There are different questions regarding the live or recorded transmission of streamingthrough different platforms for our parishes, meetings or events. And let's talk about what we need to make a live broadcast on the platform of your choice (Facebook, Instagram, Youtubeetc...).
It is necessary that our transmission has a good quality, since nowadays we are more attracted to a transmission that looks and sounds good than something that looks "pixelated" or has low quality, or where the audio is not understandable.
And for that there is equipment that is necessary to make our transmission excellent. And, as you know, a series of equipment is needed, such as video cameras, video switchersIn some occasions, video capturers, etc.; but it is necessary that each one of these equipments is of a good quality, because if something of our chain of equipments is of lesser quality, obviously our result will be affected.
Video
Today we can already find different ways to receive video for a live broadcast: from NDI technology, which is the reception of video over IP, the reception of video via USB C cable, to the reception of video over IP. lightning in the case of the Apple brand, and the famous video capture devices. No matter which one you choose, the best option is the one that best suits your needs, space and economy.
Most cameras already give us FullHD or 4K quality, which are the standard qualities in terms of videos and give us a good image. It is important to emphasize that currently all these equipment for live transmission have digital inputs and outputs, thanks to which it does not lose quality when connected to other equipment, as long as this other equipment also accepts this video quality.
Audio
When it comes to audio, in the case of a transmission with one or two people, it can be done directly from the camera, if it has the appropriate inputs.
There are many microphones available for this type of solution, from Lavalier for cell phones or conventional cameras, to conventional microphones of very good quality in the case of a camera that is of a higher range.
Our objective may be a transmission with music, specifically with a live band or where we need to receive audio directly from a console. Then we need an adapter to be able to send that external source. We can use consoles with USB output; if our system is very simple, there are also video capturers with audio inputs.
One of the most common mistakes that happen with audio in live broadcasts is that the signal is sent saturated (peak, clip). This can happen for several reasons:
- because all your channels have a very high input signal and are reaching the peak or clip point on your console: remember to manage a correct gain structure;
- because the output level for the console's live stream is too high;
- because you are sending your signal to a console/USB interface or video switcher where you are giving gain to what you are receiving, which means that your signal is already amplified: the only thing you have to do on your console/USB interface or video switcher is to assign a volume to it.
Software or Streaming System (transmission card)
For the transmission we need a software or a device called "transmission card", to which we will send our audio and video together; these will be in charge of sending everything and making the transmission.
To perform a streaming it is important to have tools that can meet our expectations and needs, including the number of cameras. There are several products that can be very useful for this. I use the ATEM MINI PRO, a switcher with a very good adaptability and great functions, a great bet from Blackmagic. We have the possibility of connecting 4 HDMI video signals, as well as direct transmission with cable without the need of a computer; and another great advantage is its price compared to others in the market.
A good internet connection
It would be useless to have all the devices for transmission if we do not have the necessary internet connection. The recommended bandwidth to make a transmission, always assuming that we do not have another device connected, is 10 Mb of upload. This will allow a good performance.
With these 4 elements, we will be able to make our streaming correctly.
