This resource will help you take live streaming to the next level. If you would like to add a second camera, hymn screens, titles or banners, and much more, you must add a few things to your live stream set-up.
In order to do multiple things such as slides and titles in your livestream, you need an encoder. An encoder is a device or software package that changes data into the format needed to livestream.
Encoders come in two types. First there are software choices. Secondly there are hardware choices.
I. Software Option
This is a software program that you run either online or downloaded, that operates your live stream from a computer. These are popular because they are inexpensive. Also, they are very customizable. The downside of a software encoder can be speed. Your computer is running several things at a time, which can affect speed. A computer cannot dedicate all its resources to the decoding process. Do not use an old laptop that you have lying around. This needs to be run on a good quality computer. Also, make sure the only software running is the encoder during the livestream service.
These are some of the best options available today. There are other options you can look at if you feel these are not right for you.
1. OBS – Free
2. Ecamm – Mac Only
3. BeLive.tv
4. Lightstream
5. Vmix
II. Hardware Option
The reality is that both options need hardware. The software encoder needs a high-quality computer and this hardware option has the hardware provided. The opposite is also true. If you buy a hardware encoder, you will need a computer also. The only difference is that you can run a less powerful computer with this hardware device. The benefit of this option is that your device is dedicated to the task of decoding the live stream only.
A good option for portable hardware is:
Sling Studio
III. Cameras
There is a lot of focus on cameras. However, the most important thing for live streaming is audio. Make sure you spend the money on that first. People will tune out much faster over bad audio, than they will with poor quality video.
In a church plant a cell phone will do a great job with your livestream. You can use two or more if you have an encoder.
One of the most important things you must find out before buying a camera is how far can the camera be away from the pulpit. You can spend lots of money on a good camera that only works 5-8’ from the pulpit. Others will let you go 50’. Make sure you know how far the camera is going to be, before you buy a camera.
Camera Options
1. Camcorders
a. Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 4K Pro
b. Canon G50, XA40 & XA45
2. Cameras
a. Panasonic Lumix G7
b. Panasonic G85
IV. A Complete Live Stream Kit
Joel W. Smith has put together a complete starter kit. Joel has been in this field for many years and has helped countless churches to get set-up with their Livestream needs. He also will give you a free phone consultation on what is the best set-up for your budget and situation.
Joel’s Budget starter kit.
In order to do multiple things such as slides and titles in your livestream, you need an encoder. An encoder is a device or software package that changes data into the format needed to livestream.
Encoders come in two types. First there are software choices. Secondly there are hardware choices.
I. Software Option
This is a software program that you run either online or downloaded, that operates your live stream from a computer. These are popular because they are inexpensive. Also, they are very customizable. The downside of a software encoder can be speed. Your computer is running several things at a time, which can affect speed. A computer cannot dedicate all its resources to the decoding process. Do not use an old laptop that you have lying around. This needs to be run on a good quality computer. Also, make sure the only software running is the encoder during the livestream service.
These are some of the best options available today. There are other options you can look at if you feel these are not right for you.
1. OBS – Free
- This is a very popular software for encoding. It is also very powerful. You can do professional live stream services using this software. The downside to OBS is that it is not user friendly. If you run into problems during a service, it can take several menus to fix it.
2. Ecamm – Mac Only
- Ecamm is a fantastic option for Mac users and has a low yearly subscription. This is very user friendly and innovative.
3. BeLive.tv
- Belive is another great option and also works on PC. They have a free option to try it out, however, to get going you will need to upgrade to an annual subscription.
4. Lightstream
- Lightstream is a newer software that is getting a lot of buzz.
5. Vmix
- Vmix is a popular and powerful streaming software. It is best not to buy other equipment before you purchase this software as Vmix likes to use equipment that is geared to its own universe.
II. Hardware Option
The reality is that both options need hardware. The software encoder needs a high-quality computer and this hardware option has the hardware provided. The opposite is also true. If you buy a hardware encoder, you will need a computer also. The only difference is that you can run a less powerful computer with this hardware device. The benefit of this option is that your device is dedicated to the task of decoding the live stream only.
A good option for portable hardware is:
Sling Studio
- The hub is about $1,000. You will need an iPad, not a tablet, but an iPad to run it. If you are not using cellphones for your cameras, you will need a camera link, which is about $350 per camera. Lastly, to make it portable, you will need a battery for about $150. On Amazon you can find combo deals of this product.
III. Cameras
There is a lot of focus on cameras. However, the most important thing for live streaming is audio. Make sure you spend the money on that first. People will tune out much faster over bad audio, than they will with poor quality video.
In a church plant a cell phone will do a great job with your livestream. You can use two or more if you have an encoder.
One of the most important things you must find out before buying a camera is how far can the camera be away from the pulpit. You can spend lots of money on a good camera that only works 5-8’ from the pulpit. Others will let you go 50’. Make sure you know how far the camera is going to be, before you buy a camera.
Camera Options
1. Camcorders
- Camcorders give you more versatility such as smoother zooming while filming. They normally do not have the image quality of a camera with video ability, but the ease of use is nice. With a camcorder, you have the ability to zoom in and out while the shot is live.
- Two good camcorder options are:
a. Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 4K Pro
b. Canon G50, XA40 & XA45
2. Cameras
- These cameras are best used as a still shot and not zooming while live. To get different depths, you can have 2 cameras. The camera that is not live can zoom in or out and then be made live at that depth. Then the other camera can change its zoom while it is not live. The key to these cameras is the lens. The distance from the platform is dependent upon the size of lens that you have.
- Two good camera options are:
a. Panasonic Lumix G7
b. Panasonic G85
IV. A Complete Live Stream Kit
Joel W. Smith has put together a complete starter kit. Joel has been in this field for many years and has helped countless churches to get set-up with their Livestream needs. He also will give you a free phone consultation on what is the best set-up for your budget and situation.
Joel’s Budget starter kit.