

 

General Overviews

These videos cover an overall perspective on different live streaming setups.

May 24, 2022: Here is a YouTube video that looks like good advice for churches starting out with livvestreaming (Owen Howson).

This is an excellent general Livestreaming “Overview” video! Jake explains the Big Picture, Covers all the major components, connections and how it all works together. This is a typical Moderate Budget ($3K - $6K) Livestreaming setup. “Technically” this is Intermediate to Advanced Level.

Use an external camera to Livestream on Facebook Live or YouTube. Works on a PC or MAC, & with most any camera. Approx. $1.5K to $3K setup. Technically, “Beginner-Intermediate” level.

Fast & Cheap ways to Livestream your Sunday Services. Quick, easy & inexpensive Est. $500.- $1.5K Budget. This shows an extremely “Basic” setup. Technically, “Beginner” = Entry Level.

 

Camera Equipment

These videos cover what types of cameras are available and suitable for life streaming. They also go over the pros and cons of each camera type

May 18, 2022: I just found an interesting comparison of cameras for live streaming (Owen Howson).

One of the first & most important decisions you need to make in starting to build out your system is what type of Camera you will use. The size of the inside of your church, specifically the relative distance from the single (or primary) camera position to the Stage/Platform & to the speakers will have a big bearing on what type of camera you should select. That, and of course your $ overall budget.

Basically, if you can have a live camera operator, there are many advantages to using a true Camcorder. However, there are many videos and “some” situations where using a DSLR may make more sense. This video covers the Pro’s & Cons of DSLR vs. Camcorder. In general, we recommend a camcorder with a dedicated camera operator whenever possible.

If your church is very small or if you are/will be building a larger multi-camera system, with different camera distance positions & needs, this video does a good job of explaining ALL Camera types, covering the features, limitations + the Pro’s & Cons of each basic Camera “Type”.

 

Software Platforms

The third sub-section has the videos on Livestream Software platforms and key considerations.

The next consideration and major component for your Live Streaming setup, is what type of Software / Platform you want to use & what are some key considerations of the various options.

There are many different software options for Livestreaming. This video explains 3 such options, OBS, vMix & Tricaster. NOTE however it leaves out one of our personal favorites, which is one of the long-standing industry options, which is “Wirecast” by Telestream.

In this video, I go over the basics of setting up and live-streaming your service using the free broadcasting software, OBS.

4. AUDIO = Soundboard Output Options & Considerations

While Video is of course important, we urge you not make the (rather common) mistake of over-focusing on Video and forgetting about the Audio.

People will accept & watch poor video quality “IF” the sound (audio) is good, but the reverse is not true, you can have the highest quality 4K video but if the Audio is off, out-of-sycnh, &/or has too much ambient background noise, or sounds dry & distant, it can be almost unwatchable. So, PLEASE pay very close attention to setting up the Audio for your Livestreaming setup. Fortunately, if you already have your church’s audio controlled by a soundboard (likely) it can be easy & there are multiple ways to get the high quality audio direct from your soundboard to your Livestreaming /switching “device” which can be either hardware or software based.

This video explains how to get a simple direct mix / feed from your soundboard to your to a single (or primary) camera & into your Livestream setup, using an AUX port from your soundboard. Technically, this is “Beginner” = Entry level.

This video explains some important differences in FOH (Front of House = Inside the chapel) mixing & (ideally) separate Mixing of the audio for better/optimal Livestream Audio. Technically, Intermediate/ Advanced level.

This video explains the benefits of Mic’ing the Congregation, how to set it up, plus WHEN to use the Congregation mic & also important WHEN NOT to use it (= Mute it). Technically, Intermediate / Advanced level.