Livestream Audio / Video / Internet 101
Welcome to Livestream Audio, Video, and Internet 101. Here you will learn all you need to get started broadcasting to the Livestream Platform. We have made sure to explain every requirement in detail to make things as accessible as possible. If you have any questions regarding your setup, feel free to visit our support center or open a ticket here.
Requirement #1: Internet Connection
For mission critical broadcasts Livestream recommends using a dedicated, reliable internet connection. If there isn't a dedicated internet connection available, streaming can be achieved over 3G/4G, WiFi, or a shared network; however, delivery using these methods increases the likelihood of a failure and is not recommended.
Before broadcasting, it is imperative that you confirm your dedicated internet connection. Confirming your internet connection will allow you to properly select the Livestream Procaster quality you are able to stream at. You can test your connection at the following link:
Recommended Dedicated Upload Speeds:
Requirement #2: Live feed from a camera or Production Switcher
A live audio/video feed is the next requirement to broadcast on Livestream and can be generated in the following ways:
-
Single Camera:
Direct feed from a single digital camera. This is the easiest of our recommended methods. See our certified list of HDMI or HD-SDI cameras
-
Production Switcher:
Signal coming from a production switcher, managed by your team or a third party production company.
-
Television Feed (ownership rights required):
Please read our Zero Tolerance on Piracy policy
Input Types:
Whether you choose a camera, production switcher, or television feed, you need to know what audio/video input you will plug into your encoder. Here are the common options below.
Digital: HD and SD
HD-SDI: (HD or SD)
Professional, single coax cable with bnc connection which supports HD video (including embedded audio)
HDMI: (HD or SD)
Proprietary cable (including embedded audio). Typical of consumer grade cameras.
Firewire (SD only)
Older DV camera output, supported by older laptops. This remains supported by Livestream Procaster directly, but it is hard to find cameras and laptops that can support Firewire, so it is not advisable.
Analog: (HD and SD)
RCA: (SD)
Single RCA cable, usually yellow. Lowest quality for analog video - avoid if possible. Audio comes typically as two additional RCA left/right cables (not shown)
Component: (HD or SD)
Three RCA cables, usually red/green/blue which transport high quality analog video. The best picture quality in analog video. Audio comes typically as two additional RCA left/right cables.
S-VIDEO: (SD)
Proprietary cable, Audio comes typically as two additional RCA left/right cables. Higher quality than composite but lower than component.
Note: The Blackmagic Design Decklink Studio card offers all of the input options above, with the exception of Firewire.
Requirement #3: Livestream Certified HD Encoder
If you would like to stream at the highest quality on Livestream you will need to use a Livestream Certified HD Encoder. These devices have been hand selected by our Production team and integrated specifically for Livestream Procaster to stream at the highest possible quality. To view a list of our Certified Encoders you can follow the link below:
View the Livestream Certified Encoders
About Audio:
- For HD-SDI or HDMI cameras, audio can be embedded in the video cable and Livestream Procaster can be configured to encode the audio and video together
- Sometimes you may choose to receive the audio from a separate audio mixer, in which case you can accept either Analog Audio (left/right) or Digital AES/EBU audio.
- Livestream Procaster in conjunction with the BlackMagic Design Decklink Studio, can receive the audio separately via Analog Audio or Digital AES EBU and bring it back together in your live stream.
- Analog audio can be received in the following formats
- XLR
- Quarter inch balanced mono
- Quarter inch unbalanced stereo
- Eight inch mini jack